Gooner Spy

Genuinely, there was very little to suggest in the past that he could achieve what he did this year. Tellingly, his only previous extended run in the team was at left back in 2006 - he was furious to be dropped for the CL Final when c***ley cole came back in. I think that decision made him decide to run his contract down, dont think he ever forgot it, and demanded not to be picked at full back any more as he felt it was holding him back from his best position.

Its been fairly strongly hinted this week in the wake of Keith Edelman, our MD, leaving that he was the one who handled the Diarra sale - Arsene was apparently less than impressed that he was allowed to leave. I still dont think its worth keeping a player who doesnt want to be there.

He got some starts, but frankly wasnt anywhere close to being as effective as Flamini. The boss picked his best team.

I disagree with all of that. Firstly, money comes in, money goes out - our net spend is dwarved by all around us which frees up money for wages. Also, I question your figures. A huge chunk of wages was taken by Henry and Ljungberg, both of whom were offloaded last summer. I think that this years figures would show a difference.

I think its harsh to call it a c**k up - last season he was on the verge of a 2m pound move to Birmingham - nobody, including le boss I suspect expected the Flamster to do what he did, and there isnt an Arsenal fan around who would have blinked if, as expected last summer, he walked on a free transfer to someone like Brum. He has had an awesome season, and has subsequently attracted the kind of offer we simply couldnt, or wouldnt match. The Diarra thing is bizarre - ultimately the guy had an incredibly short term approach, focussing solely on getting 1st team football in time for the Euros. Apparently he was becoming disruptive which could not be allowed in a young team who were flying at the time. Ultimately, if a player doesnt want to stay, there is little point in keeping him.

But this is massively offset by the lower transfer fees we pay.

Its incredibly frustrating to get nothing for a player just hitting his prime, however, we were happy enough with our end of the Sol Campbell deal, so its swings and roundabouts.

Deal done. Cracking piece of business that by Meelan. Not 100% sure that he's up to Serie A levels, but one things for sure - he'll give it a damn good try. Good luck Flamster, you were a joy to watch! Shame we couldnt negotiate getting Gourcuff as part of the deal.

Agreed. The temprament thing is very important - something his former teammate Reyes never had, which ultimately prevented him from making it over here

What's Mr Mackey's stance on the matter? He doesnt seem to make his position on the colour of football boots very clear. Except for the fact that he is wearing black shoes.

Drogba is utterly unplayable when he fancies it. I dont think many managers will make the mistake of baiting him again before a big game. Might be heresy to say it here, but Torres is in mine for what he achieved in his first year. Needs to have a big follow up one, make sure he doesnt suffer from 'second season syndrome'. Can't see it though, in fairness

Berbatov probably.

I honestly believe that if Van Persie wasnt held together by sticky back plastic, he would comfortably in my top 3

Torres Drogba Berbatov Dont think Adebayor is ready to be there yet.

Championshi Manager all star. Could play in any outfield position except up front. A manager's dream!

I think theres already worse teams than West Brom in there. Will a bit of strengthening I think they should be OK.

Bizarre thread this, can't quite get my head round whats being asked or subsequently discussed?

Could do much worse. Probably outside of the Wenger profile. Its mad, the summer before Vieira eventually left, he had been flirting with Madrid, and looked a dead cert to go, changing his mind the evening before the new season started. Apparently, if he had gone, Arsene had Mascherano and Carrick both lined up for 3 million quid each. Strange how things turn out sometimes.

Dont think 10 million would get him. We need a big powerhouse in there, a Vieira like player. I dont see many Vieiras around though.

I really cant see him being the one. Think you could pick up much better abroad for less. Le boss doesnt like paying English tax!

Barry's a decent player, nothing more nothing less. Johnson, although unproven, has had a decent year, and has potential. Neither of them worth 10 million quid though.

Riise only has a year lef on his contract, right? Would be staggered if you get more than 2-3m for him. Mind you, when Newcastle are in the hunt........ Also not sure Pennant has come anywhere close to showing he's an 8m pound footballer.

I think your figures are a bit awry there, especially on the outgoings.

Good enough for the Premiership?

Gislason used to be at Arsenal, with his brother as I recall? Has he turned into a decent player?