Written by Squid Boy on Tuesday, 30 August 2011 21:53

Pretty eventful going in the world of Arsenal since I last blogged on Friday night, eh?

I guess I’ll start where I don’t want to – Old Trafford on Sunday. I’m not going to ruminate over the game, for Omomo has already done that here.

I will say that we went in with a scratch side but even then, the whole was less than the sum of its parts. Blame for this can be laid at the door of everyone – from the players on the pitch for not performing adequately or showing enough desire; to the manager for his tactics where we took off our only defensive midfielder (Coquelin) at 3-1 and brought on someone more attacking and even less experienced (Chamberlain); to the manager/Board for not handling our summer transfers better and leaving us in such a precarious position following all the injuries and suspensions.

The injuries were unfortunate and are largely unavoidable, especially with Vermaelen and Sagna missing out late on. But blame can also lie at the feet (and hands) of those who were suspended, especially Alex Song. Remember his second-half against Udinese last Wednesday where he protected the back four so expertly? We sorely needed that on Sunday, but ill-discipline cost us.

A terrible day at the office for all concerned. Except the away fans, who were utterly magnificent and wholly-deserved their refund. Following the game there was a #refundtheawayfans movement on Twitter and the Club listened. Some were against it on the basis that once you pay your money to attend a game, you take your chances on the result. I agree with that sentiment completely, but this wasn’t about the money at all – it was a gesture from the Club to show their appreciation and exhibit some remorse for the performance.

Of course, the money is better used elsewhere. Namely on new signings. And it seems the extent of the defeat has jolted the Club into action.

Even before the Mauling in Manchester, the wheels were in motion as news broke that we had hijacked Lille’s move for Monaco striker Park Chu Young. Arsene himself all-but confirmed the deal in his post-match interview on Sunday, and it was confirmed by the Club today. The South Korean skipper will wear the hallowed no.9 jersey and I hope “Finsbury” (as I have now nicknamed him) fares better in it than previous incumbents Eduardo, Baptista, Reyes and Jeffers. Even Suker, Anelka and Merson before them didn’t have long-lasting careers at the Club once inheriting the jersey.

For more on Park, check out Mean Lean’s blog from Saturday which contains snazzy videos of our new boy at his best.

One of the main culprits on Sunday was Armand Traore. Heavily linked with QPR yesterday and with the move completing today, this naturally left us bereft of natural left-backs. Our sole one would be Kieran Gibbs but he has Arsenal DNA when it comes to injuries. Other options would have included moving Vermaelen over to the left – which I am very much against as he is our best central defender – or keeping Sagna there and having Jenkinson on the right. While the latter option worked a treat at Udinese last week, Jenkinson’s youth and inexperience was shown up on Sunday as he was run ragged by Ashley Young and eventually sent-off. He proved his talent against Udinese but he simply can’t do it on a consistent basis just yet.

So...short of a left-back? Not for long, as news broke in Turkey yesterday evening that a £6.5 million deal was in place to sign Brazilian international Andre Santos. I’m no expert on the player, but the bare facts bode well – 28 years old, 22 caps for a country that traditionally has a conveyor belt of excellent left-backs, nearly 6ft tall so should be able to deal with diagonal balls aimed at him.

Speaking to those more informed on Twitter, views on him are thoroughly mixed. Some say he will be a quality signing, others say he is not as good as the above facts suggest. What everyone agrees on is that we needed another body there. There were rumours that there could be a snag with his work permit, but it sounds like this has been ironed out and he is due for a medical. The formal announcement is expected tomorrow.

On the subject of experienced international defenders, what do we have here? Oh, it’s German behemoth Per Mertesacker. While the entire world and his dog had been looking to Gary Cahill, Arsene has again pulled another one out of the bag. News broke this morning that a fee of circa £7 million (way less than half of what Bolton want for Gary Cahill) had been agreed, and that the player was due to leave the German national team and undertake a medical with us. In fact, as I type, Sky Sports are reporting that said medical has been passed and personal terms have been agreed. The formal announcement is expected tomorrow.

Still keeping up? Excited? WE’VE MANAGED TO BAG THREE EXPERIENCED INTERNATIONALS!

Admittedly they don’t have Premiership experience, which many of us wanted. But to write-off internationals with playing time in the Champions League and/or major tournaments would be massively premature in my view. Vermaelen, Sagna and Eduardo were in a similar price bracket and hadn’t played in the Premiership before, but look how they turned out?

As a result of Mertesacker, the deal for Gary Cahill has been on-off all day. One moment we hear that a fee with Bolton has been agreed, the next we hear that the deal is off and he’s closing in on a move to Spurs. At this point his signature would be a bonus, and I can see us going in with a late late bid tomorrow evening as Bolton fret that he’ll walk on a free. We’ll see how it plays out.

Some will say the moves for Santos and Mertesacker and Park smell of desperation on the basis that our interest in them was unbeknownst to any of us. While I can see the rationale behind this notion, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good players.

We know it hasn’t been a good summer in the transfer market for us. We know that the protracted nature of Cesc and Nasri departures handicapped us and that we left our own dealings too late. But I for one am happy and relieved that we’re bringing players in, irrespective of whether or not we’ve tracked them for ages. The Club is righting the wrongs, and better late than never.

And it’s not over yet. Just over 24 hours remain for us to nab that final piece in the puzzle – a midfielder. All rumours indicate that it will be a creative one, with a supposedly rejected bid for Borussia Dortmund’s young starlet Mario Goetze. Throughout the day many names have been bandied about, including Marvin Martin, Juan Manuel Vargas, and Yossi Benayoun. There were even rumours that we are working hard to secure a “wow” signing, maybe in the form of a Kaka or Sneijder. Others have suggested that the more defensive Yann M’Vila is most likely, with Jack Wilshere to be pushed forward into a more advanced role.

I haven’t got the foggiest who it will be (if anyone?), but I do believe we want one more player. And on the basis of our speed and efficiency in wrapping up Park, Santos and Mertesacker, I wouldn’t put it past the Club to pull it off. We have the money, we have the desire. Only time is against us.

I commented on Twitter the other day that this summer’s dealings had left us 2-0 down with only 10 minutes to play. Now I’d say that we have grabbed a consolation and an equaliser. All we need now is a last-minute winner in the form of a “super quality” midfielder. C’mon you Gunners, make our deadline day.

P.S. if you’re on Twitter, you can follow the Arsenal Vision team for all the deadline day madness. Myself, the main man Mean Lean, Wenger Boy, Iron Man, and Omomo.

Squid Boy

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Comments (32)

• 30-Aug-2011 22:32 | | PTangYangKipperBang  - Good post
  

  Yea'up Nice article. Like it

• 30-Aug-2011 22:59 | | Declan
  

  Hazard and m'vila..only drawback is transfer fees, but these are realistic, as the wages will not be as high as the likes of kaka and snejder. Not afraid to spend 40 million on players? Prove it. Make our transfer deadline day and steer the ship 'forward'

• 30-Aug-2011 23:06 | | MeanLean
  

  Nice read SB,
  
  The end of the transfer window has actually come at a pretty good time. A great chance to take our minds off that thing that happened at that place. I have been high fiving myself (as you do) about our recent players but I am waiting until that 'Cesc replacement' comes in before I slide on my knee's and pump my fists. If that players doesn't come in then I will weep quietly to myself.
  
  Fingers crossed

• 30-Aug-2011 23:10 | | GunnerX  - Glass halffull
  

  Its amazing how a few signings and going outs, I might add, can lift the feeling of doom and gloom, long may it continue! Come on you Gunners!

• 31-Aug-2011 00:08 | | Man United Killa  - Exactly Gunner X
  

  Nice point...We have to keep the fire of ambition burning at any time t-0 seconds.These signing don't guarantee a trophy and are not too expensive but its a good start.If we need to add one or two expensive players down the line then so be it..but bottom line is that,If you really want to win something you have to spend some money sometimes and go for some big names sometimes.Big names dont always perform but there is still a reason why they are big names..Performance is the reason.It's a shame that we left it this late but at least efforts are being made.Long Live The Arsenal!

• 31-Aug-2011 00:10 | | Man United Killa
  

  SB..I am not sure if the contents of the article is what makes it a fine article but all I can say is I am on the same page with you.I have heard M'Villa is signing.Rumors abound about Dempsey.I rate him highly.

• 31-Aug-2011 00:11 | | Man United Killa  - question
  

  ML..replacement for Cesc?Who might that be?Have a clue?

• 31-Aug-2011 00:13 | | Man United Killa
  

  Oh and IMO, I wish Park wont have to play in center forward position.I feel he is great passer of the ball..he might be more dangerous from midfield..This is just what I think.

• 31-Aug-2011 01:11 | | MeanLean
  

  That is a great question, I don't really know. However I do know that Martin Marvin has a fine assist record and is affordable.
  
  Who would you go for?

• 31-Aug-2011 04:33 | | Man United Killa  - tough question indeed
  

  On the lighter side,let me say I want my Cesc back..I want no one else..if only wishes were horses.The pass master I call him!
  That was just by the way..but I like
  Andrea Cossu from Cagliari.Old player but he is one of my favorite play makers.He is 31.
  On the younger side:
  Balazs Dzsudzasak (dont know if I spelt it right) is a very intelligent player.will be my first choice.
  Joao Moutinho is a fine playmaker too.
  I liked Sahin until he went looking for the money @ Madrid.
  There is a guy who plays to Per Metersacker-Marko Marin..fine player.
  But I would like to see our new Korean play behind the striker or in midfield.It is just me or is this guy a superb passer of the ball?

• 31-Aug-2011 06:50 | | indian gunner forever  - playmaker.....
  

  how about yoan gourcouff???

• 31-Aug-2011 10:44 | | richie  - replacements, replacements dam replacements.
  

  Thats the problem Cesc was always gonna be irreplaceable IMHO only the massively expensive Snieder fits the Cesc "Playmaker" bill. There are many others of course but they wouldn't be available Barca's Xavi for example. Lable me an AKB all you want but, I also think Arsene would've successfully adapted his first choice "fill in" Valencia's winger with vision Jaun Mata to that position. Had Kroenke's man in the mix Richard Law managed to do the biz before Chelski got wind of our target and turned our targets head with loads more €€€.

• 31-Aug-2011 11:41 | | mr h
  

  I would say Park is going to take on the Bendtner position, wide right making runs into the centre and alternating with RVP. It looks like our Striking Viking is gonna leave for St(r)oke, I think he'll do well there, which absolutely galls me to admit. I like B52 and would be sad if he leaves. The only problem is Arsenal are not the right team for him.
  
  The replacing of the irreplaceable is going to be a tough task, but honestly, if anyone can do it it is our manager. He really seems to be putting his magic to work this year.
  
  Come on you glorious Gunners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 31-Aug-2011 12:19 | | kev11
  

  Mario kid. He's good. But as you mentioned Marvin Martin is the more realistic option. Who would you prefer if ML?

• 31-Aug-2011 12:25 | | kev11
  

  M'Villa is very good but a little defensive. What if Jack can't play a few games, and i'm sure he won't then who goes onto the playmaker's position. Apart from Young Jack we really haven't got a player with a vision for killer passes. Wish Marvin Martin or the Goetze kid is signed.

• 31-Aug-2011 15:26 | | Spectrum
  

  Man Utd. Killa - Park Chu Young. Assuming he's more than just average, we may well only get two years out of him. In 2013 he's obliged to do national service in Korea. How did that happen F.F.S. ? Weren't we aware of this before we signed him ?
  " ******************"

• 31-Aug-2011 15:30 | | Spectrum
  

  Say what you like about Nasri, but he's spot on with these comments....
  
  http://www.click-manchester.com/sport/manchester-city/1214107- manchester-city-training-level-above-arsenal-claims-samir-nasri.html
  
  " In Arsene I trust."

• 31-Aug-2011 15:31 | | MeanLean
  

  *Spectrum in anti Wenger comment shock*

• 31-Aug-2011 15:32 | | MeanLean
  

  Yup MUK. would have loved Cesc to have stayed with us. You cannot get a player in his position who can do what he does. Shame really but it is time to move on. We really need to add creativity to that area.

• 31-Aug-2011 15:34 | | red boy
  

  Still shopping at the corner shop 40 odd mill spent on a load of shit

• 31-Aug-2011 15:43 | | Cosmos
  

  Lets thank Fergie and Man United for humiliating AW and compelling him to realise how his stinginess is fatally sending arsenal to the wilderness of World Soccer.
  
  Lets also commend Wenger for at least making some average signing which I think would prove to be the most important decision in the last 5 yrs. In my opinion, Santos is more experienced and is equal to Clichy in terms of attacking but slightly ahead of Clichy when it comes to defending. He has the aerial ability and also posses some of the physical demands of the premiership.
  But I would say that Per is an average defender just like Kos and also very tall player so could be paired with TV5 to partly solve our problems with high balls.
  
  But I think Wenger has partially solved the problem. It looks like Wenger is going to bring another average midfielder looking how things are going and that would fatally cost us because Persie and Walcott would not be that effective without an excellent creative.
  I suggest we go for an equally excellent player like Cesc or Nasri to fully make our midfield one of the best in the world.
  
  
  But on the whole I think we would still play in Europe next season with the inclusion of Per and Santos in our squad and I suggest we go for better reinforcement for Sagna in January.
  
  LONG LIVE ARSENAL

• 31-Aug-2011 15:52 | | Spectrum
  

  Calm down with these transfers. While new signings MAY help somewhat, remember the source of most, if not all, our problems IS STILL WITH US. What is the point of having shiny new players, when our tactically clueless manager cannot utilise them effectively ? This is the guy who only knows one way to play – ATTACK. When that doesn’t get results, he’s got no idea what to do next.
  We’ll keep playing a high defensive line, not pressing / closing down, and leaving gaps for opposition teams to exploit. We’ll still fail to put a man on the goal line covering the post, and get punished for it, like we did against United. We’ll still be weak at set pieces. Will we organise our defence any better ? How many others will be played out of position ( Bendtner, e.t.c. ). Do you think Wenger will change his habits and play Arshavin more centrally – and maybe getting more from him ? Don’t think so. Will we suddenly have a “Plan B” now ? What are the chances of Wenger holding on to a lead by going defensive, and closing the game out ? I could go on….but you get the picture. Lee Dixon said the other day that Wenger went to Old Trafford with ( quote ) “no tactical plan whatever”. How can an orchestra play in harmony, when the conductor is senile ?
  These signings he HAD to make to save his hide from a lynch mob. The United result just underlined that reality. Until we rid ourselves of this incompetent fool, we’ll struggle this season, and in future ones.
  ” ******************”

• 31-Aug-2011 15:56 | | red boy
  

  Are these new players gunna let us complete with man u man c chelsea and liverpoo i dont think so

• 31-Aug-2011 16:42 | | Man United Killa  - Spectrum what do you think?
  

  Spectrum.that's news to me..I do not know of this national service..thanks for the info.I understand you perfectly.Maybe we might be able to work something out when that time comes.On the other hand, think he is more than average.He seems like a fine player.I must say though that I hope Wenger does not play him as a center forward.He seems to have a way with passing the ball.About the national service thingy-So has Man United's J.S. Park done his national service already? I dont know a lot about this service thing.
  By the way Spectrum,what do you think of Per Metersacker and Santos?I am pretty pleased.I feel we are showing some intent now.
  And remember that the fact that he (Park) is cheap wont necessarily mean he is average.Van Der Vaat came cheap for Tottenham-but God knows I wish we got him instead.Spurs dont deserve him.lol..
  I want to know what you think

• 31-Aug-2011 16:47 | | Man United Killa
  

  ML..I agree but my trend of thought is that you never know.Cesc is awesome but given the development tools he had at his exposure it is darn well possible that we will find someone who can do a great job and I dare say better.I dont underestimate the power of the impossible.It might take some time but nothing lasts forever.
  You have to admit that If Cesc had not had all the world class facilities and exposure to world class players during his time at Arsenal,there is a pretty good chance he might not have turned out the way he is now.So if we have been capable of turning Cesc to what he is why are we not capable of that one more time.Like i said,players like him dont come everyday but getting a playmaker is not as hard as we make it out to be.There are a couple of players out there who can make the team tick with superb passes and assists.these are my thoughts.

• 31-Aug-2011 16:49 | | Man United Killa
  

  well Mr H that sucks..I wish he would play behind the striker or in midfield.Now this is one thing I hate about Wenger.He seems to play players in wrong positions.Darn!!!

• 31-Aug-2011 16:54 | | Man United Killa  - True Spectrum
  

  Hmmm..we have issues dont we? I dont think these signing will put us right up there with the Manures,Cheskis and all that but I think it's a start as long as we keep signing world class players when we have the chance.Now Wenger has steadily destroyed this team over the past couple of years so it will take a while to build it back up.But I feel I will give him some little credit for showing intent.I am still not a big fan of him.I just hope he does his job and brings in wc players-and not the bunch of crappy youngsters he has been signing.
  On tactics---sigh!...I think Wenger has no more ideas.Same old same everyday.No plan B..No plan c...nothing..that is worrying because you can have all the best players and still win nothing if your tactics is garbage...ever heard a team called Real Madrid?

• 31-Aug-2011 16:55 | | Man United Killa
  

  Right about that..but we wont concede 8 goals with our new signings.

• 31-Aug-2011 17:00 | | Cosmos
  

  Red boy I think the new players will partially help us avoid further humiliations from City, Chelsea and other big clubs in Europe but if I have to be objective we cannot perfectly compete with these clubs for trophies. Wenger is only purchasing them because he things want arsenal to remain a top 4 club in England but I can confidently say that if he does not go a quality and creative midfielder we will not even play Europa league next season. Van Persie and the other Other attackers will be extremely impotent without a quality creative midfielder who can perfectly take the shoes of either Nasri or Fab.
  
  Let hope that Wenger Goes for Hazard , Arteta or an excellent player and stop gambling with low quality kids.

• 31-Aug-2011 20:12 | | red boy
  

  Cosmos like i said still shopping at the corner shop allways have allways will.Better off with 3 20mill plus players than 7 or 8 on the cheap wenger and the board owe the fans at least that.

• 01-Sep-2011 11:15 | | Feeno
  

  it was all over the news when we signed him you idiot

• 02-Sep-2011 18:48 | | richie  - Muk Mate double standards or what?
  

  "If Cesc had not had all the exposure to world class player during his time at Arsenal" Am I understanding that you now accept Arsene has bought world class players and world class training facilities to our club? For a minute there I couldn't believe that I was reading your post
  
  Who are the Cesc standard playmakers your talking about? That are easy to come buy?
  
  On another note I notice your mate Spectrum didn't answer your Spuds don't deserve VdV quote

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