Think we should be ok against Palace (famous last words… ) as although we may be short at the back can see us scoring a few goals.

To be fair to Monreal and appreciate was preseason, he has done okay.

However agree that need to get someone in asap. Read that AW is looking at a utility player so hopefully someone that can play CB and CDM.

There is no way Wenger could fit in any new players into the team within the week. I would expect the team that started against City to be the starting 11. That would mean Kos/Chambers. There have few reports of his injury so either its a few bloggers trying to get more hits ie its not very significant or its so serious that the club are not giving updates.

Pulis was apparently commenting on the game and he suggested he will match us man to man and try to put pressure on Arteta. Its obvious that opposing managers know our weakness with Arteta. Previously that would be enough to scupper us because we got almost no hold up play up front. Hopefully Sanogo will change that perception.

Having to rely on Monreal (at centreback) basically highlights that Wenger has zero faith in the reserve/under 21 defenders at the club. Hence the very real need for a new centreback (I'd argue there should be a couple, but that won't happen).

I've heard similar things regarding Wenger loooking at a versatile defensive player, which makes sense, but hopefully that won't be to the detriment of strengthening the squad. Arsenal have spent money on real quality lately and whilst I don't expect a world class signing, there's little point signing a player not at a level to be trusted to play in the Premier League.

Of all our links William Carvalho is the closest to that type.

It's also worth noting that Chambers preferred (and likely long term) position is at CB and think AW may utilise Bellerin as Dubuchy's understudy.

Reading a few of the Saints blogs on twitter they were very unhappy that Chambers was not afforded oppertunity at CB.

In regard to Arteta the only significant weakness is his lack of pace, and fitness – (struggles in the final stages) but as we will undoubtedly dominate possession against Palace do not foresee any difficulties in this regard.

Of all our links William Carvalho is the closest to that type.

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Yeah, had an interesting discussion about him at the weekend with a Sporting fan. He was raving about him. But seemed certain that there was no way Sporting would sell him unless it was for a big fee. Interesting that Sporting are in a lot of bother financially, so that might give a potential buyer a bit of leverage?

I've seen Carvalho in fits and bursts, but I can't be dishonest and say he's a nailed on Prem star in the making, as I'd need to see see more of him before making that bold a claim.

I think that's the sticking point in buying a player from a league like Portugal. The Prem is that much more intense that it's always a risk in signing players, especially when you're talking about fairly large sums of money.

It's also worth noting that Chambers preferred (and likely long term) position is at CB

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Did you read/hear Wenger's comments that he actually thinks the player might ultimately end up being a holding midfielder?

comment by What would Stuart Pearce do? (U3126)
posted 18 minutes ago
Think we should be ok against Palace (famous last words… ) as although we may be short at the back can see us scoring a few goals.

To be fair to Monreal and appreciate was preseason, he has done okay.

However agree that need to get someone in asap. Read that AW is looking at a utility player so hopefully someone that can play CB and CDM.

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With 3 weeks left, there's still time to fix any glaring holes in the squad.

"...famous last words.."

"Read that AW is looking at a utility player so hopefully someone that can play CB and CDM."

"I've heard similar things regarding Wenger loooking at a versatile defensive player"

Sounds like Alex Song....

Pulis suggested he will fill the middle and pressure high so that we can't build up attacks through the midfield. Everton and Southampton did the same. In fact it was the tactic of choice and also employed by the big clubs but I am not taking them into account because they have the players to shift tactics. You cannot underestimate Pulis. Its not going to be a possession type game. It will be far more bitty because Palace won't be shrinking back.

In essence Pulis is banking on the fact that we won't be able to play the ball over the midfield because that requires your isolated striker to win the ball and hold it up under close physical pressure. I think that was true last year but Sanogo and Alexis are very very strong.

Sounds like Alex Song....

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Barca can't give him away at the minute!

comment by Moistthighs (U3249)
posted 5 minutes ago
It's also worth noting that Chambers preferred (and likely long term) position is at CB

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Did you read/hear Wenger's comments that he actually thinks the player might ultimately end up being a holding midfielder?
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Wenger changed his mind after yesterday. In fact he said that he thinks Chambers will be a center back having seen something in him for that position.

I think that was true last year but Sanogo and Alexis are very very strong.

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How do you guys rate Sanogo? He's a complete enigma to me. He's like 2 players rolled into one. Has some really raw physical attributes that seem to unsettle opposing defenders. But for such a strapping lad, he really HAS to be more aggressive in his play in my humble opinion. If he can get some aggression and killer instinct into his game, he could prove useful. But I do worry that he might become a frustrating figure.

Moistthighs

Yeah, (Chambers) read AW's comments. Think the Saints fans (from what they saw of him) felt he was best suited at CB - too early to tell IMO.

Certainly looks one for the future.

Wenger changed his mind after yesterday. In fact he said that he thinks Chambers will be a center back having seen something in him for that position.

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I have to say, what impressed me most about him was his composure, for a lad of 19 he seems very calm and applies himself in such a way. Some folk raised eyebrows at the 16 million quid price-tag. Although it's very early days career-wise for the lad, I've a feeling that 16 mil could end up looking like an absolute bargain.

Chambers reminds me of O'Leary. Same composure and naturally intelligent positioning.

comment by Moistthighs (U3249)
posted 21 minutes ago
I think that was true last year but Sanogo and Alexis are very very strong.

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How do you guys rate Sanogo? He's a complete enigma to me. He's like 2 players rolled into one. Has some really raw physical attributes that seem to unsettle opposing defenders. But for such a strapping lad, he really HAS to be more aggressive in his play in my humble opinion. If he can get some aggression and killer instinct into his game, he could prove useful. But I do worry that he might become a frustrating figure.
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he's confusingly, clumsily, awkwardly effective

Reports that Arsenal are rekindling their interest in Olympiacos' central defender Kostas Manolas, he looks decent, impressive for Greece too. I've a lot of time for Basel's Fabian Schär, who Wenger was apparently running the rule over last season. Either of that pair would be fine by me.

I would be careful with names, especially not well known European ones. A lot of agents try to link their clients to bigger clubs like us to get moves to clubs a level below us.

I would be careful with names, especially not well known European ones. A lot of agents try to link their clients to bigger clubs like us to get moves to clubs a level below us.

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Oh definitely, and not just 'lesser teams' players. Cavani's agent is pimping like a good un' recently (for example).

Schär is a player I've been impressed with every time I've seen him, most notably in Champions League games. I'm not suggesting a deal for him specifically is likely, just stating my admiration and in the grand scheme of things I think he might be obtainable, but naturally it's all guesswork on my part.

Our lack of options at CB is bordering on pi$$ poor management. We got away with having only three specialist CB last season.
For a position we are that threadbare( especially knowing Per will not be available for the start of the season) the ideal thing would have been to bring in the placement before endorsing Vermaelen to Barca.
Also whoever is coming in has to be good and rapid enough to displace Per and partner Kos in game against the top teams where we deploy a high line and leaves spaces behind for quick forwards to exploit.

ubad9jagooner

It is difficult to assess without being in receipt of all the facts, and while I agree that we do lack options at the back, whether this has anything to do with a lack of organisation remains to be seen.

Monreal hasn't done too bad at CB to be honest. But he isn't the tallest and Palace could cause problems. But so long it's only one game it shouldn't be so bad.

Barca already reporting that Verm is still carrying a niggle from the World Cup, 2 days after his medical. That £15 mill should get us decent cover.

Gillespie Road

Understand that the fee was e10m up front and remainder based on performances etc however it is estimated we have between £60/£80m available to spend.