The transfer signs are good, Arsenal, do continue
By Simon Rose
Milestones not millstones; RvP, take note
Lukas Podolski has today officially signed for Arsenal Football Club. Fantastic. I’ve always loved him as a player and I think his direct pacey style and fervent desire to wallop vicious left-foot goals will be a joy for us to behold. Added to the signing of Olivier Giroud and the release of some squad debris, Arsenal have already made a decent fist of their summer business.
Every close season, I place my trust in Arsenal to conduct their business in the appropriate manner, to prune what we don’t need and to add what we do. If we supporters can tell which players really should no longer be at the club and can identify others we could do with adding, then I would like to believe that Arsenal can see it too. Transfers are a murky and often squalid business; I entrust full faith in Arsenal to sell who needs to be sold and to buy those that should be bought.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that I trust Arsenal, or that they will do everything that they need to, but it is far better for your sanity as an Arsenal supporter to acknowledge that they should know football. They are the professional football club of over 125 years’ standing and frankly they should know what the hell they are doing. So, over the summer, I leave them to it.
Come the end of a season, I am more than happy to hand over transfer responsibility to Arsenal and to leave them to act accordingly. Come the end of a campaign, I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to spend my summer fretting about Arsenal and to worry over who is leaving and who is coming. It is Arsenal’s job, I trust them to do it properly. All I ask is that Arsenal know who they want and have the courage of their convictions to go ahead and do it. And so far, they are doing well.
For me, there are always two key transfer milestones and I expect Arsenal to act within them: the start of pre-season training and the start of the season itself. It is always vital to do as much of your business as possible before the start of pre-season, as that is a crucial time, to build fitness for the campaign ahead. There is very little scope for getting fit during the course of the season, it is such a packed calendar. During a campaign, there is only really time to top-up fitness, not to create it. If you miss pre-season training or, worse, are injured during it, then sadly you can frankly kiss your season goodbye. Players absent from, or injured during, pre-season training struggle for fitness all season.
The likes of Podolski and Giroud may begin their Arsenal pre-season training late due to Euro 2012 but that is not a distinct problem. They have been training and playing since the end of last season, until only recently. They need a break but their fitness levels will still be good and they just need a rest, before joining Arsenal’s preparations at a similar level to the rest of the squad, who have had a longer summer break.
Will Robin van Persie join them for Arsenal’s pre-season training? Who knows. I suspect that he will start his summer with Arsenal, even if he ends it elsewhere. As I say on Twitter, I don’t mind if he stays or goes, as long as it happens fast and for loads of money. What we don’t want is the annual dragged-out season-impairing transfer yawn of prolonged nonsense. We don’t need RvP amongst the pre-season training squad if he wants to leave, or starting the season with an eye on leaving.
You can understand why RvP may wish to leave and I have no problem with that: he wants to win trophies. Fine. There are some basic issues at stake and he must decide where the balance lies. No matter which football club you join, there is no guarantee of trophies. Regardless of your abilities, if you join a new club you have to settle into the make-up of an entirely different squad and set of egos. There is no guarantee that the style of play will be built around you, you may have to fit into it. You come with little of the goodwill that you have earned at your current club: you must re-prove yourself and you may not be afforded a long honeymoon. If you are deemed not to have impressed – by the new club and/or the media – then you could possibly be looking for a new club within two years, at best. And then which soul-destroying clubs might fancy you then?
At Arsenal, RvP has it made. He is the free-flowing high-scoring focus and captain of an adventurous attack-minded team. He is the man. He is loved by the fans. He has had a poor injury record, although he has been in good fitness for some time. He has a huge credit balance in his Arsenal supporters’ account. If he started the season averagely for Arsenal and scored no goals, his endeavour would be noted and excuses would be made by Arsenal fans. It wouldn’t be a major problem. If he went to a new club and performed in the same way, he would have a long way to go to salvage his reputation.
So if players cannot be signed by the start of the pre-season training – new ones or current ones – then they must be signed before the season itself begins, the second key milestone. Van Persie cannot be allowed to start the season with us, if he still might leave. We cannot have that. If he is to join Manchester City, I suspect that they will once again drag it out with conspicuous media comments and also may need to sell some of their debris before funding an RvP deal. Personally, I think van Persie would be well advised to sign on at Arsenal. Bar horrendous form, he will be guaranteed to be at Arsenal for the length of that contract. Go elsewhere and play poorly, or worse get a bad injury, and his career will feel like a mere memory, on hold somewhere new, with the dim prospect of a shabby exit to a drab club.
For now, Arsenal will shortly begin pre-season training having shifted some unmentionables and having signed some grade A additions. So they are doing well so far. I remain calm. They now have pre-season training to fuse the squad, physically and mentally, to focus on competing hard and long next season. Arsenal have until the season starts, for me, milestone two, to sell on those who need to go and to bring in much-needed quality in goal (at least a quality back-up here), in defence and in defensive central midfield.
Arsenal, I entrust you to continue apace. Only if suitable business has not been concluded by the time I peer at you from block 106, come the middle of August, will I allow myself to stress over your activities. Only then might I give in to concern that you are waiting until milestone three – the closing of the transfer window – before shifting your buttocks. Milestones, not millstones. So for now Arsenal, forward!
4th July 2012
User Comment and Reaction
User comments on this article are now closed. If you want to continue the debate, why not do so on the Gooner Forum.
Okporo gift chima 13:32pm 4th Jul 2012
Its great to hear that the squad is improving and our new signings too,im glad also that from my view point rvp might stay with the squad or if he doesn't i wish him goodluck wherever and which ever club he wish to play for to achieve trophies or if its the money,then let him be like samir nasri,but my most worry is what the media will say concerning the club,im a gunner for life. - Post No. 26082
Mark at Ashtead 13:50pm 4th Jul 2012
Well said! I'm hearing encouraging rumours about RvP but who the hell knows the truth in any of this stuff as we're about to enter the height of "silly season".... Bottom line is to own the process, and do whatever needs to be done, quickly. Good luck Arsene... - Post No. 26083
Tony Evans 14:09pm 4th Jul 2012
When and only when Wenger's transfer dealings include a decent defensive midfielder (two would be good but let's at least try to be realistic), an experienced keeper for Sirchesney to learn from, a proper left back that knows how to defend and a 4th centre half to replace Djourou / Squillaci will I be happy with Arsenal's summer transfer business. I think I will be in for a long wait as all Wenger cares about is attack and never mind if we let a few in at the back. - Post No. 26084
Canterbury Gooner 14:20pm 4th Jul 2012
RvP should stay really. Even a class act like Aguero needed a full season to settle in to Man City. It can take a good season or two to adapt to new systems of play, style, players etc., but if you think we're likely to see any more signings then don't hold your breath- Wenger said we'll only make 'one or two' signings. We know that we need four-five additions for a competitive squad but it won't happen. We're a defensive midfielder and left back short of a trophy-winning team, let alone squad! Wenger won't get a much needed centre back or left back because he feels Djourou is a worthy back up, that Mertesacker is not a slow lumbering tank and is worth £10 million, and that Santos who has zero interest or understanding in defending was a great acquisition. If the big teams in the EPL weren't so weak atm I'd have written this season off already... - Post No. 26085
REN VASSILLIOU 15:20pm 4th Jul 2012
the news is great to hear ,and yes we are moving forward ,the season before last we finished 4th and we had the likrs of Fabragas and Nasri [ weasel] and a couple of others, we need to stop showing as much support to to the dead wood and get them all out, the players that need to go once and for all are as follows, Mannone,Fabianski,Dejourou,Vela,Chamahke,Diaby,squillachi,Bendter,Rosicky,the man in brazil not that good i forgot his name .and there is maybe another two or three ,Denilson ... it's come to me what a player he turned out to be?? - Post No. 26086
Superted 16:00pm 4th Jul 2012
RVP owes the Gooners. Almost 10 injury hit seasons and he has one full and brilliant season. What about all the other seasons when we stood by him? When are you going to repay our loyalty? Sign or sod off!! - Post No. 26089
CT Gooner 16:12pm 4th Jul 2012
I'm not overly impressed so far. I like Podolski, but what does that say about Gervenio? Didn't we spend ~12 mil last summer on him, and now we're replacing him for another 12 mil? As for Giroud, is he coming to compete for a spot, or replace our tallisman? And beyond Alumnia, who was out of contract, who have we moved on? So for me, our early business has not strengthened our known weaknesses or cleared room for new players; we still need worthy experienced competition for Schez, a holding midfielder to force Song to concentrate on his development, and a replacement for Cesc. And I fail to see how we'll bring in the necessary reinforcements with a bloated payroll and too many foreign players. Come on Arsene, get on with the long over due refresh.... - Post No. 26091
maguiresbridge gooner 16:36pm 4th Jul 2012
Yes simon a very good start i hope he hasn't finished he certainly needs to continue another two or three wouldn't go amiss starting with a keeper judging by arsene's faith in keepers i would say it will be a back up.Theres still a lot of debris floating about to much in fact i wish i had the same trust as yourself in arsenal and arsene in who should be sold as we all know he's not exactly ruthless due to fat contracts and extensions there might still be deadwood floating about come the start of the season.Your spot on regards RVP we don't want another long drawn out affair with all kinds of speculation for weeks and weeks on end i think we'd all like to know if he's staying of going. - Post No. 26092
Patrick 16:50pm 4th Jul 2012
The defence conceded 49 goals last season.Yet we have bought two strikers!!!!Let me remind you at the moment our two full backs for the start of the season will be Jenkinson and Fat Boy.Scary.But as we all know defence is an after thought for Wenger.We need a back up RB Jenkinson is not good enough and a top class LB.And a DM who can protect the back 4 unlike Song.Teams who cant defend dont win anything.And RVP will go, never in a million years will Kroenke turn down £20m for a player who can go for free next summer see Nasri 2011 - Post No. 26093
Frank 17:39pm 4th Jul 2012
Wrong about RVP weren't you Simon? - Post No. 26094
AugustusCaesar 17:45pm 4th Jul 2012
I'd like to see us bring in at least one more experienced player regardless of whether we keep RvP. I think defensive midfielders and centre backs have been touted but the area that gives me the greatest cause for concern is left-back. Unfortunately because Gibbs is still young and a work-in-progress and Santos is a fairly recent addition to the squad so I cannot see Wenger buying a new left-back. Personally I don't think either player are at the required level. What I do like about the two signings so far is that they are big blokes. Something we've lacked in recent seasons. Giroud is 6'3" but Podolski is no dwarf either and looks a presence. I think Podolski has been slightly misrepresented as a flair player and I expect him to give us the kind of professionalism, discipline and savvy that Ballack brought to Chelsea for a few seasons, rather than mazy runs and flamboyance (albeit from a different position). Which I think is exactly what we need. - Post No. 26095
Angry & Frustrated 17:49pm 4th Jul 2012
Well I guess you don't have the nickname "Rose Tinted" for nothing Simon, as clearly your glass is always half full. Your counter argument to me would be that mine's always half empty, and that would probably be a fair observation also. You see I agree with Tony Evans's comments, and having now experienced the last 6 or 7 close seasons with Wenger at the helm, history tells me that he will not address his achilles heel, namely his defence. Don't get me wrong Arsenal's acquisitions of two forwards is a start, but worryingly as always his transfer dealings are with offence in mind. Even when he does acquire a defender, the most important aspect for Wenger is can he join in with the attack, rather than first and foremost can he do his job ie defend eg Santos (using the word defender for Santos I may find I have contravened the trade desciptions act!). Your method of chilling out because as you rightly say you have no control or influence at Arsenal anyway so why get stressed out is not for everyone, myself included. It's because I like many are desperate for the same mistakes not to be repeated ad infinitum, as we are sick to death with groundhog day, and just want our club to actually have a real realistic go at winning something. I am fed up with Arsenal being everybody else's second favourite team, which we can afford to be for them as we pose no real threat at the business end of each season. I am not getting any younger, having now been a Gooner for 42 years, and the one thing I still long to see before I kick the bucket is Arsenal winning the Champ League. With Wenger at the helm fat chance, especially if he continues with his only attack don't defend policy, as the moment we face a half decent European team it's as always arrivederci time. I guess summing up I want a more aggresive approach at the club not just in the transfer market, but with all the wasters currently on our books bleeding the resources dry. Coupled to this a manager who has more than one tactic, which is currently the same as you will find in most primary school playgrounds at lunchtime! So you see Simon in some ways I envy you your relaxed manner, being content with current proceedings as I don't doubt you ultimately want what I want which is for Arsenal to be succesful and winning all the big prizes. So could you post me a set of your glasses please! - Post No. 26096
Goonertom 17:53pm 4th Jul 2012
Bye Bye Van P, Thanks for the 1 whole season you gave us! only 1 true Arsenal dutch legend, We love you Dennis. Arsenal4life - Post No. 26097
LJB 17:53pm 4th Jul 2012
Mark "i'm hearing encouraging rumours about RVP" Well he has announced hes off because Wenger and gazidis are a joke.I'd change ur sources.This is Wengers last season;he should have taken the french job because we don't want him here. - Post No. 26098
GoonerGoal! 17:57pm 4th Jul 2012
And it came to pass that the great goalscorer known as RVP announced today that after a meeting with Gazidis and Wenger about the club’s future strategy and their policy. "I have decided not to extend my contract... unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward". And it doesn't end there! Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta to step up attempts to sign a central defender after missing out on top target Thiago Silva, who has signed a new deal at AC Milan. Barcelona's new target? Thomas Vermaelen! Aren't you just so glad you renewed your season ticket? - Post No. 26099
Radfordkennedy 18:03pm 4th Jul 2012
Just heard the news and as we all expected RVP will not extend his contract,fair play that he wants to go to an ambitious club and win real trophies that you can actually tie ribbons on,but i dont really want to see him going through the motions trying not to get injured next season,he is no longer one of us so out him now.Thanks for the memories robin goodbye and good luck and think of us in three years time when youve signed for the third club since you left us and youve only played 30 games in three years and even the chinese dont want you. - Post No. 26100
Seven Kings Gooner 18:27pm 4th Jul 2012
When I first went to Arsenal as a 10 year old, my first hero was David Herd - and the club sold him! The club have been selling my heroes ever since. So please excuse me if I don't get too upset about RVP going. In our house it was fully expected that he was off this year! - Post No. 26101
jjetplane 18:27pm 4th Jul 2012
Now RVp has wisely decided to go - are we as good as Newcastle? - Post No. 26102
Angry & Frustrated 18:37pm 4th Jul 2012
Well since I wrote my comments, I see that RVP will not be signing a new contract, which is not exactly shock horror news to most of us, and again that's why I need a pair of your "Rose Tinted" glasses!! - Post No. 26103
fozzy's mate 18:50pm 4th Jul 2012
Oh dear simon - every season you stick resolutely to your optimistic position despite all the evidence to the contrary. Anyone with a less than totally pro blinkered view could see that Podolski was the replacement for RVP. Podolski and Giroud are decent but 2nd rate signings. The denver dough trouserer and mr self sustainables pathetic level of non ambition revealed for all to see. How many more world class players must we watch walk away? An accounting firm stands where a football club once did. RVP said it all I am afraid. Many have been saying it for 5 years. - Post No. 26104
jj 18:56pm 4th Jul 2012
Well there was no point in getting excited about finishing third now. All that does is give the board and manager an excuse to go on with the status quo. When the club captain says he doesn't agree with the direction those running it are taking us, it's damming.I suggest there's no way the two players coming in can replace what The Perse did for us last season and mid table mediocrity beckons.It's time for the fans to rise up against how our great club is being torn apart. - Post No. 26105
maguiresbridge gooner 19:00pm 4th Jul 2012
Simon we both agreed we wanted to know the situation with RVP ASP i don't think any of us thought we would have found out quite so soon. - Post No. 26106
Graham 19:02pm 4th Jul 2012
The Arsenal board and manager should hold their heads in shame.The way our once great club is being run is a joke.We were told we left Highbury to compete with Barca Madrid Man Utd and Chelsea has now turned out to be competing with the Spuds for 4th place.Every summer are best players leave.Unless the fans lining Kroenke and Wengers pockets grown some balls and demand an Usmanov takeover the pain will continue.Well done RVP for saying what the majority of fans have been saying.Arsenal selling club no ambition - Post No. 26107
Theo Jensen 19:12pm 4th Jul 2012
Surprise, surprise!! he could at least have not announced it so we got a better fee. The fourth captain in a row to leave the club- our only hope now is that the 'Big Six' are still in a slump period... - Post No. 26108
The Dartford Gooner 19:17pm 4th Jul 2012
Well now we know why Robin was told to keep his mouth shut till the season ticket money was in. After a meeting with Arsene and Ivan we differ on the direction the club is going, it tells you everything. No ambition no direction, well Mandy and friends defend our manager now. Our top player now says there are big problems within our great club and he should know. - Post No. 26109
Any Old Iron 19:23pm 4th Jul 2012
Wegner has signed two left footers. As Wegner does everything at a premium, it was obvious Rvp would go. More spin, cryptic spiel. Clandestine intentions. On it goes. The question: AVB OR AKB? - Post No. 26110
Treble Double 19:25pm 4th Jul 2012
Incredibly disappointed to hear the news we all feared. RVP would clearly have stayed if he felt the club were moving forward and were going to challenge for trophies. Same old bollocks I'm afraid and yet another captain who will leave. I would like him to stay for the final season but we will obviously sell him because that is what we are all about now. Hang your head Arsenal, no ambition but then you probably don't give a **** what we think because you have our season ticket money! Ever feel you've been cheated? - Post No. 26111
maguiresbridge gooner 19:37pm 4th Jul 2012
Now we know why arsene ivan and RVP agreed to keep quiet and not discuss the out come of the meeting between them weeks ago. - Post No. 26113
tpm 19:39pm 4th Jul 2012
akbs, where are you? idiots, mark at ashstead, yeah who were u hearing this off, your m8s? haha pathetic. next season will be fun! - Post No. 26114
Angry & Frustrated 19:51pm 4th Jul 2012
OH Mandy where are you? Come out of hiding and defend Wenger Gazidis £ Kroenke just once more please, as I want to be entertained and need cheering up!! - Post No. 26115
Bobby 20:24pm 4th Jul 2012
We all new he would go but you hope against hope that this time would be different. No chance the club F*** it up again. The way things are going with losing our captains any chance we can have someone Sh** as skip next year? - Post No. 26116
Andrew Cohen 20:27pm 4th Jul 2012
I wish RvP well in bringing success to his career. It has been put to me that even if Wenger had offered to make the necessary acquisitions, RvP would not have believed him. This is the closest we have come to an ex player stating that Wenger is fundamentally wrong. In my view it shows that RvP actually cares about what happens to the club. Let's hope that next season is the last that we have to endure of a manager who thinks that the Spain team deserve to be criticised because they control and win their games. - Post No. 26117
Dan h 20:29pm 4th Jul 2012
Oh well the truth comes out in the end the timeline for this goes back to last summer the meeting between RVP & AW.Like others have said no real suprise once you get into the last year of a contract & in demand by others the player holds all the cards.Those of us that have bored you all about lack of ambition i am sure i can speak for others on this forum it's just the reality of where we are going.We will see what happens the rest of this summer.On a lighter note if we want to get rid of the much quoted deadwood i suggest making Chamakh,Denilson,Squillaci,Djourou club captains in the pre season games the way we go through skippers should be rid of them in no time!Still once the D.D.Trouserer is told the profits to be made on an RVP sale 'Moneyball'Wenger & IG will no doubt get a call of congratulations job well done. - Post No. 26118
Don 20:41pm 4th Jul 2012
Arsenal offered £130k a week because they knew he wasnt staying.Same old bull***t from Wenger and Gazidis.Maybe know the AKB's will finally realise what RVP said is true. - Post No. 26119
maguiresbridge gooner 20:56pm 4th Jul 2012
Dan h good humorous post ref the deadwood but i doubt many of us have a sense of humor tonight who is being held responsible for letting the contracts of our top players run down to one year ? no doubt the usual suspects are sunning themselves on a beach somewhere well away from the flack. - Post No. 26121
Joe Fitzpatrick 21:24pm 4th Jul 2012
I'm so gutted. I'm absolutely fuming. We should be careful that this Van Persie announcement doesn't trigger an exodus led by Vermaelen, Walcott and Song. Why did he do that? He just knocked a third off from his value and is publicly forcing the move. I Thought he would have at least made sure that we got decent money for him. Poor form Robin. Very poor form. - Post No. 26122
Taken for a ride again 21:29pm 4th Jul 2012
Here is the conversation from RVP's meeting with Whinger and Gazidis.RVP: Are you going to buy a LB?A DM who can defend? and a top class creative midfield. Wenger:Of course not we finished 3rd didnt we?. RVP:Well i'm off then Gazidis:Thats ok but keep quiet till all the season tickets have been renewed - Post No. 26123
Red Mist 21:31pm 4th Jul 2012
Podolski is crap full stop. Crap at Bayern crap in euros not good enough for a decent side in Germany not good enough. Giroud we will see what I have seen oh no! They will not get half of the goals between them that RVP got Billy Bender will end up as our first choice striker! Oh dear oh dear where do we go from here? - Post No. 26124
RJ 21:44pm 4th Jul 2012
At least we know to plan without him, and maybe now we will get a good bid for him before the end of the transfer window. Frankly, Mr Wenger - get him off the books. Yet more deadwood :-) Shame he is not staying, but thanks for the memories Robin, enjoyed last season but we probably deserved more from you after tending you through the lean years. You will not now be the legend that Henry, Wright and Bergkamp were. So Long, and thanks for all the goals. - Post No. 26125
GREG71 21:49pm 4th Jul 2012
SO THE SIGNS ARE GOOD ARE THEY ? forget about rvp no surprise really,Podolski a replacement for any of rvp.arshavin or Gervinho who came from the french champs and did what to justify his transfer fee,which brings us to our french striker who was second/third choice in a national team who had trouble scoring and again played for the ligue 1 champs in 12/13 not exactly a strong league save for the emerging psg due to their new owners. It is only july but i have never known such a lack of expectation/anticipation for the new season,can anybody raise my lack of conviction . - Post No. 26126
Wayne 21:49pm 4th Jul 2012
RVP's wife said she and the family loved it in London.Well dont be surprised if he does stay in London.Roman can give him £250k a week and the family wouldnt have to move house the kids can stay at the same school and he can take his mate Feo with him.You heard it here first.I heard Walcott is a done deal thats why there have been no talks at all about giving him a new contract but RVP as well makes sense. - Post No. 26127
PK 22:14pm 4th Jul 2012
Wenger out yanks out - Post No. 26129
PK 22:29pm 4th Jul 2012
Joe Fitzpatrick.....why are you blaming RVP ? it is up to the management of Arsenal to tie in the RVP contract not the player! Blame the board and the French lap dog.Its now confirmed we are a FEEDER club - Post No. 26130
Dan h 22:32pm 4th Jul 2012
maguiresbridge gooner it's all so predictable isn't it if this is IG's 'exciting transfer news' god help us all.The contract situation of RVP was a situation the club were well aware of from last summer.The lack of a chief executive with a real football background does not help.IG is a number cruncher & would do well as a political spin doctor.On his appointment his boasts of having done hundreds of contracts in the MLS didn't fill me with much confidence must have been a real challenge negotiating Alexi Lalas new deal back in the day!The wording of RVP's statement seems to back up what a lot of us have been saying about our ambitions.I don't expect loyalty from players those days are long gone he may have only been totally fit this last season but i would put a lot of money on the fact he & his agents played on the point that without his goals CL qualification would not have happened.The fact he was injured for long periods of his Arsenal career he honestly won't feel he owes us anything sadly modern football is about the here & now loyalty in football can be described in one word 'supporters'. - Post No. 26131
Dave 23:21pm 4th Jul 2012
How anyone thought the club didnt know RVP was going is having a larf.He told them at their meeting he was off.Thats why we bought two strikers.Simon your rose-tinted views gets worse.Why cant you see what the rest of us can? When our captain and best player comes out and says the club lacks ambition you should listen and not take the club line. - Post No. 26133
Gare Kekeke 1:18am 5th Jul 2012
As per usual Simon you are very optimistic. I wouldn’t trust The Arsenal to change the nappies of my two-month old niece let alone doing what is required transfer wise this summer. We are still short of a quality DM, a dominant CB, a good back up keeper for Sir Chesney, a proper alternative LB and this before we mention the contractual situations to be resolved in our favour with regards to Song & Walcott. But to be honest I wouldn’t be sad to see the back of either of them. And all this without mentioning RVP. Personally I don’t blame our captain for not wanting to commit himself to the club long-term. He can see what fans like me having been saying on this site for ages and for me personally it’s about time and good that a current player, even the best one is not afraid to voice his concerns rather than take the blinkered view that all is well with our club. Wenger and the board have a lot to answer for with regards to the RVP situation. This is what happens when you tell the world that you are a club with great ambition when really it’s limited. The lack of trophies is not the issue but that Wenger is only interested in competing for two of them and annually we come up short to win any of them because we always have deficiences and he can’t be arsed to try his hand at the domestic cups. If winning cups is good enough for Mourinho & Ferguson then surely it should be good enough for Wenger too. I wouldn’t hold any bitterness towards RVP if he went to Man City. It serves The Arsenal right. Another captain soon to leave? Just where is our great club going? Up The Arsenal! - Post No. 26141
Dan Newbini 5:39am 5th Jul 2012
peter hill wood, ivan gadzis r ruining the club, we are a brand not title challengers, van persie is leaving because their is no appetite in the board room to compete for major honours this season, i am a huge fan of wenger as a life long gooner, but i am sure that he is not doing enougth to convince the board or the fans that we cant just aim for top 4 position every year. whos next wallcot ? wilshere? dot get me wrong van persie has been a great player for us over the years and was superb last season not only as a talisman goal poacher but as a leader of men, somthing we have lacked since henry and adams. i dont blame him for leaving as i think the hierachy wanted the money, but when do we cease to be a selling club? so arsenal please its been 7 years of pain and we are highest paying fans for matches in the country, stop taking us for granted and if robin does go, we need to make a statment and revamp the squad, my only concern is that the board dont care enuff. - Post No. 26144
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