What exactly are we expecting to happen this Summer?

[IBK]

I've been reading all the posts speculating on comings and goings at AFC, and the players that we have been linked with. I know the transfer window hasn't opened yet; that AFC rarely does its business in public and that we will never know where we are headed for sure.

But for a number of reasons - the manager's cautiousness/stubbornness; the board's conservatism when it comes to spending; the inevitable focus on keeping the likes of cesc/Nasri, and the fact that we have no guaranteed participation in the CL next season - and are undeniably a waning force on the world stage - I have serious misgivings about whether the business we do this Summer is going to amount to a tangible step forwards for our club.

My reasoning? First, even if we sell some of the deadwood, I do not feel that the 'core' of our first team amounts to a title winning side. We can say that it looked like one in February 2011 - but subsequent events belied this. We have 2, maybe 3 'world class' players to twice that many playing for our main rivals. And these rivals will strengthen.

Second - whoever we buy will almost certainly not fall into that class of 'oven ready' world class talent. Whatever the lessons from last season, our manager is too deeply wedded to his developmental ideals, and I cannot believe that he has lost faith with the likes of Song; Djourou; Sczesny; Arshavin; Chamakh...even if he has finally lost patience with some of his more conspicuous under-performers. These factors point to decent, solid, rather than real seasoned talent coming in.

Lastly, I do not think that we will enjoy the kind of marquee signing that IMHO the club desperately needs to shake off the negativity that has developed amongst fans, and clearly amongst our players - in order for next season to represent a proper fresh start. We have debated endlessly the players lack of confidence/character that has led to serial collapes. I feel that these are times where the team needs a real; psychological lift - that will only really be provided by a 'marquee' signing - something to give the players and fans real excitement and belief.

For me, it is worth 'breaking the bank' and paying, what, £4/5M over the odds for a proven 'name' even if this is mainly to try to show that Arsenal remains a confident, 'top class' club. Because we have been starved of this type of signing for years now (owing to a variety of factors) - and the fact that we have lost the winning habit also during this time has dented our standing and confidence badly.

The fact that this will almost certainly not happen suggests to me that the best we are going to see is a bit of pruning/renewal that might help stop the rot, but will stilll amount to just another stage in the end game of AW's regime.

Thoughts?

[Flavs]

in response to the thread title as i cant be arsed reading all that

I expect nothing but media bullshit till next friday when i expect at his press conmference Winger to announce 3 new signings and express his sadness that at least 4 are going "but the time is right and we wish them well" i would also expect him to announce a new staff member and his aims for the season and to announce that both Nasri and Cesc are staying

After that i would expect more media bullshit and maybe one more top class signing and then we will go off to the land of love you long time

[IBK]

in response to the thread title as i cant be arsed reading all that

I expect nothing but media bullshit till next friday when i expect at his press conmference Winger to announce 3 new signings and express his sadness that at least 4 are going "but the time is right and we wish them well" i would also expect him to announce a new staff member and his aims for the season and to announce that both Nasri and Cesc are staying

After that i would expect more media bullshit and maybe one more top class signing and then we will go off to the land of love you long time

I think that is more or less spot on - with the new signings being at the Gervinho level or below - Cesc continuing to be ambivalent on the pitch - Nasri doing a mini Adebayor (whether or not he signs a new deal - and the noises are that he won't - and we'll just run down his contract) - leading to another top four but no better finish next season that might be something of an achievement given the strengthening of our rivals, but will still amount to little more than keeping the bed warm for AW's successor.

[Flavs]

I think that is more or less spot on - with the new signings being at the Gervinho level or below - Cesc continuing to be ambivalent on the pitch - Nasri doing a mini Adebayor (whether or not he signs a new deal - and the noises are that he won't - and we'll just run down his contract) - leading to another top four but no better finish next season that might be something of an achievement given the strengthening of our rivals, but will still amount to little more than keeping the bed warm for AW's successor.

Jesus wept

Oh i also "think" we will switch to playing 3-5-2 or at least 4-4-2 and have 2 out and out strikers, if it works Winger will claim he has been readying the team for this all along. Like when he says playing Diaby and Walcott out wide is "to improve their decision making for long term success"

[IBK]

Jesus wept

Oh i also "think" we will switch to playing 3-5-2 or at least 4-4-2 and have 2 out and out strikers, if it works Winger will claim he has been readying the team for this all along. Like when he says playing Diaby and Walcott out wide is "to improve their decision making for long term success"

Just trying to be realistic, mate. Its not necessarily a criticism of the manager either - in fact arguably the target of the fans ire has been the one factor keeping the club effectively punching above its weight for so long. But while I think that there is the will and the wherewithal at the club to make modest improvements for next season, and improvements will be necessary, IMO just to keep us in CL football. I do not think that under an unchallenged Wenger we are going to show the boldness/confidence/decusiveness/foolhardiness (?) necessary to catapult the club back into the 'big time' - ie league winners or destination club for the best players around. I think this might be the plan over time - particularly with the FIFA fair play riules coming in - but not this Summer.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I expect us to sell some of the shit players we have currently and then buy some new players that are better.

Its pretty much what is going to happen

[Flavs]

as an aside, i dont think its too much of a stretch that we have signed Benzema or someone of equal shock value either.

[Master Splinter]

as an aside, i dont think its too much of a stretch that we have signed Benzema or someone of equal shock value either.

Falcao

That was the catalyst for Andre Aston Villa leaving Porto. He was disgusted that they sold his star player.

[Flavs]

Falcao

That was the catalyst for Andre Aston Villa leaving Porto. He was disgusted that they sold his star player.

yes they sold him to Chavski, where Los Lobos is going