Re: Transfer Rumours Thread

by Sina Thu Feb 13, 2014 5:22 pm

at least Gibbs is going to get that #3 Shirt Smile

actually flicking through Fiorentinas page on who scored
Cuadradu has only played right wing back in 3511(352)

which is what i saw him last season when an outside Cb could cover and leave him higher up

and winger or free attacking role when switching to back 4 [with Tomovic at right back]

energetic and good crosser
tends to over-dribble at times

dont know if he can ever be considered an option as RB for back 4
not that we are going to spend big for this position anyway Rolling Eyes

by Chumlum Thu Feb 13, 2014 7:05 pm

While I wouldn't be shocked if Wenger was keeping an eye on Cuadrado, I would be very surprised if he tried to sign him as a straight-up RB though.

What is it with rumored Arsenal transfer targets and changed positions? Draxler as a CF, Cuadrado as a right-back ...

by Twoism Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:02 pm

He did it before, Toure was midfield converted to CB granted he was young, Lauren signed for us as one of most popular CM that season then played nearly his whole career as RB. Most of all though, every AM to wingers since Cesc started playing, Hleb, Nasri, Santi etc

by Jay29 Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:08 pm

How competent a defender is Cuadrado, though? I've not seen him a lot, but I understand the most defensive he plays is a wing back role, which nowadays isn't that defensive a role, and that he's always been better as a winger.

If he's not a good enough defender, then it's pointless signing him and converting him to right back. We'd be better off going for an actual defender.

by RealGunner Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:14 pm

Sebastian Jung seems to be the most linked actual RB.

by Chumlum Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:19 pm

Twoism wrote:He did it before, Toure was midfield converted to CB granted he was young, Lauren signed for us as one of most popular CM that season then played nearly his whole career as RB. Most of all though, every AM to wingers since Cesc started playing, Hleb, Nasri, Santi etc

In Cazorla's case, at least, there is some precedent - though he was often mislabeled a "winger" when he first signed for Arsenal, for Malaga and Villarreal he did quite often play out wide on either side simply because he's such a versatile two-footed guy. He's not purely a central attacking midfielder who got subsequently shifted to the flank (although minus Özil that's I'd most often play him centrally, of course). It's all part of little Cazorla's greatness. He'll play wherever you want him to play.

Re: Cuadrado ... Jay's question is why I'm not sure about these rumors that he's being looked at as a RB replacement. His attributes all seem to be in the vein of an explosive attacking player. Granted, Wenger wants his fullbacks to be an important part of the attack usually, but is there anything that indicates Cuadrado could do the marking, tackling, or tracking back half as well as Sagna (or even Jenkinson) could? That's not entirely a rhetorical question ... maybe those who've watched him in Serie A more than I have can shed light on this. But whenever I've seen him in matches or in highlights, he shines going forward. But doesn't look like a RB at all.

by Chumlum Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:24 pm

Countdown to Tancredi Palmeri's "huge revelation" tomorrow! tongue

Or as he told John Cross and Piers Morgan on Twitter when they were both doubting Wenger: "he's working in something huge though..."

Like I've said, I don't expect anything concrete to come of this, but I am enjoying the shamelessness of the whole enterprise. In a trashy way. Less football, more like Jersey Shore with transfer speculation.

by Jay29 Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:25 pm

Who wants to bet it's Balotelli related, and something we already know?

by RealGunner Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:32 pm

Won't be surprised if it's to announce that Tire sponsorship deal.

by MJ Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:49 pm

When's the earliest a club has announced a big transfer before summer? Podolski was in April, I'm just thinking (yes, I know, just rumors, but hypothetically speaking) announcing something mid-title run would be a psychological boost, no?

by RealGunner Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:04 pm

Di Marzio: Negotiations between Sagna and Arsenal are progressing well, the club are expected to close the deal on an extension soon.

by Raptorgunner Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:11 pm

I wont lie, I would love to have Balotelli at Arsenal, great striker and would cost us half of any other top striker. I believe he will be a great signing for us.

What you guys think f the rumors and would you take him at Arsenal?

by Sina Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:13 pm

nearly given up
seems there is still hope :bow:

sign da thing Bac :wub:

by urbaNRoots Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:17 pm

Arseblog vs Di Marzio hmm

Arseblog rarely ever posts inside news in his blog and is usually spot on, but then Di Marzio is one of the most reliable journalists... hala di marzio please be right!!!

by urbaNRoots Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:23 pm

Raptorgunner wrote:I wont lie, I would love to have Balotelli at Arsenal, great striker and would cost us half of any other top striker. I believe he will be a great signing for us.

What you guys think f the rumors and would you take him at Arsenal?

Of course, I'd take him. He's only 23 and already a great big game player, set piece specialist, clinical finisher, long shots, creative, strong in battles... he's complete. His only downfall is his attitude and if it wouldn't work out for him here, he'll always have suitors in Italy as the best Italian striker.

by RealGunner Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:39 pm

I'd be ecstatic with Balotelli. But all depends on Arsene if he is up for the challenge.

Or that if Milan are willing to sell lol

by Sina Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:55 pm

surround Mesut with These players and see how good he actually is Razz

Spoiler:

by MJ Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:12 am

Considering the trend at Milan of only signing free agents or loanees (Honda, Kaka, Rami, Essien, Taarabt) I think that indicates money issues. They spent €20million on Balo but he's easily worth more. So if they are experiencing financial difficulties then a bid of anything more than what they paid would be listened to.

by SUPERCARTTS Fri Feb 14, 2014 12:52 am

RedOranje wrote:If there's no "proven, top quality" forward available in the summer perhaps Arsenal will simply have to take a chance on one that's NOT proven. Nab someone who's shown glimpses of top ability but has gone "off the boil", or developing talent that may be on the cusp of really breaking through.

I still like Giroud as a player though, honestly. I think Arsenal's issues are coming from having too many static players operating in the area behind/around Giroud.

Re: First paragraph

Seems as though that will be the case, as all I'm hearing is 'he won't suit Arsenal's style' or 'he's not an upgrade on Giroud'. Absolutely criminal that we're going a whole season with Giroud, NB52 & Sanogo. God knows how we're second..

Second paragraph

With the absence of Theo and Ox only recently returning, we have definitely lacked attacking impetus - no doubt. But what can't be excused is Giroud's dire form in front of goal against top team- and most recently against Utd. Opportunities from 6 yards out and not hitting the target is comical.

Wenger is doing a fine job of ruining his legacy.

by Raptorgunner Fri Feb 14, 2014 1:52 am

by Chumlum Fri Feb 14, 2014 1:59 am

Transfer Rumours Thread - Page 12 Mario-Balotelli_7

If Arsenal sign Balotelli, as a reaction - neither celebratory nor critical - I shall strive to find a replica of this cardigan, and wear it on the streets.