Arsenal: Lehmann set for Stuttgart switch

shaggy · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:48 pm

My bad

shaggy · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:49 pm

My bad

specnur · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:00 am

papa5murf wrote:

Rumor has it that Ben Arfa has already signed a contract with Arsenal after Arsenal have agreed a �15 million deal with Lyon. This actually goes to fuel the speculation that Lyon are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Samir Nasri.

And a couple quotes from Wenger concerning transfers.

'I know what I want and I am very confident,' he said.

'I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. They (fans) should be re-assured by what they see.'

'It would be better to buy someone who has played in England because they are less risky, but it costs more money if they are from the Premier League,' Wenger said.

'Maybe I will try to do both.'

This goes to strengthen the possibility of him signing Kranjcar and Johnson.

As for the Adebayor issue about him asking �80k a week ... he's come out and stated that it's complete rubbish.

I don't think adebayor would do that.African players are not as greedy as other players ,they have abetter understanding and grasp of where they come from and family.

Krancjar or Ben Arfa are not Arsenal calibre players as far as i have seen.There were times when Krancjar showed some signs of running at the defense this season and looked good doing so ,but not consistently.His passing is not good at all from my recollection.
Ben Arfa ,like i stated before is a selfish little pr*ck,and his behaviour at being benched behind a player that is obviously head and shoulders above his own ability (Benzema) was incredibly childish.Maybe Arsena needs to look at that situation before signing that clown.

specnur · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:04 am

YoBBo wrote:

Not sure if anyones already posted it but rumours have it that Wenger is keen to bring in Kolo's brother Yaya from Barcelona for 15 million.

I was gutted and shocked that he didn't sign him before Barca got to him ,i thought it was a natural progression.That being said Wenger needs to look at Diarra of Real madrid instead he's better.

Steely Hill · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:00 am

Big Jono wrote:

shaggy wrote:

Good buy, hes a good player who should fit in well with the rest of the team.

Wengers also had a blast at AC Milan today, anything that slates italian teams is worth a read Very Happy

Quote:

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has launched a scathing attack on AC Milan after the Italian club's capture of Mathieu Flamini this week.

Wenger told The Sun: "What is a big club? Is it only down to trophies? This club here has a history of being built by people of values.

"I'm not sure that in the history of Milan you'll find the same values this club has.

"And, for me, that is a big club, a club that comes out of people's desire to respect values. Look at our whole history, it's clean."

Allegations of corruption have dogged Milan owner and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi throughout his time in office.

And the Arsenal boss says Berlusconi's successor will inherit a stained history.

He added: "It is vital a club maintains those values we have.

"That is why at the head of the club you have a responsibility to keep these values and to make sure people who come after you can be proud.

"They may say this manager didn't win enough trophies but the club has kept its reputation for the whole history. That is vital."

Hypocritical asswipe, what exactly did he do with Sol Campbell? hmmm

he is unbelievable.

perhaps he should learn the history of his club.

its very foundation began on dodgy ground. heck the reason his club is now in north london is a constant reminder of their shady dealings.

Gorgeous George Graham continued this trend with his collection of bungs.

add to this the underhand poaching and exploitation of poor belgian clubs and legal loopholes abroad and you have a good old fashioned bout of hypcorisy from the ever dignified Mr Wenger

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 1:49 pm

specnur wrote:

papa5murf wrote:

Rumor has it that Ben Arfa has already signed a contract with Arsenal after Arsenal have agreed a �15 million deal with Lyon. This actually goes to fuel the speculation that Lyon are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Samir Nasri.

And a couple quotes from Wenger concerning transfers.

'I know what I want and I am very confident,' he said.

'I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. They (fans) should be re-assured by what they see.'

'It would be better to buy someone who has played in England because they are less risky, but it costs more money if they are from the Premier League,' Wenger said.

'Maybe I will try to do both.'

This goes to strengthen the possibility of him signing Kranjcar and Johnson.

As for the Adebayor issue about him asking �80k a week ... he's come out and stated that it's complete rubbish.

I don't think adebayor would do that.African players are not as greedy as other players ,they have abetter understanding and grasp of where they come from and family.

Krancjar or Ben Arfa are not Arsenal calibre players as far as i have seen.There were times when Krancjar showed some signs of running at the defense this season and looked good doing so ,but not consistently.His passing is not good at all from my recollection.
Ben Arfa ,like i stated before is a selfish little pr*ck,and his behaviour at being benched behind a player that is obviously head and shoulders above his own ability (Benzema) was incredibly childish.Maybe Arsena needs to look at that situation before signing that clown.

Them not being good enough (in your eyes) for Arsenal is not a reason to not sign them. Was Adebayor good enough when we signed him? How about Sagna or Flamini or Hleb or ... the list can go on. Hell was Henry good enough when we signed him?

The fact of the matter is Kranjcar (23) and Ben Arfa (21) have great potential. And who better than the Professor himself to teach them and progress their footballing and possibly make them into stars like he has with so many others.

Steely Hill · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:16 pm

papa5murf wrote:

specnur wrote:

papa5murf wrote:

Rumor has it that Ben Arfa has already signed a contract with Arsenal after Arsenal have agreed a �15 million deal with Lyon. This actually goes to fuel the speculation that Lyon are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Samir Nasri.

And a couple quotes from Wenger concerning transfers.

'I know what I want and I am very confident,' he said.

'I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. They (fans) should be re-assured by what they see.'

'It would be better to buy someone who has played in England because they are less risky, but it costs more money if they are from the Premier League,' Wenger said.

'Maybe I will try to do both.'

This goes to strengthen the possibility of him signing Kranjcar and Johnson.

As for the Adebayor issue about him asking �80k a week ... he's come out and stated that it's complete rubbish.

I don't think adebayor would do that.African players are not as greedy as other players ,they have abetter understanding and grasp of where they come from and family.

Krancjar or Ben Arfa are not Arsenal calibre players as far as i have seen.There were times when Krancjar showed some signs of running at the defense this season and looked good doing so ,but not consistently.His passing is not good at all from my recollection.
Ben Arfa ,like i stated before is a selfish little pr*ck,and his behaviour at being benched behind a player that is obviously head and shoulders above his own ability (Benzema) was incredibly childish.Maybe Arsena needs to look at that situation before signing that clown.

Them not being good enough (in your eyes) for Arsenal is not a reason to not sign them. Was Adebayor good enough when we signed him? How about Sagna or Flamini or Hleb or ... the list can go on. Hell was Henry good enough when we signed him?

The fact of the matter is Kranjcar (23) and Ben Arfa (21) have great potential. And who better than the Professor himself to teach them and progress their footballing and possibly make them into stars like he has with so many others.

Thierry Henry had just been France's top scorer at the 1998 World Cup which you dont need me to remind you they won. also on Bastille Day 1998, he was awarded France's highest decoration, the Legion d'Honneur. it really winds me up how people make out wenger 'unearthed' Henry like he was some kind of nobody until wenger nurtured him.

Prior to signing for Arsenal Sagna had just been voted France's best right-sided defender in the 2006�07 season, Auxerre's player of the season and in the Ligue 1 team of the year. again, hardly a 'hidden gem'.

Flamini had one good season out of four.

Hleb still has a lot to prove, particularly in the staying fit and keeping consistent stakes

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:32 pm

Steely Hill wrote:

papa5murf wrote:

specnur wrote:

papa5murf wrote:

Rumor has it that Ben Arfa has already signed a contract with Arsenal after Arsenal have agreed a �15 million deal with Lyon. This actually goes to fuel the speculation that Lyon are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Samir Nasri.

And a couple quotes from Wenger concerning transfers.

'I know what I want and I am very confident,' he said.

'I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. They (fans) should be re-assured by what they see.'

'It would be better to buy someone who has played in England because they are less risky, but it costs more money if they are from the Premier League,' Wenger said.

'Maybe I will try to do both.'

This goes to strengthen the possibility of him signing Kranjcar and Johnson.

As for the Adebayor issue about him asking �80k a week ... he's come out and stated that it's complete rubbish.

I don't think adebayor would do that.African players are not as greedy as other players ,they have abetter understanding and grasp of where they come from and family.

Krancjar or Ben Arfa are not Arsenal calibre players as far as i have seen.There were times when Krancjar showed some signs of running at the defense this season and looked good doing so ,but not consistently.His passing is not good at all from my recollection.
Ben Arfa ,like i stated before is a selfish little pr*ck,and his behaviour at being benched behind a player that is obviously head and shoulders above his own ability (Benzema) was incredibly childish.Maybe Arsena needs to look at that situation before signing that clown.

Them not being good enough (in your eyes) for Arsenal is not a reason to not sign them. Was Adebayor good enough when we signed him? How about Sagna or Flamini or Hleb or ... the list can go on. Hell was Henry good enough when we signed him?

The fact of the matter is Kranjcar (23) and Ben Arfa (21) have great potential. And who better than the Professor himself to teach them and progress their footballing and possibly make them into stars like he has with so many others.

Thierry Henry had just been France's top scorer at the 1998 World Cup which you dont need me to remind you they won. also on Bastille Day 1998, he was awarded France's highest decoration, the Legion d'Honneur. it really winds me up how people make out wenger 'unearthed' Henry like he was some kind of nobody until wenger nurtured him.

Prior to signing for Arsenal Sagna had just been voted France's best right-sided defender in the 2006�07 season, Auxerre's player of the season and in the Ligue 1 team of the year. again, hardly a 'hidden gem'.

Flamini had one good season out of four.

Hleb still has a lot to prove, particularly in the staying fit and keeping consistent stakes

Yes, they were all good players. But I'm just trying to make my point to 'specnur', that just because they at the current time don't seem to be 'good enough' for Arsenal, doesn't mean that they can't become great. Henry was a great player before coming, but he became a legend and a superstar while wearing an Arsenal shirt.

Anyone can argue that at the time of Henry being signed, he wasn't 'good enough' to play for Arsenal; or when Sagna signed, he wasn't 'good enough' for Arsenal. The same for Flamini, as he had his breakout season this year after being a so called 'nobody'. Now he's a star and a force in the middle.

I personally don't care how good or bad they are or if they are worthy of wearing an Arsenal shirt when they first come in. Obviously I'll have my wishes of who to bring in, and critique the ones I have no idea about or what not. But in the end, it's what they do with their time here while wearing an Arsenal shirt that I care about.

Steely Hill · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:36 pm

anybody who genuinely believed that Henry or indeed Sagna were 'not good nough for Arsenal' at the time of purchase are either on crack, deluded or clueless

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:34 pm

Ram K1 wrote:

Arsenal are chasing �15m rated Olympique Marseille attacking midfielder Samir Nasri who�s contract talks at hte French club have stalled (The Daily Star)

Samir Nasri is a hugely talented Frenchman, a 20 year old with an already impressive collection of matches under his belt. He plays the Arsene way, in much the same way as often mentioned fellow countrymen Ben Arfa and Benzema, and has been one of the main reasons that Marseille are back to being the force they once were. The French international has already seemingly made it clear he wants a move away and surely he will treat the Gunners with more respect than the last man they picked up from the South of France club! Do Arsenal fans rate Nasri? Or are there more than enough young talents in the squad?

so do you want nasri or do you have other targets in mind?

Yes, I'm pretty sure we all rate Samir Nasri. He's been on Arsenal's radar for some time. He'd be the direct replacement for Cesc in the instance he's to get injured or just fatigued. I'm not sure how it would work with them both playing together in the middle though.

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:40 pm

specnur wrote:

YoBBo wrote:

Not sure if anyones already posted it but rumours have it that Wenger is keen to bring in Kolo's brother Yaya from Barcelona for 15 million.

I was gutted and shocked that he didn't sign him before Barca got to him ,i thought it was a natural progression.That being said Wenger needs to look at Diarra of Real madrid instead he's better.

I've read reports of ₤10m for him.

Also it seems like Wenger isn't set on Diaby being the 'future' replacement for Vieira. And according to The People, the Frenchman has pegged Toure to fill the void left by not only Flamini�s departure, but that of former skipper Patrick Vieira in 2005.

If Barcelona are to sell Toure, I feel that Arsenal have a great chance to sign him. His older brother is already here and is likely to grab the captains armband next year so that could lure Yaya to Arsenal.

J-Axe · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:52 pm

Yaya would be superb and I said that before he joined Barcelona. He's a player I hugely admire and I think he'd excel at Arsenal.

Diaby potentially is the future, but he's not as strong as someone like Yaya and he's too injury prone to be considered in that light at the moment.

Ram K1 · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 7:29 pm

kranjcar?
from what i've seen he hasn't been brilliant

you should be looking at benzema or ben arfa

J-Axe · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:56 pm

Benzema will cost top dollar and Ben Arfa looks hugely overrated to me.

Kranjčar won't be cheap either and I don't think he has the technique to fit in at Arsenal; at least not consistently at the high level that is necessary at Arsenal. He may be stronger and more direct than Hleb, but never will he have the vision, skill or technique to combine well with our Midfield and attack.

specnur · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 12:53 am

J-Axe wrote:

Benzema will cost top dollar and Ben Arfa looks hugely overrated to me.

Kranjčar won't be cheap either and I don't think he has the technique to fit in at Arsenal; at least not consistently at the high level that is necessary at Arsenal. He may be stronger and more direct than Hleb, but never will he have the vision, skill or technique to combine well with our Midfield and attack.

all completely true.

Diarra from Real madrid please rather than Ya ya ,trust me he's better and the best replacement for the Vieira role in the entire game today.Even if Hleb doesn't leave.
Pretty please!

ImmortaL · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 7:34 am

Arsenal are Linked with Ben Arfa(�12million), Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol of Valencia(Could you guys tell me whether they are good enough???) and Stuttgart's Mario Gomez...

Also Gilberto has said that he wants to stay at Arsenal...

About Hleb's situation...

Quote:

Wenger is in no doubt his side "can only be stronger" for their experiences.

"When you are a winner, you go through a process where you have to lose, and it is how much you learn from losing which makes you a winner the next time," he said.

Whether or not winger Alexander Hleb shares that belief remains to be seen, with the player's agent claiming he is ready to buy out his contract under the 'Webster clause' to free him to join Inter Milan.

Wenger, though, maintains he is not about to let anybody else follow midfielder Mathieu Flamini out of Emirates Stadium, and warned invoking the latest addition to FIFA's Article 17 is not as easy as it sounds.

A "notice" must be handed to the club within 15 days of the end of the season - which would be May 26 - if Hleb, who missed the last three games of the season through suspension, wanted to terminate his contract under the new ruling or risk being banned from playing while the dispute was resolved through arbitration.

Also, 'Theo ready for starring role':

Quote:

The Arsenal manager firmly believes with the right work ethic, Walcott can play a major part in the club's future - and not just as an impact player off the bench.

"Theo started the season as a promising young player, and he has finished the season as a guy who is ready to fight for a regular place in the side," Wenger said.

"The next step for him is to be a guy who can produce regularly performances and efficiency.

"I am very hopeful because he can be decisive. He is sometimes maybe too much in and out of the game, but when he is in, he is completely in."

Wenger revealed he saw Walcott's long-term role at the spearhead of the Arsenal attack.

"He is a player who is decisive and in his mind, he plays to be decisive," said Wenger.

"Of course, when you play in midfield, you cannot always be decisive, you have to contribute as well to the defending and the attacking.

"It is not what he likes the most, that's why I believe in the future, he will be more a central striker.

"But for him, education wise, it is fantastic for him to play first in the middle because he has to work for the team, he has to run back, he has to close down and still keep his potential to go in behind the defenders and make a decision at the right moment."

And Wenger is in no doubt Walcott - signed from Southampton as a 16-year-old in January 2006 - can cut it at the highest level.

"Theo is ready to be in the squad," said Wenger.

"We know he scores goals in the Premier League and I am confident that he will get his chance."

Big Jono · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:14 pm

Dont know if this has been posted before but ive heard a rumour that Arsenal bid 7million pounds for Mark Noble last week.

ImmortaL · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:18 pm

Gattuso has apparently agreed terms with Bayern it seems...

Quote:

Bayern Munich have already reached an agreement with AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, according to reports.

The Italy international has been targeted by the Bundesliga club to boost their team for an assault on the Champions League next season while striker Luca Toni has repeatedly stated he would welcome a compatriot in the Bayern team next season.

According to Italy's Italia 1 television, the Bavarians have been able to convince the 30-year-old to join with a lucrative contract offer and are now set for talks with his club over a fee.

Earlier this week, Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer claimed Gattuso would be "perfect" for Bayern.

With Milan having signed Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal, Gattuso may now be allowed to leave should the club receive the right offer, believed to be around 20million euros.

The Rossoneri may also ask for unsettled Bayern full-back Willy Sagnol as a makeweight for a deal, according to reports in Italy and Germany.

So he's not coming to Emirates. I'd have liked him to play for us. But no worries if he goes to bayern as I'm sure Wenger will find a perfect replacement for Flamini...

ImmortaL · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:28 pm

Arsenal: Lehmann set for Stuttgart switch

Quote:

Arsenal's out of favour goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has admitted he could see himself playing for Stuttgart but has not ruled out retiring from the game altogether.

The Bundesliga club have reportedly made an approach for the 38-year-old stopper, who can leave the Gunners on a free transfer this summer.

Stuttgart's number one, Raphael Schafer, has failed to live up to expectations since joining from Nurnberg last season and has been dropped for the final game of the season after making one mistake too many.

Lehmann, who lost his place to Manuel Almunia after a shaky start to the campaign, has long been expected to return to his home country for a final swansong.

He said: "Yes, if I choose to keep playing, then I can imagine playing for VfB (Stuttgart). VfB is an established name in the Bundesliga."

However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Lehmann is delaying making his decision until after this summer's Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

"He has indicated to me that he will make a decision after the European Championships and he will certainly be influenced by the way it goes," said Wenger.

"He does not know if he will continue to play."

Well, I was always a fan of him and he's a great player. Hope he continues to play after the Euros for VFB instead of retiring...

papa5murf · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 4:49 pm

Ok, things are coming in left and right, so I'm going to make some cliff-notes here so we don't continue to repeat things.

Strikers:
- Mario Gomez of Stuutgart is apparently in talks with Arsenal. The going price is �16m. There have been a couple things popping up stating that he has already signed. Apparently a few reports that he has also stated that he is in talks with Arsenal. Guess only time will tell on this mater.

- Oba Martins of Newcastle has apparently gained interest from Arsenal. The going price is roughly �13m, but Martins has come out and stated it's a media fabrication as to Arsenals interest in him.

Midfielders:
- Hatem Ben Arfa has confirmed talks with Arsenal. There was a rumor a couple days ago that he had already signed and that Lyon and Arsenal have already agreed to a �13m transfer fee for the man. However, nothing beyond that has been announced anywhere, maybe waiting for the French campaign to complete as Lyon still has a couple matches left to play.

- Yaya Toure has been linked with a move to Arsenal. The reports are that Arsenal have lined up a �10m bid for him. As Barcelona will be going through changes this off-season, it's not out of the question. Also with his older brother already at Arsenal and possibly taking the captains armband next season, it could lure Yaya to join Arsenal.

- Niko Kranjcar has been linked with Arsenal for the past month. Reports are he will cost around �12m. This move has been talked about everywhere, from TV news to internet articles. The main turning point in this deal could be the future of Hleb. If Hleb is to leave, I can see this deal happening ASAP; but if Hleb is to stay, the deal could fall through.

- Charles N'Zogbia of Newcastle has been linked with a �5m move to Arsenal. However, they'll be fighting Tottenham for his signature. There have also been word of Keegan wanting to do a swap deal (player for player) with Tottenham as well.

- Michael Johnson of Man City. The word is Arsenal are looking to capitalize on the unfolding chaos at Man City. He's an England under-21 player, and Wenger feels that he could replace Flamini. I don't remember the price of him, and I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Defenders:
- Richard Dunne of Man City has been linked. Not sure if this is just media speculation/fabrication. Apparently Newcastle are also in the running as the defender could go for as little as �1m. I feel that he would rather go to Newcastle as they are in need of defensive help and Dunne would slot right into the starting XI. With Arsenal he'll have to fight for his place against Toure and Gallas, and not sure if he's willing to do so in the prime of his career.

- Vincent Kompany has also been linked again as Arsenal have renewed their interest in him. Wenger placed a bid a few years ago, but Kompany decided to go to Hamburg instead. Now Wenger believes he is more ready for the EPL. Apparently rated at �15m. This could also be one of those rumors thrown out for dramatic effect.

- Raul Albiol of Valencia. Rated at around �10m. He fits in perfect with the mold of Wenger as he's young and an emerging talent. This seems to be more likely among the defenders rumored to be on the move to Arsenal. Since he is young, he could be the backup to Toure and Gallas. And as Gallas will be past the 30 year old mark where Wenger and Arsenal only offer one year contracts, it could lure Albiol to join Arsenal in a dream to play regular football the following year.

So if these rumors are accurate. Hatem Ben Arfa and Mario Gomez will be coming to Arsenal, while the others are/not in the works.

Arsenal: Lehmann set for Stuttgart switch

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