Evening all,
Champions League Draw:
The Champions League draw has just been completed and lets just say it could have been worse for Arsenal. We were drawn in Group B with Schalke, Olympiacos and Montpellier. The obvious story is the home-coming of Olivier Giroud who will return to France after only just signing this summer. I feel that it is a very winnable group and, providing we don't make it difficult for ourselves, one which we should advance comfortably. Olympiacos proved last year that they can be a challenge in Greece after we lost 1-3, all be it with a very weakened side. Montpellier are the champions of France but don't look as strong this year, yet they will be a tricky opponent. Schalke are seemingly the most difficult of opponents. They possess the firepower of Huntelaar and finished 3rd in the Bundesliga last year. Make of the group what you will.
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Transfer News:
It has been very quiet yet again with regards to possible signings. The longer we go by without hearing any reliable news, the less likely it seems we will actually sign someone. There was some positive words from Wenger in today's press conference however. He said that we are still looking to sign a top, top player and if a deal can be done it will be. He also said we have a sizable budget and if it isn't spent now, it will be spent in the winter window.
Please don't think we haven't already entered negotiations with respective clubs. When Wenger says 'if we find' he doesn't mean that he hasn't yet found a player. We know our targets and if we are able to agree the various fees etc.. then we will sign them. We are busy and working hard to bring players in and I am hopeful one or two deals can be done by tomorrow night. Its positive that Wenger doesn't want average players. I do think we could have handled the closing stages of the window better. We should have bought a replacement for Song before he left. We should have learnt our lesson from last year, which I think we have almost done.
One side of the transfers which is very busy is the sales department. Park Chu Young is having a medical at Celta Vigo tomorrow according to reports from Korea. Nicklas Bendtner is very close to signing for Juventus reportedly on a loan deal with an option to buy but the club still have to agree a deal with Juve. Marouane Chamakh should be shipped out to Besiktas or Malaga on loan, both clubs are very interested in his signature.
With those 3 all likely to be gone by the end of tomorrow, it leaves you wondering about our attacking options. We will only have Giroud and Podolski available as strikers. Surely Wenger will act? Loic Remy is available for around 15mil and Wenger last year compared him to Thierry Henry. He is known to be a long term admirer so a deal would make sense. There is also the cheaper and shorter term option of Clint Dempsey. He is EPL proven, a goalscorer and very versatile. A brilliant potential last minute buy.
Oh I forgot we are actually close to a signing. 17 year old goalkeeper Deni Illiev from Macedonia. I know, typical Arsenal right?
Please Arsenal. Make a statement of intent tomorrow. We need the players. Desperately. We have the squad to finish in the top 4 but I want to actually compete this season.
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Walcott Update:
Wenger has said Walcott will stay and play with us this season, or at least until January. He is confident a deal will be agreed because Theo loves Arsenal and 'money is not a big thing for him'. A good decision in my opinion. I am really confident we can agree a deal to keep him at the Emirates for the long term.
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That's about it today.
'Till Tomorrow
Follow @RealistGooner
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