Sounds like a bittersweet romantic Hollywood blockbuster, but the tone is of a serious nature.
Sagna confirmed last night what we all already knew, he's flying the nest at the Emirates and chasing that rainbow to a pot of gold that will very possibly be at the Ettihad.
The fullback positions are very important at Arsenal, it's amazing just how many of the attacking moves are started by either of the fullbacks, in essence they're the genesis to Arsenal's offensive play.
According to sources in Spain Arsenal have had a £9million bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for right-back Juanfran. For me, he'd be a quality addition, understandably Atletico are keen to keep hold of their star rightback.
German perpetual motion machine Frankfurt defender Sebastian Jung (a reported target) has agreed to join Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg, so that bird has flown.
Japanese chunderhunk Atsuto Uchida is reportedly tickling Wenger's chaffinch, the Nipponese nihilist might not be Mr. Spectacular, but he's relentless in his approach and has turned a lot of heads with consistent displays in the Bundesliga for Scahlke.
And then there's Serge Aurier. The Ivorian ivory tinkler has been voted the 'best rightback in France' this campaign just gone. The Toulousse juggernaut has already gone misty-eyed in interviews claiming he 'wouldn't be able to turn Arsenal down'. He's hot property right now, with a number of suitors (including Chelsea) reportedly keen to bag the player. If Arsenal are keen, they'd be prudent not to wait around as is the nature of the frenetic market, you snooze, you lose...
What are your thoughts on these players and are there any other candidates you'd like to see Arsenal make an effort to replace Monsieur Sagna?
Moist
Replacing Bacary
posted on 30/5/14
"Wenger's got a bit of a job on his hands this summer. Whilst the clamour for that elusive 'star striker' and 'pacey widemen' are at the forefront of most people's minds, defensively there's going to be a fundamental NEED to address the situation of players leaving."
Agreed as I keep saying Wenger needs to recognise we need 6-7 players this summer.
4 just to replace those who are leaving and 2-3 more legit challengers for regular starting XI places.
posted on 30/5/14
Jenius99
If Jenks is to be considered for the position surely there is an argument that he needs to compete with the best available?
Found this on Aurier and the more I read it the more convinced I am that AW may move for him (in light of his offensive qualities rather than defensive) – he just looks taylor made for AW’s philosophy.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1995479-scouting-report-will-arsenal-replace-bacary-sagna-with-serge-aurier#articles/1995479-scouting-report-will-arsenal-replace-bacary-sagna-with-serge-aurier
posted on 30/5/14
Juanfran isn't very good
Coleman is overrated too
posted on 30/5/14
Agreed as I keep saying Wenger needs to recognise we need 6-7 players this summer.
4 just to replace those who are leaving and 2-3 more legit challengers for regular starting XI places.
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No doubt about it. When he (Wenger) rolled out that pre-excuse that 'It's ALWAYS more difficult to sign players in a World Cup year' I got the jitters.
He's right of course, but EVERY club is in EXACTLY the same position.
Arsenal aren't exactly the most affirmative and pro-active club when it comes to getting deals done quick sharp and with minimum fuss, are they?
Always waiting until the last moment to try and save a few shirt buttons and pennies. My worry is that if they adopt their usual transfer approach, it'll be a last day in August panic-stations scenario and that could have a disastrous effect for the coming season.
posted on 30/5/14
Stuart Pearce
The question should be is he like Sagna or is he like Eboue? For years we have suffered in the air in the left back position, in fact since Winterburn retired. From Gio to Sylvinho to Clichy. Wenger even tried Cygan. It was no surprise that Flamini/Cole stabilized us for a while before a more permanent solution in Gibbs. Monreal is very poor in positioning and in the air. The situation is so obvious that as soon as Martinez found out Gibbs was not ready for Everton away he positioned Lukakau to attack Monreal.
This is why Wenger replaced Eboue with Sagna. So is Aurier like Eboue or Sagna? The scouting report suggests he is weak in positioning that is vital to be good in the air! (which is a worry)
If Jenks is to be considered for the position surely there is an argument that he needs to compete with the best available?
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I think that is not possible with FFP. And I would question if it ever works in the dressing room. I think you really have to go with the player who you think is good and who is only good enough to be a fill in. I suppose there is ACN so Jenko will see more playing time than usual.
posted on 30/5/14
We will keep Vermaelen. Wenger has said its up to the club not him whether he leaves.
I'd rather Jenks than Coleman any day.
posted on 30/5/14
I'd rather Jenks than Coleman any day.
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Fair play on your opinion mate. But I really disagree with you there.
Coleman has had an absolutely storming season for Everton this year (imo).
What I will say however is that the way that Everton set-up under Martinez, the fullbacks get a lot of cover. A player like Coleman would HAVE to adapt his game at a club like Arsenal because he would not get anything like the cover he gets at Everton which allows him to play to his strengths in going forward and getting into dangerous offensive positions.
posted on 30/5/14
6 or 7 new players let's all do a spurs
posted on 30/5/14
6 or 7 new players let's all do a spurs
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Squad wise it's quite realistic, but trying to make 6/7 first teamers gel isn't Wenger's style and is entirely unrealistic to expect instant results.
I think there will be only 2 or 3 (at a push) new signings who will be signed as potential 1st-teamers.
posted on 30/5/14
comment by ghost_of_cygan - The Sequel (U3096)
posted 4 hours, 47 minutes ago
"Wenger's got a bit of a job on his hands this summer. Whilst the clamour for that elusive 'star striker' and 'pacey widemen' are at the forefront of most people's minds, defensively there's going to be a fundamental NEED to address the situation of players leaving."
Agreed as I keep saying Wenger needs to recognise we need 6-7 players this summer.
4 just to replace those who are leaving and 2-3 more legit challengers for regular starting XI places.
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I think we should ONLY bring in 6-7 IF 2-3 of them are promising players - I think a back-up goalkeeper, a right-back, a defensive midfielder (who can also play in defence) and a versatile forward are the only real priorities, because each of those would have a knock-on effect in terms of depth and reshuffling. Anyone beyond that should, I think, be brought in with the future in mind (especially in defence, where our youngest centre-back (Koscielny) is 28).