is Wenger deluded?

[rebel23]

why does he refuse to sign big players, despite having the money? I can't believe he didnt buy Alonso, Melo, Barry or Palacios for midfield when he could of easily.

-
Arsene Wenger is still refusing to spend big money on strengthening his squad — despite being told he has up to £50million at his disposal.

The Arsenal manager last night risked infuriating a huge section of fans who want him to loosen the purse strings as his club announced a record profit of £35.2m after tax.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis made it clear Wenger can have some of the £41m generated by the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure and also has the board’s blessing for a January transfer window raid.

But Wenger, who becomes Arsenal’s longest-serving manager on Thursday, remained adamant yesterday that there are no players available who can improve his squad.

‘I have nothing against spending money,’ he said. ‘People want me to buy strikers, but where do I put them? I don’t know. I have to then lose players who, for me, are world
class. It is not a personal thing; it is just that I have a squad that is strong enough to compete.

‘We have worked with the young players and I am at a stage where they are now coming out — Abou Diaby, Denilson, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey.

‘I have so many players and, if I buy now in front of them, I will not find better players. I will not have a better team.’

Link

 

[Farkmaster]

I do not believe he has 50M but won't spend it, I think he's attempting to navigate them through the lean times, and he's doing alright at it thus far.

 

[Ryan]

Getting 15M for Kolo Toure was an unbelievably good bit of business.

 

[aqua.Lai.ni]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=36130.msg953251#msg953251 date=1254187074]
Getting 15M for Kolo Toure was an unbelievably good bit of business.
[/quote]

explain joleon lescott 😀

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=36130.msg953249#msg953249 date=1254186567]
I do not believe he has 50M but won't spend it, I think he's attempting to navigate them through the lean times, and he's doing alright at it thus far.
[/quote]

Regardless of whether it's 50M or less he definitely has some money at his disposal. Whether it is through misguided loyalty or not he does seem to have a vacant space in his brain with regard to a willingness to buy established, top quality players. Show me one team that can challenge for the CL & their home league title that hasn't bought big.

A few years ago (I forget which year now - but you all know) Arsenal were leading the league when Wenger gifted the title to United by his intransigence in the January transfer window. All and sundry knew his squad was paper thin and subsequent injuries cost them the title.

 

[rage]

i get the impression he wants to build teams rather than buy teams. don't know if this follows through if you look at the teams he's had that has won titles.

 

[keniget]

They seem to be coping without Adebayor (although the links to Chamakh still seem to be around), but if they do nothing this year and Fabregas decides he's had enough, they are going to have spend some serious money to get themselves back into contention.

 

[Oncy]

He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.
Sagna
Clichy
Vermaelen
Gallas
Fabregas
Arshavin
Van Persie
Nasri
Rosicky
Eduardo
Walcott
Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?

 

[Molbystwin]

[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=36130.msg953246#msg953246 date=1254185532]
why does he refuse to sign big players, despite having the money? I can't believe he didnt buy Alonso, Melo, Barry or Palacios for midfield when he could of easily.

-
Arsene Wenger is still refusing to spend big money on strengthening his squad — despite being told he has up to £50million at his disposal.

The Arsenal manager last night risked infuriating a huge section of fans who want him to loosen the purse strings as his club announced a record profit of £35.2m after tax.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis made it clear Wenger can have some of the £41m generated by the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure and also has the board’s blessing for a January transfer window raid.

But Wenger, who becomes Arsenal’s longest-serving manager on Thursday, remained adamant yesterday that there are no players available who can improve his squad.

‘I have nothing against spending money,’ he said. ‘People want me to buy strikers, but where do I put them? I don’t know. I have to then lose players who, for me, are world
class. It is not a personal thing; it is just that I have a squad that is strong enough to compete.

‘We have worked with the young players and I am at a stage where they are now coming out — Abou Diaby, Denilson, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey.

‘I have so many players and, if I buy now in front of them, I will not find better players. I will not have a better team.’

Link


[/quote]

Ah the unmistakeable Sweet sweet taste of vindication.

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953327#msg953327 date=1254210583]
He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.

Almuni B- (None)
Sagna B+ (United, maybe Chelsea)
Clichy A- (Liverpool maybe)
Vermaelen B+ (so far) (None)
Gallas B (not the player he was) (None)
Fabregas A+ (All)
Arshavin A (so far - but he's had a couple of very so-so matches too) (maybe All)
Van Persie A (All)
Nasri B- (unimpressed TBH) (None)
Rosicky B (still has it to prove but injuries have set him back) (None)
Eduardo B+ (still has it all to prove - he goes missing against big defenders but suits Arsenal's style of play) (maybe Liverpool in a 4-4-2)
Walcott B+ (needs to produce more often) (Liverpool)

Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?
[/quote]

I've put next to their names which other Top 4 side IMO they would get into. As a team it looks good but when broken down into individuals it is less impressive than you might otherwise assume). Too many 'nones' or only one other team.

Defence : Looks like glass at times but I think that is because it is often exposed by lack of MF cover.
Midfield : Need a real enforcer in the Barry / Masherano / Frings / Inler / Gattuso mould. Maybe they can even get Flamini back, it seems he's having a rough time. Looks more and more like Arsenal are missing someone of Flamini's or Parlour's ilk.

I would also say they are short of real world class players, players that can make a big difference, Fabragas for sure and v.Persie on his day, but that's it unless you want to include Arshavin, and I wouldn't yet. Look at any other top side in Europe and you will see more match changing players (just using ourselves as an example we Torres, Gerrard, Masherano & Reina - all of who can alter the course of a match in their way, even Johnson perhaps).

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=36130.msg953356#msg953356 date=1254214994]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953327#msg953327 date=1254210583]
He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.

Almuni B- (None)
Sagna B+ (United, maybe Chelsea)
Clichy A- (Liverpool maybe)
Vermaelen B+ (so far) (None)
Gallas B (not the player he was) (None)
Fabregas A+ (All)
Arshavin A (so far - but he's had a couple of very so-so matches too) (maybe All)
Van Persie A (All)
Nasri B- (unimpressed TBH) (None)
Rosicky B (still has it to prove but injuries have set him back) (None)
Eduardo B+ (still has it all to prove - he goes missing against big defenders but suits Arsenal's style of play) (maybe Liverpool in a 4-4-2)
Walcott B+ (needs to produce more often) (Liverpool)

Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?
[/quote]

I've put next to their names which other Top 4 side IMO they would get into. As a team it looks good but when broken down into individuals it is less impressive than you might otherwise assume). Too many 'nones' or only one other team.

Defence : Looks like glass at times but I think that is because it is often exposed by lack of MF cover.
Midfield : Need a real enforcer in the Barry / Masherano / Frings / Inler / Gattuso mould. Maybe they can even get Flamini back, it seems he's having a rough time. Looks more and more like Arsenal are missing someone of Flamini's or Parlour's ilk.

I would also say they are short of real world class players, players that can make a big difference, Fabragas for sure and v.Persie on his day, but that's it unless you want to include Arshavin, and I wouldn't yet. Look at any other top side in Europe and you will see more match changing players (just using ourselves as an example we Torres, Gerrard, Masherano & Reina - all of who can alter the course of a match in their way, even Johnson perhaps).


[/quote]I didnt mention Almunia, why did you edit my post?
And also you are dreaming if you dont think Gallas or Vermaelen would walk into our side at the minute.

 

[Molbystwin]

Arsenal have got shit loads of very good players.... and little or no balance.

For Liverpool i would take Clichy and Arshavin and Fabregas in a second.

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953362#msg953362 date=1254215624]
[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=36130.msg953356#msg953356 date=1254214994]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953327#msg953327 date=1254210583]
He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.

Almuni B- (None)
Sagna B+ (United, maybe Chelsea)
Clichy A- (Liverpool maybe)
Vermaelen B+ (so far) (None)
Gallas B (not the player he was) (None)
Fabregas A+ (All)
Arshavin A (so far - but he's had a couple of very so-so matches too) (maybe All)
Van Persie A (All)
Nasri B- (unimpressed TBH) (None)
Rosicky B (still has it to prove but injuries have set him back) (None)
Eduardo B+ (still has it all to prove - he goes missing against big defenders but suits Arsenal's style of play) (maybe Liverpool in a 4-4-2)
Walcott B+ (needs to produce more often) (Liverpool)

Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?
[/quote]

I've put next to their names which other Top 4 side IMO they would get into. As a team it looks good but when broken down into individuals it is less impressive than you might otherwise assume). Too many 'nones' or only one other team.

Defence : Looks like glass at times but I think that is because it is often exposed by lack of MF cover.
Midfield : Need a real enforcer in the Barry / Masherano / Frings / Inler / Gattuso mould. Maybe they can even get Flamini back, it seems he's having a rough time. Looks more and more like Arsenal are missing someone of Flamini's or Parlour's ilk.

I would also say they are short of real world class players, players that can make a big difference, Fabragas for sure and v.Persie on his day, but that's it unless you want to include Arshavin, and I wouldn't yet. Look at any other top side in Europe and you will see more match changing players (just using ourselves as an example we Torres, Gerrard, Masherano & Reina - all of who can alter the course of a match in their way, even Johnson perhaps).


[/quote]I didnt mention Almunia, why did you edit my post?
And also you are dreaming if you dont think Gallas or Vermaelen would walk into our side at the minute.
[/quote]

How can you possibly rate a side without including the goalkeeper ? Don't be so touchy - I left your comment in there !

You can't just say 'at the moment' because a player has had a small rough patch. I would take Carra over either of those and Skrtel too over a full season. Gallas has been on a downward slope for a year and Vermaelen has it all yet to prove and as such can't be judged on just 7 games.

 

[Atlas]

More arrogant than deluded

 

[keniget]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953327#msg953327 date=1254210583]
He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.
Sagna
Clichy
Vermaelen
Gallas
Fabregas
Arshavin
Van Persie
Nasri
Rosicky
Eduardo
Walcott
Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?
[/quote]

A partner for Fabregas.

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=36130.msg953384#msg953384 date=1254217113]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953327#msg953327 date=1254210583]
He's right. Im suprised he hasnt bought a keeper but thats it.
Sagna
Clichy
Vermaelen
Gallas
Fabregas
Arshavin
Van Persie
Nasri
Rosicky
Eduardo
Walcott
Would get into almost any team.
And in Eboue, Denilson, Song and the excellent Diaby he has good cover for the other Cm spot.
What else do they need?
[/quote]

A partner for Fabregas.
[/quote]Song, Denilson and Diaby are all as capable as Fletcher, Mikel, Lucas dont you think? Who's he going to get who's better?

 

[the_khl]

[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=36130.msg953246#msg953246 date=1254185532]
why does he refuse to sign big players, despite having the money? I can't believe he didnt buy Alonso, Melo, Barry or Palacios for midfield when he could of easily.

-
Arsene Wenger is still refusing to spend big money on strengthening his squad — despite being told he has up to £50million at his disposal.

The Arsenal manager last night risked infuriating a huge section of fans who want him to loosen the purse strings as his club announced a record profit of £35.2m after tax.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis made it clear Wenger can have some of the £41m generated by the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure and also has the board’s blessing for a January transfer window raid.

But Wenger, who becomes Arsenal’s longest-serving manager on Thursday, remained adamant yesterday that there are no players available who can improve his squad.

‘I have nothing against spending money,’ he said. ‘People want me to buy strikers, but where do I put them? I don’t know. I have to then lose players who, for me, are world
class. It is not a personal thing; it is just that I have a squad that is strong enough to compete.

‘We have worked with the young players and I am at a stage where they are now coming out — Abou Diaby, Denilson, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey.

‘I have so many players and, if I buy now in front of them, I will not find better players. I will not have a better team.’

Link


[/quote]
Is this Wenger calling Bendtner a world class footballer??

*He needs to work on his driving-skills though...

 

[keniget]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953388#msg953388 date=1254217683]Song, Denilson and Diaby are all as capable as Fletcher, Mikel, Lucas dont you think? Who's he going to get who's better?
[/quote]

Diaby often plays in a more attacking role either out wide or further up the field as opposed to in the middle of the park. Denilson and Song can run about and do a job, but they're not top class.

Who's he going to get that's better? Be serious.

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=36130.msg953395#msg953395 date=1254218341]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953388#msg953388 date=1254217683]Song, Denilson and Diaby are all as capable as Fletcher, Mikel, Lucas dont you think? Who's he going to get who's better?
[/quote]

Diaby often plays in a more attacking role either out wide or further up the field as opposed to in the middle of the park. Denilson and Song can run about and do a job, but they're not top class.

Who's he going to get that's better? Be serious.
[/quote]I mean at a reasonable price, who would definately improve the side.
Its true barry would have been ideal but he wanted his big paycheck.

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953405#msg953405 date=1254219662]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=36130.msg953395#msg953395 date=1254218341]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953388#msg953388 date=1254217683]Song, Denilson and Diaby are all as capable as Fletcher, Mikel, Lucas dont you think? Who's he going to get who's better?
[/quote]

Diaby often plays in a more attacking role either out wide or further up the field as opposed to in the middle of the park. Denilson and Song can run about and do a job, but they're not top class.

Who's he going to get that's better? Be serious.
[/quote]I mean at a reasonable price, who would definately improve the side.
Its true barry would have been ideal but he wanted his big paycheck.
[/quote]

I think the bigger problem at Arsenal isn't the transfer fee, Arsenal could easily have afforded Barry - it's their wage ceiling.

 

[Squiggles]

They should swallow their pride and make a bid for Flamini.

Fabregas looked a different class with him.

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36130.msg953411#msg953411 date=1254219856]
They should swallow their pride and make a bid for Flamini.

Fabregas looked a different class with him.
[/quote]

Yep.

See my post further up.

 

[TheBunnyman]

As rebel mentioned, Palacios would have been ideal for Arsenal. I don't think they're miles away from having a great side, and perhaps in the end Wenger will be proven right, but when I think of this current Arsenal side I still think of a bunch of young, talented, inexperienced and physically weak players - a far cry from their previous title-winning teams. Essentially, they've never replaced Vieira, and they've won nothing since he left.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=36130.msg953405#msg953405 date=1254219662]I mean at a reasonable price, who would definately improve the side.
Its true barry would have been ideal but he wanted his big paycheck.
[/quote]

Well, Alonso was available for little more than they ended up paying for Arshavin. Yaya Toure ended up at Barca for about less than 8M I think. Keita moved from Sevilla for about 10M.

This summer just gone? I'm not sure.

They lost out on Melo because he went for big money to Juve in the end and as you say Barry wasn't an option.

 

[Squiggles]

Kolo was practically begging Wenger to move for YaYa, too.

Chose to stuck with Denilson, which I think was a big mistake.