1) We did not want a player for a year without an option to make it permanent.
2) We did not want to match Liverpool's ridiculous offer of a 5mil loan fee.
3) We were not willing to pay 70% of Sahin's wages which would be around 90k a week.
4) He was considered an opportunity too good to turn down - a luxury signing. As the deal got more expensive, our interest dropped significantly.
The saga has taken so many surprise twists and turns that I am actually glad we made a definitive decision. We can now turn our attentions to positions which we need to strengthen.
Wenger has said in today's press conference that he has a clear vision of what he needs to do and who he needs to sign. He also said that we will only sign 'special' players. The clear positions where we are in need of re-enforcement is the DM and RB positions. We have sold Alex Song but have not brought in a replacement. We know Jenkinson is not ready yet but we haven't brought in cover. These are the things which make the difference between a challenging squad and being also-rans. Wenger has insisted that we have a 'very strong' squad but don't be fooled. He knows exactly what we need. That talk is purely for the team with whom we're negotiating. If they know that we are happy with our squad, our supposed need for that player will have decreased in their eyes. Therefore the price is easier to bring down. I am aware it is not as easy as that, but it is a worthwhile tactic. If we sort out the DM and RB positions and we have cash to spare, then I would go for a forward player. We need a creative winger if possible. That player was Yossi last year. Someone who plays to feet and drifts in field in search of space. Arshavin was supposed to be that player but his form and confidence seems gone.
I browsed through the training pics on Arsenal.com and was pleasantly surprised to see Jack Wilshere. Progress looks good and if all goes well he should be back by October. A midfield of Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla looks promising. You may be asking yourself that if we bring in DM, where's Wilshere going to fit in? Arteta has to start as he is vice-captain and one of our most reliable players. The DM will most likely have to start to offset the counters. And Cazorla is the first on the team sheet. To be honest, I have no idea where Jack will fit in. He needs a proper recovery so I wouldn't expect him to be playing game in game out until December. He has been given No. 10 which indicates he will play in the advanced role. I would like to think that Cazorla will then play as our creative winger. He loves it on the right hand side and has produced his best stats from that position. He'd come before Walcott any day of the week. Speaking of Walcott, apparently contract talks are going well and he wants to stay. But if nothing is agreed by the 31 August, expect him to be sold. Wouldn't be a crisis but it would be a massive blow. I know he's inconsistent and frustrating but we have endured and it would be a shame to lose him. At 23 he can only get better and better.
'Till Tomorrow
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