Up the Arse! Goons thread. :)

[DB10]

Miguel Torres is a fullback.

This is off another forum as to why we might be signing Martins as well:

"Gurgen wrote:
I really don't see the point of this signing. Call me crazy but I think RvP and Eduardo are better than him and Ade, Theo, Bendtner and Vela have the potential to be better than him."

I think you place an awful lot of pressure on Dudu if you expect him to come in and immediately be a success. If we have Martins as well it allows Dudu to get used to England, Arsenal and a much higher level of football without the expectation of 20 goals in a season. Strip away the expectation to become another Henry. Like when Henry came in Suker was also signed to play down the expectation to replace Anelka.

Great point.

 

[lion_gooner]

according skysports he's a attacking midfielder :S

 

[DB10]

Miguel Torres is very much a fullback. He played most of last season at left-back, he kept Roberto Carlos out of the team for ages.

 

[lion_gooner]

ohok then lol i thought skysports would be a good source for player positions but obviously not

 

[lion_gooner]

Manager Arsene Wenger is now ready to sell £2m-rated Hoyte, with Reading leading the chase.

Wenger has earmarked Sagna as his first-choice right-back, with Emmanuel Eboue expected to provide competition for Alexander Hleb and Theo Walcott on the right side of midfield.

Wenger is also willing to sell Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Reyes. The Swede is in talks with Fiorentina, while Reyes is a target for Real Madrid after his loan spell there.

 

[lion_gooner]

Fiorentina are offering cash plus a player for Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.

La Nazione says Fiorentina yesterday offered £5 million plus one of Valeri Bojinov or Per Kroldrup in exchange for the Swede.

The stumbling block could for Ljungberg's wages, with Fiorentina only prepared to offer him a deal worth a clear £700,000-a-year less than what he earns with the Gunners.

 

[Benno_900]

Manager Arsene Wenger is now ready to sell £2m-rated Hoyte, with Reading leading the chase.

Wenger has earmarked Sagna as his first-choice right-back, with Emmanuel Eboue expected to provide competition for Alexander Hleb and Theo Walcott on the right side of midfield.

Wenger is also willing to sell Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Reyes. The Swede is in talks with Fiorentina, while Reyes is a target for Real Madrid after his loan spell there.

If Eboue is being moved to the wing, why is Hoyte being sold?

BTW, Hoyte is English, therefore he is worth 10 mil.

 

[lion_gooner]

i hope hoyte doesnt get sold i really like him

 

[Jeffers]

Looks like the Scousers will land Ryan Babel today or tomorrow for 13 Million.

 

[giantroo]

What the *** is wenger doing? He might as well sell the whole team.

 

[lion_gooner]

heres sagna in action for auxerre

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF9z3AMceow&mode=related&search=

he is only on for about 20 seconds he's the 2nd player after richet

 

[Benno_900]

Sagna interview (signing is official):

Bacary Sagna - read his first interview as an Arsenal player

Bacary Sagna has completed his transfer from Auxerre to Arsenal. Shortly after arriving at Emirates Stadium, the French defender gave his first interview as an Arsenal player to Arsenal TV Online.

Arsenal.com visitors can now read a transcript of the interview below.
Subscribers will be able to watch the interview in full from Friday morning on Arsenal TV Online. If you don't subscribe to TV Online, click on the red button on the gold Arsenal TV Online panel.

Bakary, welcome to Arsenal. What does it mean to you to be an Arsenal player?
It's amazing. If someone had told me that one day I would be an Arsenal player I would not have believed him. I am very happy for my family, my friends and also for my future. It is really a positive move.

Your president [at Auxerre] was quoted as saying: “He wants to wear the Arsenal shirt”. Was this club that important to you?
It's very important for me because Arsenal is one of the biggest European clubs. At the moment it a young team which still has room to improve. For a young player it is the club of the future and it is all of this which attracted me to the club.

Generally, you played at right back for Auxerre. Is that where you expect to play for Arsenal?
I think so. For four years I have been playing at right back and it is where I feel the most at ease.

But you are seen as versatile too. Where else have you played for Auxerre?
I have also played at left back on occasions, either for the Under-21 French team or in Auxerre. The result is the same.

Just so the Arsenal fans can get an impression of you, is there any player you have modelled yourself on or any hero?
Lilian Thuram.

How important was Arsène Wenger in attracting you to Arsenal?
He showed his determination when he wanted to attract me to the club when we spoke recently. The fact that he personally contacted me recently, the fact that this is such a big club and he has made so much effort to recruit me, it has seduced me.

How important in your decision was the style of football Wenger’s side plays.
I think this is one of the best English sides, the one that plays the best football. The fact that it is a young team and there is high-quality training are extra positives compared to other English teams.

In England it has been seen as a difficult time for Arsenal. How confident are you that this side can win trophies next season?
We have the youth card and the fact that no one really rates us means that maybe we can surprise people. The young players want to prove what they can do and I want to prove what I can do. And all of this together will help us have a good season, I hope.

Did you speak to anyone for advice before joining Arsenal? How about Abou Diaby, he was your team-mate at Auxerre?
Yes, Abou Diaby spoke to me the last time the French national side got together. He only had good things to say about Arsenal. And so far I am not disappointed.

Who else do you know already in the Arsenal side? You have played in the France Under-21 team with Gael Clichy haven’t you?
Yes, and Mathieu Flamini. I had a chance to meet William Gallas in the France squad and I have played against Adebayor in the French championship.

Of course, Auxerre are a team with a history of bring through big talents — Cantona, Basile Boli, Cisse , Goma, Mexes — is there something special about the way they educate their players?
I think the mentality and the training is important at Auxerre. The training is among the best in the world but I know it is easier to make it at Auxerre than somewhere else because Auxerre is a small city. We only have football to concentrate on.

How much was Guy Roux an influence on your career? He had a dynasty as Auxerre manager before he left recently.
He is enormous in France. It is him who gave me my chance. he was the one who pushed me every morning and, by the way, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him.

In 2002, Arsenal played at Auxerre in the Champions League. You were only 19 at the time and did not play but you were at the club. Do you remember the game? Did Arsenal make an impression that night?
It was one-nil to Arsenal and they were very solid that night.

Do you feel there are similarities between Wenger and Guy Roux in their approach to football?
I think so. They both prefer football which is played to the feet instead of the long ball.

Whenever a foreign player comes over to England there is an adaptation period. How easily do you think you will cope?
Straight away. I don't know why I will have problems adapting in England. It is quite a French-speaking club, everybody has put me at ease right from the start and I feel good.

What have other players told you about the pace and strength of the Premier League?
Everybody has talked about it and I have been lucky to meet the English Under-21 squad too. I saw that the level was quite high and the football was different.

Of course French players have a very good track record at Arsenal (Vieira, Petit, Henry, Clichy). Does that history make it easier for you to come here?
No, no, no. If they made it here it was because they were willing and they gave their maximum. I am going to try and imitate them.

Is this the first time you have been to Emirates Stadium? What are your first impressions?
Enormous. It is a beautiful stadium. There is nothing to add.

Finally do you have a message for the Arsenal fans?
First of all, welcome! I hope we are going to spend many seasons together.

 

[giantroo]

Go Sagna. Good luck buddy. Enjoy your time at the goons. Hope to win everything this year.​

Bacary Sagna



Find out more about Arsenal's new defender


French defender Bacary Sagna has completed his move from Auxerre to Arsenal.
Read on for more information about the latest addition to Arsène Wenger's squad.

• he won the French Cup with Auxerre in 2005
• he featured in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup with Auxerre
• he played in the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championships, in which France reached the Semi-Finals
• his parents were both born in Senegal, Africa
• he was known as ‘Bac’ to his team-mates at Auxerre

Bacary Sagna Factfile
Full name Bacary Sagna
Nationality French
Born February 14, 1983. Sens, France
Age 24
Height / Weight 176cm / 72kg
Position Defender
Previous Clubs 2004-2007 - Auxerre, 87 appearances/0 goals
International honours A France Under-21 international, Bacary was called up to the full national squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia in June 2007 but did not play

Transfer Details Signed a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee​

 

[giantroo]

Bacary Sagna completes move to Arsenal

French defender Bacary Sagna has signed for Arsenal from Auxerre on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Sagna (24) who won the French Cup with Auxerre in 2005, was recently called up to the French national squad, where he was an unused substitute in his country’s Euro 2008 Qualifier victory over Georgia in June.
Bacary, who was born in France but has Senegalese parents, has been a regular for Auxerre over the past three seasons, making 87 appearances for the French side during that time. Featuring predominantly at right back, Sagna played a part in Auxerre’s UEFA Cup campaign last season.
Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Bacary Sagna. He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons. He plays mainly at right back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game. He has a fighting spirit and will be a very good addition to our squad.”
Sagna said: “It is great to be joining Arsenal and I’m excited to be playing alongside many great players. I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team. Also Arsène Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him. I’m also looking forward to playing at Emirates Stadium and winning trophies for the Club and all the supporters.”
Bacary will wear the No 3 shirt for Arsenal and will immediately join up with his new team mates.

Sagna holds up his new shirt

Our new number 3

Bacary poses at Emirates Stadium

Our new defender in his new colours

Arsenal's latest signing

 

[giantroo]

Wenger convinces Fabregas to spurn Real



MADRID, July 12 (Reuters) - Arsene Wenger convinced Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas to turn down another approach from Real Madrid to stay and help Arsenal, the player's agent said on Thursday.


'Wenger met with him yesterday and convinced him to stay. It's like a father and son relationship,' Joseba Diaz told Spanish television station Antena 3.


'Wenger said with Thierry Henry gone (to Barcelona) they were going to need his services more than ever to help see them through and Cesc is never going to let down the person who showed confidence in him.'

Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest in the 20-year-old playmaker after they were warned off AC Milan's Brazilian international Kaka.

'We would like to thank Real for the interest they have shown. President Ramon Calderon and sports director Predrag Mijatovic have been very good to us and it is the second time Real have shown an interest in the player,' he added.

'Maybe they will get lucky the third time.'

Fabregas signed an eight-year contract with Arsenal at the start of last season but has hinted that his future at the North London club was conditional on Wenger remaining as coach.

 

[giantroo]

Why is Babel signing with liverpool? Didnot he say that some day he will play for arsenal?



Oh well, will stick to martins

 

[moomba]

A big chance for the 2007/08 EPL Worst Haircut team of the year I suspect.

 

[Lowie01]

A big chance for the 2007/08 EPL Worst Haircut team of the year I suspect.

Now that Abel Xavier's left England, I suspect Sagna has the award wrapped up already.

 

[giantroo]

A big chance for the 2007/08 EPL Worst Haircut team of the year I suspect.

Don't worry adebayor will fix him up.

 

[Ben the Gooner]

I really hope we don't lose Freddie and Titi in the one summer, that would really hurt the team. If Freddie leaves, Gallas (who may leave), Gilberto and Mad Jens are the entire old members of the team (maybe Almunia), and the kids will find it hard to develop more. I hope he stays, and maybe takes a pay cut for the team.

 

[lion_gooner]

YAY arsenal have finally signed sagna

heres someone who knows alot about him

i'm sure most of you will agree if I say Sagna wasn't the player we were all waiting for. I'm not here to convince you guys that this is a good or a bad signing. I'm just here to give you my impressions on the player.

Defensively it'll definitely be an improvement for us as he's a true defender and always has been. When it comes to one on one Sagna is a rock and knows how to stop the attacking player when he's right in front of him. Positionally he has no problems as well. He knows how it works and knows his job well. Moreover, physically he's incredibly strong- he's quick, tough and solid in general.

Offensively, some of you may be disappointed as Sagna is no Eboue. The latter is incredibly strong when it comes to bombing forward with or without the ball. Sagna is not as good but he's not that bad either. He can do the job when it is needed but he mainly focuses on his defensive duties. Maybe this will chance at Arsenal but it was the way he worked back in France.

I haven't seen enough of his crosses to comment on them but his overall passing is more than decent. Anyway we all know how Wenger works when it comes to players: if they're not good footballers they don't wear the Arsenal shirt. Simple. Even Mad Jens is a good footballer.

Jokes apart, I think Sagna's mental strength is right up there with the best. In fact I'd say it's his main strength. He's a confident player, is a winner and a fighter who never ever gives up. He knows what he wants and he knows how he wants it. He got into Auxerre's team by accident and never gave up his starting spot. He's strong enough mentally to be considered one of the most consistent player in la Ligue 1. That speaks volumes because usually young players aren't consistent, mainly because they aren't strong enough to motivate themselves on a constant basis. If my memory serves me right I think Sagna's featured in every single league game this season which is a huge achievement.

Will he be able to make the step up though? Only time will tell but his physical and mental strengths lead me to think he'll have no problem in the English Premiership.


So where do I stand on Sagna? Well, it's good to hear that he is at least a very good player at what he does. And there have been times that Eboue really hasn't cut the mustard for us in the last 12 months or so, so having another top quality player in this position can only be a positive.

I do feel though that many would too lightly sacrifice Eboue's marauding attacking play from the right back position in favour of a more solid defensive player. Last season one of the things that really struck me was that our opponents didn't seem to be scared of us any more. Two years ago, teams would sit with 10 men behind the ball, and look terrified that we might thrash them, which often we duly did. In 2006/07, teams seemed to have lost their fear - no more would they camp in their own half, inviting us onto them and hoping they could close down enough space to prevent us scoring. No, last season, teams came to the Emirates, and actually played football, because they knew that, even though we were probably man for man a better side, and better coached too, we weren't good enough to score consistently enough to thrash a team very often. They could hand us the possession - because they knew that we couldn't use it. And when they had the ball, they didn't have to be terrified of losing it and being stretched up the pitch, because we weren't fast enough to catch them on the break.

Perhaps it's the way I like to see football played, or perhaps it's something Wenger's teams have ingrained in me, but I've always believed that attack is one of the best forms of defence. Give me a rock solid centre back pairing every day of the week, but a pair of attacking fullbacks can pin back an opposition, and I worry that with Sagna we may lose that. Although he may be more solid at the back than Eboue, the effect of playing him there may just mean that teams feel they can attack us even more.

We shall see though. At the very least, Sagna sounds like a good player, with good spirit, good heart, good professionalism, and good knowledge of his job. He may not replace Eboue immediately, but having options surely won't hurt us in the long run.

 

[Benno_900]

Last season one of the things that really struck me was that our opponents didn't seem to be scared of us any more. Two years ago, teams would sit with 10 men behind the ball, and look terrified that we might thrash them, which often we duly did. In 2006/07, teams seemed to have lost their fear - no more would they camp in their own half, inviting us onto them and hoping they could close down enough space to prevent us scoring. No, last season, teams came to the Emirates, and actually played football, because they knew that, even though we were probably man for man a better side, and better coached too, we weren't good enough to score consistently enough to thrash a team very often. They could hand us the possession - because they knew that we couldn't use it. And when they had the ball, they didn't have to be terrified of losing it and being stretched up the pitch, because we weren't fast enough to catch them on the break.

WTF? Who wrote this?

That is exactly what many teams did to us at home last season.

 

[DB10]

A big chance for the 2007/08 EPL Worst Haircut team of the year I suspect.

I like his haircut. I get Toure mixed up with Eboue and Hoyte so often because they all have the same short black hair. He's unmistakable now.

 

[snakebite01]

No, last season, teams came to the Emirates, and actually played football, because they knew that, even though we were probably man for man a better side, and better coached too, we weren't good enough to score consistently enough to thrash a team very often. They could hand us the possession - because they knew that we couldn't use it. And when they had the ball, they didn't have to be terrified of losing it and being stretched up the pitch, because we weren't fast enough to catch them on the break.

Umm, how many Arsenal games did you watch last year?

Everton, Newcastle, Villa, Boro and West Ham (I'm sure there were others) played a 9-0-1 formation and scrapped a result.

The only sides who went to Emirates and played football (Man U, Spurs, Liverpool) got belted.

 

[lion_gooner]

i didnt type it i found it on a blog

go back to your spud thread now