Sam Oliver
I was feeling very optimistic after the West Brom game. Having just clinched champions league football for another season (rather hilariously, at the expense of Tottenham) I had managed to convince myself this summer would be different; of course, I was wrong. Everyone knows what happened with Robin and is the process of happening with Alex Song. I do think if we get Nuri Sahin on loan and sign Yann M’vila permanently, and perhaps bring in an Oleg Luzhny type into defence, we will still be in a stronger position then we were last season. All big if’s though. I’m mostly content with our summer transfer dealings so far, and here’s my view on all of them.
Manuel Almunia- Watford, free
Good luck to him, firstly. Yes, apart from a six month spell during the 08-09 season, this guy was never good enough to be between the sticks for Arsenal. I think ideally you’d like him as a third choice ‘keeper; has experience, is a very professional guy, but mainly, for emergencies only. To be fair to Manny, he was never anything over then 100% professional to the club, even when the fans were wondering how he could be a professional goalkeeper. Was never a quality goalie, but I think he was as upset as anyone as to how wrong it went for him at the end. Good luck.
Carlos Vela- Real Sociedad, undisclosed fee
I was always quite hopeful for this guy, but I don’t think it was ever really going to work out for him in England. He mainly featured in Carling Cup matches and he did score some spectacular goals, mainly lobbing the goalkeeper with his left foot, when a lot of the time it would’ve been easier to take a normal shot. Still, it looked bloody awesome when it worked. A tricky winger with a good touch, he was a bit lightweight for English football and his chances in the first team were limited, but I imagine he’ll have a relatively successful career In Spanish football.
Robin Van Persie- Manchester United, 24 million
Wow, I thought this guy was different. Before that outrageous statement, I really did think he would sign a new contract, becoming an Arsenal legend in the process. But then of course, he released THAT statement, one that disappointed many Arsenal fans, myself included. I put Van Persie’s actions on a par with Nasri’s. The main reason for that being, Robin Van Persie was nothing before Wenger came in for him. In fact, Feyenoord were delighted to get rid of the sulky, arrogant centre forward. He was rotting in the reserves and would have continued to do so if he hadn’t been bought by Arsenal. Then, he was accused of rape at the start of his first season, and put in a Dutch prison for a week. Wenger stood by him, after that and seven frustrating injury hit seasons. Then he does what Arsene knew what he was capable of doing. He goes and bags the golden boot, and is by far an away Arsenal’s best player as they secure third on the final day of the season. And to repay Arsene, he goes to one of our most hated rivals. I felt disgusted with him, and most other’s did too. He has majorly stabbed Arsene Wenger in the back, the man who started, saved and made his career. I will look back on all the glorious moments he bought us now with a hint of sadness, knowing what he’s done. Shame on you Robin, and worst of luck with that blood vessel explosion nose manager of yours.
Kyle Bartley- Swansea, 1 million
I’m a little bit disappointed in this one I have to say. I don’t really understand why a relatively competent centre-half is being sold when in his position the club still pays Djourou and Squillaci to play in his position each week! As well as that, we still hold onto rubbish like Craig Eastmond and Henri Lansbury, players who clearly aren’t good enough. One can only hope we’ve tried to offload those four and have failed to find a buyer. Having said all that, I do prefer Ignasi Miquel to Bartley, who to me looks like a very good ball playing centre-back. Also, Bartley was not a regular starter for Rangers of either of the championship clubs he was loaned too, so in fairness probably not good enough for Arsenal. Still him over Djourou and Squllaci any day; good luck to you Kyle.
Alex Song- Barcelona, 17 million
At the time of writing, this one has not been officially confirmed, but it’s as good as done so makes sense to write about it. All I can say is, this guy must frankly be an idiot. Has he not seen Flamini or Hleb? He’ll massively rue leaving us, as he hasn’t been forced out by any means. By all accounts his attitude has been horrendous ever since their interest began, and I say good riddance. If you think your bigger then the club, get lost seems to be the message from the boss, and I’m glad. Maybe keeping key players is crucial but to me having players that want to play for the club is even more important. To be honest, I’m not sure we’ll miss him. If your “anchor man” is getting 11 assists and your team concedes 49 goals, he probably isn’t doing his job. And he wasn’t, far too often caught up field for a holding player. When we sign Sahin and M’vila, we will hardly notice his absence. Trust me.
Lukas Podolski- Cologne, 11 million
I’m not sure about this one in all honesty. His signing brought sheer delight to the fans but of what I’ve seen, he won’t fit in here. Not great technically, average first touch, quite slow off the mark. What he is, is strong, bullish and has a deadly shot. Julio Baptista anyone? He does remind me of that Brazilian whenever I see him play, and we all know Baptista was average at best for Arsenal, after much happiness after his signing. I would personally like to see a front three of Walcott, Giroud and Gervinho, with Poldi coming off the bench, where I think he can be quite effective. For me, an impact player, not a starter. We shall see.
Olivier Giroud- Montpellier, 13 million
I have high hopes for this guy. Twenty one league goals, firing Montpellier to an unlikely title, I do really like the look of this Frenchman (the look of his football, not his perfectly kept face!) His movement in and around the box is deadly, and on his day he will cause trouble for any defence. Strong, great in the air, he’s exactly what Marouane Chamakh was meant to be. There is a slight question mark over his finishing, but twenty one league goals tells me differently. I’m really looking forward to seeing him vs Stoke, exactly the type of game we bought him for. Expect big things from this guy.
Santi Cazorla- Malaga, 16.5 million
YESSSSSSS!!!!! That was about my reaction when I heard we landed this guy. Wow, what a buy, a bargain for 16.5 million. Quick, tricky, either footed, will play right wing, left wing, or CAM. He also has one of the best free-kicks in world football on him, and it takes a pretty special player to amass forty plus Spain caps since his debut in 2008. A slight concern my be his miniature physique, I suppose we’ll see what he’s made of when we visit the Britannia. I’ll leave you with the words of a well-respected Barcelona fan“ He is better then Mata, Modric and even Cesc. A lesser Iniesta with a better shot.” High praise indeed.
So there you go, my take on all of Arsenal’s ins and outs so far, and with the likely additions of Nuri Sahin and Yann M’vila to bolster our midfield, I do have high hopes for this season. Forward Arsenal.
