175 Responses to “Transfer Deadline Day… As it happens… Updated at 20:15”

1. MiKe says on February 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm :
   

   oh god the suspense is killing me.. !!!! please for god sake just sign the god damn deal..

   
2. Berth says on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm :
   

   < ![CDATA[LOL!!!
   Arsenal with this there crazy stuff of doing things. They should grow up.]]>

   
3. jeffvip says on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm :
   

   13.25: Reports are surfacing that the Andrei Arshavin deal is not dead and the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker has been seen having a medical at Arsenal. Although contradicting reports coming out of Russia say that the Gunners simply aren’t willing to pay the £15m asking price.

   
4. Gooner Get Ya says on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm :
   

   1345: “I am an executive chauffeur in north London and have just driven Andrei Arshavin to the Emirates.”

   
5. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:48 pm :
   

   Sky Sports News just reported that a deal is close to being agreed between the clubs. Whats holding it up is that Zenit feel the player owes them money for breaking his contract.

   
6. Gooner Get Ya says on February 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm :
   

   < ![CDATA[1419: This has just dropped on our wires: The Premier League has announced it will grant applications from clubs to complete transactions after the 1700 deadline today if there is email confirmation from the two clubs involved that a deal has been agreed in principle. The club signing the player must also satisfy the board that the prevailing weather conditions have prevented the signing from being completed by the deadline.

   Joy...maybe we are in for yet an even longer wait for a conclusion.]]>

   
7. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm :
   

   < ![CDATA[
   

   1345: “I am an executive chauffeur in north London and have just driven Andrei Arshavin to the Emirates.”
   Not used to the BBC’s transfer day reports then? Best one was the “cab driver” who drove Robinho to liverpool on last deadline day.]]>

   

8. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm :
   

   < ![CDATA[How about this one from BBC's live transfer page :

   1554: "I work in the Arsenal club shop and have done 20 Arshavin shirts with squad number 15 - my manager has given us the go ahead."
   John G from the Emirates, via text on 81111

   The moron obviously has no clue or the moron is just a made up character altogether. Denilson is number 15 jackass.]]>

   
9. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm :
   

   Yeah, I wasn’t trying to sound like a cock honest! Some of the stuff there is brilliant.

   
10. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[15.48 At last Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg have finally agreed a fee for the transfer of Andrei Arshavin to the Gunners. The deal is still to be finalised though with Arshavin and the Russians still to sort out a final payment. It is understood Arshavin will wear the number 13 shirt.

    From the SkySports transfer page. At least they've got the shirt number correct !]]>

    
11. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm :
    

    It’s not quite done just yet but, touch wood, it looks like we’ve bagged our Russian, according to SSN. Please let it be!!!

    
12. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm :
    

    Breaking on SkySports. Liverpool have reached a deal for Keane to go back to Tottenham. What a waste.

    
13. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1604: "Thanks Arsenal for the snow. Arshavin said the UK was to warm and he would miss the snow. Looks like Arsenal have taken massive measures to make him sign!"
    MontyPanesar on 606

    Another one. lol]]>

    
14. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm :
    

    1558: This just in from BBC Radio 5 Live’s Mike Sewell: “Arsenal and Zenit have agreed a fee and I understand personal terms have also been agreed and Andrei Arshavin is having a medical this afternoon. But there is a but, as Zenit want half of his signing-on fee for signing for Arsenal. That is now the sticking point.” Hmm. They’ve got (weather permitting) 62 minutes to sort it out.

    
15. debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm :
    

    gosh apparently a fee has been agreed etc! finally! I’m following this during my lecture, hope I dont get too carried away and yell in delight when it’s concluded! (IF it’s concluded)! not long to go now… fingers still very crossed!

    
16. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Wow, it is really hotting up:

    At last Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg have finally agreed a fee for the transfer of Andrei Arshavin to the Gunners. The deal is still to be finalised though with Arshavin and the Russians still to sort out a final payment. It is understood Arshavin will wear the number 13 shirt.]]>

    
17. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1611: "Denilson on his way to Newcastle on loan for rest of season - was already a done deal, pending Arshavin deal."
    Lameduck at SJP, via text on 81111]]>

    
18. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm :
    

    1615: Andrei Arshavin has passed his medical at Arsenal, so he is very, very close now to completing his move from Zenit.

    
19. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm :
    

    I don’t think Denilson is going anywhere!!

    
20. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Haha, Zohaib, we're both glued to the same tv cahnnel and website :) Was just about to post that!!!

    Am very excited!!!!!!!!!]]>

    
21. debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm :
    

    i’m too damn excited! hope it doesn’t fall through! feels like the start of a new season now, dont know why! lol

    
22. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm :
    

    Oh sorry for stealing your thunder mate. yeah, glued ! at the expense of my bladder.

    
23. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1623: "Latest news on Keane and Liverpool is that an agreement has been made with Valencia over David Villa. This is why Liverpool are letting Keane leave. Villa and Torres up front, now that would scare me."

    This is interesting. Anyone think Valencia will sell Villa. Hadn't they just signed a contract ?]]>

    
24. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[No probs mate :)

    I think they were being sarcastic about the David Villa thing. BBC 606 is notorious for that. Apparently Rafa didn't want Keane in the first place, he wanted Gareth Barry, but they couldn't land him, so the chairmen, and not Rafa, signed Keane.

    Anyone else feel that Zenit are probably the most difficult club to deal with? Even Sp*rs failed to sign Arshavin a while ago :D]]>

    
25. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[
    

    Breaking on SkySports. Liverpool have reached a deal for Keane to go back to Tottenham. What a waste.
    I’m going to have an ‘I Told You So’ drink tonight

    Do you know I actually put a fiver on Liverpool to get rid of Keane inside 18 months and stand to collect £920 tomorrow if it’s finalised.]]>

    

26. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm :
    

    plagiarist !

    
27. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm :
    

    16.30 Manchester City have rejected an £8million bid from Newcastle for midfielder Michael Johnson

    
28. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm :
    

    Woooah. 920 on a fiver. Sweeeet

    
29. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm :
    

    I obviously meant ‘what a waste (for liverpool, to not benefit from his services)’. And it might end up affecting us as well. Look at it this way. Now we have to play against Keane 3 times instead of the 2 because he’s changed clubs. And its more of a disadvantage for us than an advantage obviously. Afterall he scored against us

    
30. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm :
    

    *2 times instead of 1.

    
31. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Well like I said before and we discussed in depth, Keane is the sort of player that really needs a strong run in the team or he will be too inconsistent. I also knew that Rafa is the worst manager in the league for a consistent run in the team so I was pretty confident! Good odds too! More of a sure bet than an Arsenal win these days!

    That wasn't plagerism I was quoting you ;)]]>

    
32. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm :
    

    I’m going to stay away from the internet now, it’s killing me, I’ve just read that Zenit are holding out for more money! I’ll come back in 25 minutes, it’s got to be done by then, Arsenal can’t claim the weather has scuppered the deal, he’s at the ground!

    
33. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm :
    

    Wait, no, I think I’ve got that a bit wrong. Anyway, the point is he’ll be in the Spurs squad this Sunday. And if we don’t get Arshavin, and having Cesc, Walcott, Rosicky out, we’re not in a very strong position to face them. They’ve been on a downhill, but teams usually put the performance of their lives against us for some odd reason.

    
34. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm :
    

    Oh – Henri Lansbury has signed for somebody and it sounds permanent. Surely it must be a loan deal, can anyone confirm?!

    
35. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm :
    

    No no man, I wasn’t calling you a plagiarist. Lol. That was for Pete who changed the words of someone on the BBC website into his own, unless he was the one that put them their in the first place.

    
36. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:48 pm :
    

    Lansbury went out on loan recently. There’s nothing else on the Arsenal site.

    
37. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:48 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[
    

    Scunthorpe United have signed midfielder Henri Lansbury from Premier League side Arsenal.

    Lansbury is set to go straight into United’s squad for the League One game at Southend United on Tuesday.

    Iron manager Nigel Adkins told BBC Look North: “He’s an exciting talent who can get on the ball and get forward.”

    Lansbury is United’s only significant signing in the transfer window so far, after the club lost out in the race for Gateshead striker Lee Novak.

    Adkins hinted that Lansbury would not be the only new face in the United squad.

    He said: “The transfer window for permanent signings will shut on Monday but for emergency loans it doesn’t close until the last Thursday in March.”

    This lad had a better reputation than Wilshere, I sincerely hope this is a loan deal. He’s brilliant on the ball, and suffered badly from glandular fever last season so it’s not his fault he hasn’t blossomed yet.]]>

    

38. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm :
    

    to Scunthorpe Utd.

    
39. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm :
    

    It’s a loan definitely. It’s on the Arsenal site.

    
40. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[A ray of sunshine, along with the previously quoted Portsmouth wikipedia scandal!

    1646: “Not long to go and no centre-back arriving at City. That is all we need, but Mr Hughes is so clever, he managed to sign a striker we don’t like, a midfielder we don’t need and a goalkeeper to ensure we keep killing every young talent we have at City. Well done Mr Hughes.”
    sweetSubsea on 606
    ]]>

    

41. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[
    

    It’s a loan definitely. It’s on the Arsenal site.
    Thank fuck! Just read it from Friday, it scared me a bit that Scunthorpe only publicised it today, worried it might have suddenly been made permanent. I might get myself down to a few Scunthorpe games then, it’s only an hour away and looks cheap enough!]]>

    

42. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm :
    

    Oh no. You’ve posted it before me. I was going to post exactly that. LOL. It makes me crack up.

    
43. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm :
    

    Nothing as beautiful as sarcasm and cynicism mixed up. Lol

    
44. debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm :
    

    thought u were leaving for a while until 5pm Kieran?

    
45. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Plagiarist, moi :P

    Actually, I have mentioned in the past that Zenit seem incredibly difficult to deal with, so great minds think alike lol

    Still quiet, nothing official just yet, but announcments might not be made until after 5pm.]]>

    
46. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Plagiarist, moi :P

    Actually, I have mentioned in the past that Zenit seem incredibly difficult to deal with, which is pretty obvious. Just hope we never need another player from them again lol

    Still quiet, nothing official just yet, but announcments might not be made until after 5pm.]]>

    
47. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm :
    

    Andrei Arshavin passes medical.

    
48. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Doh, double post.

    Deadline has come and gone! Still waiting!!!]]>

    
49. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:05 pm :
    

    I wonder if we were affected by snow. I also wonder how easy it will be to prove someone was affected by snow. And how long after the window closes is it acceptable to be affected by snow ?

    
50. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Sky Sports News - Papers have been sent through to the FA to register the players transfer.

    Its looking good!!!]]>

    
51. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Andrei Arshavin passes medical.

    The papers from Arsenal and Zenit have arrived at the FA. The FA have confirmed they have received it so it is nearly a done deal.]]>

    
52. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[This has nothing to do with the transfer window but it's so appaling that it has to be mentioned. Did anyone watch the Liverpool v Chelsea game. Right at the end Benayoun had taken the ball to the corner flag, using up time. Bosingwa comes and puts his shoe studs up into Benayoun's lower back and pushes him off the field. And the FUCKING assistant is A YARD away and doesn't do anything. I think he did flag though. So maybe the referee Mike Riley was the FUCKING IDIOT who wasn't able to understand or see what had happened. Plus, what he did with Gerrard, who could've easily got a red card for a studs up late lunge on Mikel or whoever it was. He only got a talking to. Lampard who had been on the receiving end of Alonso's foot, got a red. He did have his studs up but if you look in the replay he took his foot away just before impact. The ref could probably be forgiven for not being able to see that in real-time because of the quick pace of it all. But shocking decision to not have seen Bosingwa's insane brutal criminal challenge on Benayoun. I was cursing away like a madman at my tv :

    1704: Breaking news: The Football Association has confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa for his challenge on Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun on Sunday.

    So, physical assault on the football field is acceptable, but winning a tackle (Frank Lampard) is a red card offence. Pathetic.]]>

    
53. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1707: "According to the Portuguese press Quaresma has been loaned out to Chelsea till the end of the season."

    Murinho's done pretty much the same as Benitez there. Bought a player in the summer and sent him away in the winter. They couldn't both be lunatics could they ...]]>

    
54. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Mourinho hasn't shipped the player back to his old club though ;)

    That Chelsea thing is a disgrace. We were watching it and I nearly spat my dinner on the floor.]]>

    
55. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm :
    

    Was out all day! Absolutely delighted the deal has gone thru. Was goin mental earlier when Arshavin was supposedly heading back to Russia!!! Me thinks he cud be number 13?

    
56. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm :
    

    And Bosingwa is an idiot…if he did that to an Arsenal player…i would have gone absolutely crazy! Serioiusly!!!

    
57. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm :
    

    1721: Arsenal fans, don’t look: One of our news agencies is claiming that Zenit and the Gunners have failed to reach a deal on the transfer of Andrei Arshavin. It is only one source, though, so we will try and get more on that as and when we have it.

    
58. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA['Mourinho hasn’t shipped the player back to his old club though'

    Of course he has. 'he' was at Chelsea remember ;)]]>

    
59. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1724: "Stevo, I honestly believe City have avoided business today because Mark Hughes is on his way. The money will instead be spent by a better manager in the summer - let's hope so."
    David, Cheshire, via text on 81111]]>

    
60. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:32 pm :
    

    1728: Nervous, nervous moments for Arsenal fans, these. The Associated Press are saying Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov believes the deal for Andrei Arshavin has broken down. We are awaiting confirmation, though.

    
61. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:33 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[Ha Ha Ha to Mark Hughes pissing off ManCity fans. Lol.

    And oh crap to these new rumors according to the BBC page of us NOT having made a deal after all.]]>

    
62. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm :
    

    Wow…we have not go Arshavin…failed to get him…amazing

    
63. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm :
    

    *got

    
64. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm :
    

    How true is this? SSN said we failed 2 sign him bcuz a deal was never agreed??? Whattt???

    
65. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[A Zenit's spokesperson has confirmed that the deal is off. Apparently Arsenal and Zenit have failed to agree the fee. Even though the FA has received the paper work.

    On USA today:

    Alexei Petrov told The Associated Press that the deal broke down over the size of the transfer fee and the amount of compensation Zenit would be paid for allowing Arshavin to break his four-year contract.

    "The deal didn't happen. Arshavin is coming back to Zenit," Petrov said, but he added that a deal could be revived in the summer.

    But - was that quote from earlier in the day, and has it been resolved now?]]>

    
66. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm :
    

    Hmm…that is indeed the question. Now it’s a matter of wait & see. If it has not gone through, that will be bitterly disappointing for most Arsenal fans…so frustrated!

    
67. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm :
    

    Interesting. You’ve got a point Dev. Hope that’s what’s happened.

    
68. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[There has been so much going on today that it is likely that the quote was from about 2pm today.

    I'm still hopeful based on the FA confirmation that the paperwork has gone through.]]>

    
69. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:47 pm :
    

    If it’s off though, I’m expecting Wenger to blame it on the snow, as usual.

    
70. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm :
    

    1747: Arsenal fans – don’t look again. Reuters are now saying that Andrei Arshavin’s transfer has been called off. Back to Russia, then, for the man who so enchanted us during Euro 2008.

    
71. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[LOL, when does Wenger blame anything on snow!??!

    But Zohaib - I get your point!!!]]>

    
72. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm :
    

    I’ve got a good feeling…but not going to put all my eggs into 1 basket…

    
73. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm :
    

    lol! for real zohaib?!

    
74. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 pm :
    

    I’m preparing to be dissappointed. But at least the real 24′s on tonight. As well as House. Hopefully they’ll be enough to cheer me up.

    
75. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm :
    

    1750: One of our intrepid reporters just spoke to Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood. “No news for you,” he was told by the Gunners supremo. Sorry.

    
76. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1752: "Who needs Arshavin when you have Eboue?"
    eboateng on 606

    even sarcasm won't cheer me up.]]>

    
77. Berth says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm :
    

    Arshavin deal OFF!!!!

    
78. Berth says on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm :
    

    source (Setanta at the moment)

    
79. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 pm :
    

    1804: Sporting Lisbon have revealed they rejected two offers from Bolton for midfielder Miguel Veloso, while his agent also says that Man City were also interested in the Portuguese. Course they were.

    
80. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[It seems that the Arshavin deal is still alive, this just in from Zenit official Maxim Mitrofanov: “The clubs have a mutual desire to complete the transaction. Negotiations are continuing.”

    It wouldn't be the Arshavin deal if there wasn't a few twists and turns left. Surely Arsenal haven't let this slip through their fingers?]]>

    
81. debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:14 pm :
    

    I’m so frustrated! Deadline’s passed and both clubs are still putting us fans through hell! Whatever happened to honesty?! I’ll just assume the deal’s off, and that’s pretty disappointing. And there’s no game 2moro to cheer us up!

    
82. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm :
    

    Nah…i’m still positive actually…i’m thinkin it is still on despite the reports suggesting otherwise…a bit of a hunch!

    
83. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:16 pm :
    

    The FA have given Arsenal and Zenit a deadline of 7pm to confirm the “structure of the deal”.

    
84. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm :
    

    hmm…this news…where from dev?

    
85. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm :
    

    And surely we can’t let him slip thru our fingers..that would just be dumb!

    
86. Dan says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:24 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[This one is dragging on a bit eh! I wouldn't worry too much though, i can't see the deal coming so close without going through if i'm honest. No matter how stubborn each of the clubs involved are!

    I'm shocked at the R.Keane transfer, i can't believe Rafa has let him go - or has he? An injury to Torres could really screw Liverpool over now.]]>

    
87. jat85 says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm :
    

    we should sign him on loan now until the end of the season, and sort out a fee in the summer. last resort time folks!

    
88. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm :
    

    Yeah dan…very suprised how quickly they did that Keane deal as well!!

    
89. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:26 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1807: "If we get an undisclosed from Spurs for Keane, it means it was less than £10m. As a Ltd company, anything over £10m has to be declared on the the stock market."
    Arthur, north London, via text on 81111

    How true is this ? Anyone have any idea of stock market rules ?]]>

    
90. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm :
    

    Are Liverpool really such big goofs ? They’ll throw away 10 mil quid for nothing ? What a way to waste money. Get a player and not play him. I wonder what the American buffoons that are the owners of Liverpool are thinking ! Surely they must be pissed. LOL.

    
91. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[1816: "Regardless of whether he does or doesn't sign now, this is the most pathetic transfer saga of all time."
    goonerthruall on 606

    Exactly. How come Liverpool are able to agree a deal with Spurs for Keane in less than a week and it takes us a whole fucking month to negotiate over 3 mil quid. Unbelievable. Our board is a bunch of fucking pussies.]]>

    
92. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[No wonder our team's been performing rubbish over the past couple of weeks. Wenger's probably been paying attention to the deal more than the team.

    There's a whole bunch of people on the forums really having a go at Wenger. And some of the points are pretty valid. We've lost Diaby now. So we're relying on Denilson and Song to get us through till Cesc and Rosicky return, which is almost 2 months away. Walcott isn't really going to give us stability in the center and stability defensively, even if he does manage to return in a month. It's quite amazing that the whole month has been dominated by talk of only one player. We should have had backup players. And we definitely should've had a 30+ central defensive midfielder that we could've signed on loan till the end of the season. It's unacceptable how idiotic our transfer policy has got.]]>

    
93. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm :
    

    < ![CDATA[
    

    ‘Mourinho hasn’t shipped the player back to his old club though’

    Of course he has. ‘he’ was at Chelsea remember

    Obviously I meant the players old club.]]>

    

94. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm :
    

    That was unneccessary

    
95. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm :
    

    Can’t we just sulk and take our frustrations out in peace.

    
96. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm :
    

    rather than talk of grammaticals

    
97. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm :
    

    What the extended deadline or me clarifying my point?! Either way it seems like the FA are really pushing for Arshavin to grace the Premier League – it’s almost unprecedented to extend the window for one club, especially as blaming the snow is ridiculous, he was 10 miles away from the club!

    
98. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm :
    

    SSN suggests that a agent directly involved in deal says there is no reason why the deal will not be completed…so let’s see…

    
99. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm :
    

    No, I wasn’t being picky! I just thought you misunderstood!

    
100. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 pm :
     

     Oh this is fucking ridiculous! I’ve already left the computer once. I don’t even smoke. What the hell am I supposed to do until 7pm!!

     
101. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 pm :
     

     Hahaha! Neither do i have a fag…i’m gonna go eat!

     
102. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:45 pm :
     

     Lol! 15mins to go- I guess it’s going to be the longest 15mins ever!

     
103. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:48 pm :
     

     Online Games of course !!! They’re brilliant. I’ve been hooked onto a few. There’s a few good sites like Miniclip, AddictingGames, Games.com etc. One I really like is YoudaGames.

     
104. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm :
     

     “Both clubs definitely want to complete the transfer, therefore the negotiations are still going,” Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov has told local Russian television.

     
105. Dan says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm :
     

     Sorted says Arsene.

     
106. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[DEAL IS ON!

     Announcement to be made.]]>

     
107. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm :
     

     Yes, sorted says Arsene!!!!

     
108. Pete says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm :
     

     SSN just spoke with Wenger and in a nutshell – Arsenal will make an announcement this evening, it is possitive, and he cant say what is holding up the deal.

     
109. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:53 pm :
     

     FINALLY!! *SIGH*

     
110. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm :
     

     Seriously serious ?

     
111. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm :
     

     Maybe it’s a good thing the match 2moro’s cancelled, cos I doubt the team would have been properly prepared, seeing as Wenger’s still involved in the Arshavin deal and all at the moment!

     
112. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm :
     

     Kieran – where’d you go man ? Playing the games already ?

     
113. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm :
     

     *or rather, postponed

     
114. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm :
     

     I can’t find any of this ‘sorted’ stuff. Where are you guys quoting from ?

     
115. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm :
     

     SSN on tv Zohaib

     
116. MiKe says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:03 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[18.50 Arsene Wenger has told Sky Sports News that Arsenal will make a "positive" announcement on the Andrei Arshavin saga this later evening.

     http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_clockwatch/0,23710,14896,00.html

     FINALLY!!!!]]>

     
117. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:04 pm :
     

     And agreed debs…we need some time indeed! We gotta organise the forces!

     
118. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm :
     

     damn. I don’t have that here. AAAAAArgh. So what exactly did Wenger say ?

     
119. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm :
     

     Hmm…Queresma to Chelsea…they r gonna b a proper Portuguese side in a while! lol

     
120. MiKe says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm :
     

     he didnt say anything yet.. will wait for his press conf and only find out.. but i guess “positive” = “done deal”..

     
121. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm :
     

     Zohaib, we’re in the same boat!

     
122. Sam says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Breaking News on goal.com:

     Off Again? Official Statements Imminent
     The Andrei Arshavin saga is likely to be dealt with within the hour. Zenit want a payment from the player, a fee has been agreed between the two clubs, personal terms have been satisfied. It's gone down to the wire, but no official statement has been made, yet. Thirty minutes until Zenit give their]]>

     
123. Dan says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm :
     

     Wenger said it would go through today, an announcement would be made this evening. So you can rest assured its ok now. Check the Arsenal site in an hour or 2 i’d suggest.

     
124. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm :
     

     Yeah Fabrez, same as we’re the French side!

     
125. Sam says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[goal.com:

     19:56 Some good news for Gunners? Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has denied that the Andrei Arshavin deal is dead, and says that it is likely to proceed!]]>

     
126. MiKe says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm :
     

     No.13 finally.. i wish the premier league started in march(lol) and we would have most of our main players(including the new signing) back and then we would have probably been doing really well at the top of the table..

     
127. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 pm :
     

     lol yup…we r pretty much french! Arsene said something like “We are very confident that the deal will go through” It was just a phone convo and 3 questions were asked…so nothing big. Just want the official announcement now!

     
128. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:24 pm :
     

     I wonder why I woke up as early as i did because of this transfer saga, knowing full well that since the two parties involved are Arsenal and Zenit, it’d probably end up being as last minute as possible, which is obviously the case now! Now I’m feeling sleepy and it still seems a dodgy deal! Damn!

     
129. Sam says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[goal.com

     20:05 And there it is. Andrei Arshavin signs a 2.5 year deal at Arsenal from Zenit St. Petersburg. The new Gunners' #13 arrives for an undisclosed fee.

     Relief!]]>

     
130. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA['positive' could mean anything. It could mean 'As I said before this team is on a good run. We're more stable at the back. We're not giving many goals away. (We havn't had teams attack us. They've been happy to sit back and defend. and we're not scoring either - reality check.) This team is young. I have belief in the team. We need to be patient. They are only 20 years old average. This team has already beaten Manutd and Chelsea. (Nevermind if we finish below Aston Villa and possibly Everton and/or Wigan as well, and miss out on Champions League football). We don't deserve the credit we get. We are victims of getting the least free kicks and are subjected to the most fouls. (We also have made a habit of having a few injured players every season, for which we never bothered to prepare even though we had 2 transfer windows to do so). This team has improved and is continuing to do so and I'm convinced that the same people who criticise us will applaud us later'.

     That's what I'm preparing to hear from le Boss.]]>

     
131. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm :
     

     Why the crap hasn’t his press conference taken place ?! What are they waiting for ? For us to go to sleep ? Idiots.

     
132. Sam says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[it's a done deal.

     no more worries!]]>

     
133. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 pm :
     

     1942: Andrei Arshavin’s agent has told us the Russian’s move to Arsenal is “more or less” complete. Apparently, I’m devastated to tell you, “tomorrow we will find out for sure if it’s gone through,” says Dennis Lachter, who must be well acquainted with every single football journalist in England by now. I am so, so sorry. Honestly I am.

     
134. zohaib says on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 pm :
     

     If his agent’s Dennis Lachter, and Zenit chairman is Maxi Mitrofanov if i remember correctly, who’s the other guy – Alexie Petrov ?

     
135. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm :
     

     Words from JAT: Petrov is the Zenit spokesperson. And remember, nothing is ever done until it’s on Arsenal.com…

     
136. Fabrez says on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm :
     

     Might as well go to bed…not going to be confirmed until tomorrow morning. Prem officials apparantly told Arsenal that when they come out to work 2morrow, they will confirm the transfer is complete. Only Arsenal yes!

     
137. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[
     

     And remember, nothing is ever done until it’s on Arsenal.com…
     Did u intend the thyme there Dev? ]]>

     

138. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 pm :
     

     *rhyme, that is!

     
139. devday says on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm :
     

     It’s JAT’s moto!

     
140. Debs says on February 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm :
     

     LOL! Good motto JAT! ALthough there’s nothing on there at the moment, so will have 2 wait until 2moro!

     
141. Yemi says on February 3rd, 2009 at 6:44 am :
     

     Where are we on asharvin? is it a done deal ? I heard on a Nigerian network 2100hrs yesterday that a “12m pounds deal had gone through. But I can’t see any updateon arsenal.com. Dev, any update ?

     
142. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 7:20 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[Well Yemi we're waiting on the FA to comfirm the deal really. We've done all we need to do, it's a matter of whether the FA finds that it was all done in order.
     So I guess it's up to the FA now, but there should be confirmation sometime today, and it is most likely the FA will come out with positive news, so we've just got to wait...]]>

     
143. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am :
     

     Fuck sticks. I’ve just heard a rumour that Cesc is on his way to Barca in the summer and that Arsharvin is a replacement of sorts. I hope that’s not true.

     
144. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[Sorry I should say that Barcelona have apparently made noises about a gentlemans agreement to let us sign Arshavin if they can have Cesc.

     I'm feeling a bit queasy.]]>

     
145. Yemi says on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[Arshavin gives up fortune to seal Arsenal move

     Andrei Arshavin was forced to cough up a fortune to gain his move from Zenit St Petersburg to Arsenal yesterday.
     culled from tribalfootball.com]]>

     
146. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[that's scary, Kieran, but I honestly doubt it's true... I don't think Wenger would go for Arshavin over Fabregas, seeing as Fabregas is technically Wenger's Arsenal- he sort of represents what Wenger has done for Arsenal, cos really, Fabregas is one of Wenger's discovered gems, and i doubt he'd swap for Arshavin who isn't guaranteed to be a success at Arsenal anyways....
     But that's a really scary thought...]]>

     
147. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[No I don't think he'd pick Arshavrvin over Fabregas, but if Fabregas wants to leave and they table a £50m bid we'd pretty much have to sell.

     So I think he's shoring up in the face of that possibility.]]>

     
148. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 am :
     

     true, so I guess the question is whether Fabregas wants to leave… I know he’s said time and again that he’d love to return to Barcelona one of these days, but I just hope it’s not this summer, or the next, or the next… lol

     
149. Dan says on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am :
     

     Well we all know its bound to happen one day, Kieran. It can’t hurt getting used to the idea. It will be a sad day when it comes though.

     
150. Yemi says on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am :
     

     It will happen surely, but if arsenal do not win any silverware this season, the process could be hastened.

     
151. Yemi says on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am :
     

     < ![CDATA[Arsene has said he won't sign a defensive midfielder or a central defender. Is this right ? who replaces Flamini, Gilberto, Lass Diarra?

     Has anyone been monitoring Senderos' progress in milan ?

     Oh! lest i forget, i thing Jay simpson should be recalled from loan to replace adebayor, maybe ade will buckle up a bit. That attack is laking a bit in sharpness. Thums up to VP. he was rested in the last game because of cardiff i guess. hmmmmm if he had started, whould the scoreline have been different ?.

     Finally, the wait for news on arshavin in nerve wrecking !!!]]>

     
152. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[I just wanted to say I'm a bit ashamed of Arsenal FC over this transfer thing. The FA have set a dangerous precedent by allowing Arsenal to continue past the window for the transfer, and Arsenal are apparently the only club that have needed extra time - combined with the fact that Arshavin was already in the country there is no excuse.

     Even though I'm glad we appeared to get our man, I'm a bit annoyed about the way this has all happened, and to be honest I think it would have done football good for Arsenal, Arshavin and Zenit to be told no at 5pm yesterday.]]>

     
153. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Yeah...Cesc will leave eventually without a doubt but i think he's the kind of player who would want to leave Arsenal in great shape...i.e. not the shape we r in now i hope! But £50m is going to be hard for Arsenal to turn down. I think if that happens we will get Yaya or Iniesta in return bcuz Barca will surely have a surplus of CMs. But all in all, we all want him to stay. I think we will have to do what the Milan fans did for Kaka...go outside his house & sing all night!!! lol But for real tho...will u guys think about actually doing something like that if Cesc ended up in a similar situation to Kaka??
     And with all the hard work required for the Arshavin deal, never saw us getting a DM too...granted AW implied he wanted to get a DM initally...ah well! Senderos doesn't start very often from what i've heard...so not much progress there i'd imagine. And hopefully Edu coming back will b enuff to get Mr. Ade going...we'll see!]]>

     
154. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm :
     

     But didn’t we get the deal through to the FA on time? I think we did get it in b4 5 pm…i get the impression it is the FA who struggled to deal with ratifying the deal bcuz of the staff to no. of transfers ratio…and probably didn’t stay working late bcuz of the snow…so SSN imply anyway…so i don’t think we r getting special treatment to be honest.

     
155. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[LOL Fabrez. I think if it was Barcelona that were after him , I doubt if we'd be able to persuade him to stay, especially if he wants to leave, but if it was a club like Man City or something, a club where he has no connection to, persuading him to stay would probably be easy...

     And yeah, I think we handed in the transfer request on time, but I guess the 7pm deadline the FA was on about was because there was conflicting statements as to whether the deal was on or off. But the fact that it seems to be only ours that isn't confirmed at the moment might back up Kieran's suggestion that maybe we got preferential treatment. But like everything else that's happened so far, I don't have a clue!]]>

     
156. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[True...i don't think we have the whole story with this transfer... it's surely 1 of the most confusing & drawn-out transfers to ever happen (assuming it has actually happened!) Arshavin is sayin he shud b number 23...at least he's confident it's gonna happen!
     And maybe we won't b able to stop Cesc from going to Barca of all places...but with him being Arsenal captain as well...i'm just kinda hoping he hangs on for 3 more seasons at least! My gut feeling is he'll b at the club nxt season tho. I'm here waiting for breaking news...and hoping my lectures get snowed in later! C'mon FA...say something already!]]>

     
157. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Yeah, I would like Cesc to stay for about 3 more seasons, but I guess trophies would be the sticking point. I would really love Cesc to win both the PL and CL with us, cos I think that would be perfect- winning them with him in the team. Maybe Arshavin will help speed up the process? But I hope it's not a matter of Cesc leaving soon after we win both or something...?
     but either ways, he deserves the best, and hopefully we'll be able to provide him with that for as long as possible...

     You've probably got a better chance of your lectures getting snowed under than the FA announcing something soon ;)- it's snowing really heavily down South! Amazing!]]>

     
158. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm :
     

     Regardless of preferential treatment, we should have had this done before deadline day, and all clubs should have received the message that last minute isn’t good enough. My mortgage was due yesterday, but the bank didn’t give me extra time because it snowed.

     
159. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm :
     

     Yeah…Cesc does deserve the best and if we can’t give that to him, fair enuff to him going…just hope he gives it a chance to work out b4 deciding 2 go. And lol kieran! I agree fully…last minute definitely was not good enough. I hope we don’t do this again bcuz it is ridiculous & a ‘big’ club like Arsenal should do better, really.

     
160. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm :
     

     I guess deals can be really complicated- as Arshavin’s agent said, this was the most difficult transfer he’s ever dealt with, but I agree though, last minute isn’t good enough- seeing as we had all the time in the world! But apparently Zenit were still hanging around for the ‘highest bidder’. Apparently they called most premierleague clubs yesterday to see if anyone was willing to bid higher! Pathetic, really.

     
161. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm :
     

     *pathetic from both clubs, that is!

     
162. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Yeah Debs I hear you - and actually, if that's the case it's difficult to see how Arsenal could have sped it up - but Zenit only did that because they knew they could afford to push it to the wire and the FA would be lax enough to let them get away with it!

     I'm troubled by the fact that no announcement has been made yet - something must not be right or still being tied down.]]>

     
163. kierandelaney.net/blog says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[
     

     Andrei Arshavin has said he believes he is an Arsenal player, with the outcome of his proposed transfer to the Gunners set to finally be revealed on Tuesday.

     The playmaker told his personal website that negotiations over his move from Zenit St Petersburg “came to a close”.

     “Now I can say only one thing – that if I play for Arsenal, it will be at number 23,” said the 27-year-old.

     It is believed all the relevant documentation is with the Premier League but has yet to be ratified.

     The Premier League told BBC Sport that Monday’s adverse weather meant there were still outstanding transfers that needed approval from its board.

     From BBC.]]>

     

164. Gooner Get Ya says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[from Ashavin's webpage

     The negotiations come to a close, the details tomorrow. Now I can say only one thing - if I play in the "Arsenal", then at number 23.]]>

     
165. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Yeah, annoying innit? Teansfer deadline was yesterday- over 20hrs ago, and no one's really sure as to what's going on! The FA aren't that slow, are they? I'm a bit disappointed that there's nothing on the Arsenal website about the whole thing- at least a little note as to the status of the deal would make everyone breathe easy for now! I can't imagine if we still had the FA cup game on today how unfocused and unprepared the team would be at the moment!
     The FA need to get their act together and say something! It wouldn't be funny if after all this the deal doesn't actually go through!]]>

     
166. Debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm :
     

     I see Kieran and Gooner get ya were thinking along the same lines!

     
167. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm :
     

     *sigh* I thought the 2nd of February was it…i remember us saying that we would finally know by the 2nd…now is the 3rd… This is so unacceptable it’s not funny. I’m not pleased at all. Heck, none of us are! We deserve to know something! Really now…i honestly think i’m dreaming or something. I hope this isn’t Benjani all over again…because that was ratified 5 days later!

     
168. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm :
     

     Surely it doesn’t take 5 hrs of a working day to figure this out? Along with a bit of frustration, I’m starting to worry…

     
169. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm :
     

     In fairness, Stoke are waiting on a deal to happen as well… some other deals are said to be pending also…so maybe ours is getting so much more publicity than others seeing that it is the biggest of these pending transfers…hmm… Still fed-up of waiting tho.

     
170. AJ says on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[Fabrez is going a little crazy here it seems :P It'll go through, they just like making us sweat.

     Oh and how sweet would it be if Arshavin started against sp*rs and scored. I think that would make up for this prolonged saga.]]>

     
171. AJ says on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm :
     

     Oh and Zenit said the whole thing was done as well, we’re just waiting for the confirmation from the league.

     
172. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm :
     

     lol AJ…the wait is just amazingly frustrating, that’s all…i’m so not gonna say anything until that transfer goe thru

     
173. Fabrez says on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm :
     

     *goes

     
174. debs says on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm :
     

     yeah AJ. it would be cool if Arshavin debuts against Sp*rs and scores a belter! it’d be worth the wait!

     
175. Steve says on February 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm :
     

     < ![CDATA[It's official Arshavin has joined Arsenal.

     http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7831046.stm

     About bloody time. Good to see we have signed a top player with experience. This guy was chased by all the top teams in the summer and its becoming clear why so many of them gave up on signing him.

     If the reports are correct that we paid £12m then this looks like a tidy peice of business.]]>

     

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