Arsenal-Mania

Wenger: Two maximum, one more definitely

By Jonathan Chong on Sunday, July 20, 2008

Manager Arsčne Wenger has revealed his plans for the final remaining weeks of the transfer window.

The Frenchman's high-profile summer transfer deals have been the arrivals of Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, whilst seeing departures from Gilberto Silva, Alexander Hleb and Matthieu Flamini.

Speaking after Arsenal's 2-1 win over Barnet in a pre-season friendly, Wenger said that he would be looking to make 'a maximum of two signings, but one definitely'.

Wenger also reiterated his belief that Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor will be staying at the club, despite interest from AC Milan and Barcelona.

User Comments

60

Johan

Posted on 23 Jul, 2008 at 05:43 PM - Reply

People seem to think that we need more attackers, I can't see why, first off we have:
RVP, Ade, Eduardo, Vela, Walcott, Bendtner as regulars in a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 setup and we also have a whole bunch of youth knocking on the door.
We do need a holding midfielder and to be honest a left winger, that was where we were punished all of last season. I didn't think that Eboue was good enough for the right wing last year, but Wenger has surprised me before and I think that Eboue will be awesome this season (gut feeling). Also, Senderos will not be our third choice CB, but Song will be, at the end of last season he was outstanding, and I for one was completely taken by his skill. Sadly alot of people seem to have forgotten this, but I'm sure that Song will dominate as CB within 2 years!

59

pablo

Posted on 23 Jul, 2008 at 04:45 PM - Reply

arsene should buy Martins to be sure of effective strike force,Adebayo is good and skillful but has no goal sense.Arsenal would have won last season's premier league if he had not been wasteful.He is frivolous.

58

Gooner down under

Posted on 23 Jul, 2008 at 04:23 AM - Reply

Arsene wears a magic hat, but that's just getting us beautiful football and no honours. Ade should go and we should buy a seeerious attacker. He had all the supply last year and did squat with it. Were did he finish in the running for golden boot? So many frustrating games last year where we shoulda, coulda, didnt-

57

aqonte,ph,9ja

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 06:46 PM - Reply

pls,pls,pls, i wuld luv 2 c arshavin on an arsenal shirt....& probably alonso,falcao,yaya toure.

56

Don

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 05:16 PM - Reply

All this talk makes me laugh. Since Wenger 1st arrived at Arsenal I've had to endure all this nonsense talk....picking and questioning and second guessing his every move - and every perceived bit of inaction in terms of transfer activity.

He is, off course, right. He has made his comments based on Adebayor staying at Arsenal. In which case, all we need is (a) central midfield partner for Cesc and (b) another central defender.

55

Tigercore

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 04:08 PM - Reply

when you look at the comments on this page you see what is wrong this club any other team in topflight football around the world would sack a manager who does not win tropheys does not want to buy english players and uses the entire club as a youth training academy but not arsenal we want him to stay until the end of time so we can watch the beautiful game and have no trophies. we need to wake up and smell the coffee I loved wenger as much as the next gooner but times have changed the world has moved on and the sad fact is we must move on as well. There are other managers and other styles of football but first we fans must stop this blind admiration and suport for a system that is not working and a manager who is not what used to be.VIVA LA ARSENAL

54

Don

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 03:51 PM - Reply

I agree with messages 21 & 26, although one has to remember Wenger has made these comments on the presumption (rightly so IMO) that Adebayor will stay at Arsenal.

In which case I believe all we need is another central defender as well as a midfielder to partner Cesc Fabregas.

Let's also not forget Wengers philosophy has always been to give the youngsters a chance. I personally see no wrong in that - if they have the talent then why not (Walcott, Vela, Denilson, Diaby, Barazite, Wilshere, Randall)?? Wenger knows what he is doing.

53

Ped

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 01:40 PM - Reply

There's no doubt about it, Gareth Barry would do a great job for us in the same way that Hargreaves does for United. When Barry plays for England, he is always, in terms of effectiveness in respective positions, the best player in the team. Nothing fancy, but effective.
I'm sick of Emmanuel Adebayor - he's behaved appallingly this summer and needs to earn the respect of Gooners once again. And, for the record, he's not half as good as he clearly thinks he is. In terms of degree of difficulty, there cannot be an easier gig than playing up front for the Arsenal. He squandered so many chances last season, he should be thinking about pulling his socks up rather than pulling on someone else's shirt.
I fancy we'll be out the traps fast again. But my concern is that the same thing will happen, we'll fall away after Christmas, not because of talent, but because of energy - we do need some more big players, a great central defender and a midfielder (Barry) would be a start, but I fear even that won't be quite enough.
But. When all's said and done. I still have faith in Arsene and I'm so happy that my team is the Arsenal.

52

Amir

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 10:49 AM - Reply

Barry to captain Arsenal.

51

dammy

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 01:10 AM - Reply

i have all away respected wenger in every way am arsenal till i die all i want to comment to our unpredictable manager keep up the good work frings and fabregas will make a good team up and if you say 2 players miguel veloso is what we are talking about this 2 players can take shot from any distance they will suit arsenal..and we know arsenal will never stand still.(we love you arsenal we do).

50

J.D

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 06:03 PM - Reply

PLEASE ARSENE...SPEND SOME MONEY ON A GOOD EXPERIENCED CLASS A PLAYER.

49

Solid Snake

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 04:18 PM - Reply

would love Wenger to sign Ya Ya Toure!!! Him and Cesc would be awsome!!

48

Vince

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 03:45 PM - Reply

People,
i think you'll find the experienced player will be a GK

47

sachin

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 02:26 PM - Reply

first sign a good defender(CB),the also sign senna/barry/frings/dejong for CM. team got enough to well

46

tony gunner 4 life

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 12:00 PM - Reply

pls get barry to join cesc in the middle.we lost the EPL and CL because we had problems with defending our goals. We need someone like MEXES from Roma along side Toure not Gallas. in wenger i TRUST.

45

maxi

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 11:49 AM - Reply

Cant u all read the direction of arsene. The team is gona crash this season and then wenger will want out.Believe me

44

freddy d gunner

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 10:36 AM - Reply

i believe we are on d verge of greatness i just trust wenger and i trust d team we have right now.pls let us believe cus we still have at least 2 more players coming in.we could also get alonso in from liverpool and we could give jay simpson a chance 2 fight for first team shirt.i know 4 sure that amaury borchoff is on his way an i like him.all said and done,gunners 4 life and in wenger we trust.

43

sulazu

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 10:18 AM - Reply

If there is any season I dread most in football in recent years, it is definitely the transfer season. While most Gooners are hypertensive about departed Gunners not been adequately replaced talked more of strengthning the squad, Wenger is characteristically not pertubed about the situation. Even with the arrival of Nasri and Ramsey, I thought we needed more than 2 signings as we had already lost 4 players in- Lehman, Flamini, Gilberto and Hleb. But going by Wenger's promise after the Barnet game, he's only sure of signing 1 more player. Who could that be and in what department, we don't know. Wenger please come out of this mistery and get real cos other managers identify their team's weakness and go for what they want without making any secret about their intention. If the rumour that Gallas want out is true, that will spell a good omen and chance for Wenger to effect the desired changes at the central defence. Also don't forget that the issue of a quality defencive midfielder has not been resolved.

42

axlrose

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:45 AM - Reply

Definitely 2 more players. We need a centre back definitely. We gave the Toure Gallas combination a good run out and in certain games, we could see their lack of aerial ability was detrimental.

CM, I really really wished Flamini hasn't gone, he's one of the few players we had who could actually make the correct decision most of the time and not pass up the shooting responsibility. I really don't know who Arsene can bring in to replace that

41

stev

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:41 AM - Reply

we don't need any more talents now. We need experienced players who can win points and matches for the team..

40

Gunner-I.S

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:35 AM - Reply

I think Barry would be an ideal signing(utility) because he can play an a defensive midfielder, central defender & left midfielder.we also need a more reliable & experienced central defender such as micah richards to replace error prone william gallas.with this two players we can challenge for the EPL & CL

39

olaniyan kayode

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:26 AM - Reply

pls strengthen the team more,we lost our position cos of fatigue last season.strengthen our bench mr Wenger.

38

tungamirai bizah

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:15 AM - Reply

i think mr wenger must buy micah richards then let go of gallas,eto;o then let go of adebayor,martins becoz he has power and skill,yaya toure in place of flamini.we need to keep our momentum with enough depth.look at what happened last season with those 4 consecutive draws which gave away 8 crucial points.we could have been champions.pliz mr wenger lets have enough depth.IN ARSENE I TRUST

37

Hamis - Uganda

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 08:12 AM - Reply

Let Wenger play his cards i know he will play them in the right way like he has always done!I believe those players who come in are better than those who leave in a way coz they are choosen by the best coach in the world!

36

Zahin Rahman

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 06:47 AM - Reply

Dont think we need any more strikers because we already have really good young ones coming up like vela, simpson, barazite. What we need are midfielders. The best options would be Barry and Nigel De Jong. By the way, Eto'o is available as well, so we could still go for him. Hope Wenger sees these options. All Hail Gunners.

35

Duncan

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 05:34 AM - Reply

Is Yaya Toure, Xabi Alonso, and Gareth Barry too much to ask for? I do agree with previous posts that 2 is not enough especially with the novelists in Spain (Marca) pulling out the rumour mill that the entire Arsenal starting XI are on their way to various clubs across Spain. I would like to see Alonso, this will mean Barry will go to Liverpool.. Then get Yaya, Etoo and Cash for Adebayor and splurge on Huntleer with the funds.

34

mesol

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 04:39 AM - Reply

please mr wenger.. buy mahamadou diarra from real madrid, he's not happy at madrid now..for replacement for gilberto..we need some experieced and tough player like him

33

consigliere

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 03:49 AM - Reply

i think wenger need to sign a world class centre back .....

32

Nana fosu

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 02:19 AM - Reply

Am a gunner i like shaun comments but adebayor should stay and remain focus.a player like eto we should go for am sure that hleb income and the link with barca will help a lot.arsene imagine eto pair with our ade.full greatness

31

matt

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 01:31 AM - Reply

I heard that Cisse wants back in the EPL. I know it's a stretch, but he is still in his mid 20's...Obi would also be a heck of a catch.

30

the flying dutchman

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 08:51 PM - Reply

sell ade get Huntelaar, arshavin, de jong (HSV)

almunia
sagna - toure - gallas - clichy

de jong - fabregas

rosicky/walcott/nasri - arshavin

huntelaar -- van persie

29

Sherif

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 08:15 PM - Reply

No offense to Wenger, but he is not learning from his mistakes, what part of last years failures he did not understand, i have no idea but it is clear we need people, more bodies in the team with the ability to replace first team players adequately ...not hoyte or eboue

28

lafa

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 07:38 PM - Reply

wenger has his way of doin things,i think he'll jst bring one of those less hyped players who turn out to be more skilled.

27

lucas

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 07:22 PM - Reply

l really hope ade is staying for another season

26

Bangkok gunner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 05:30 PM - Reply

A center midfield with EPL experience and a central defender and that will settle it

25

STBAN

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 05:30 PM - Reply

Joao Moutinho-Miguel Veloso-Barry-Martins

24

clay

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 05:04 PM - Reply

barry please?

23

anonymous goona!

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 04:39 PM - Reply

Wenger! Pls buy me. Even i am a kid. i am better than eboue. i heard that u hav kids more than the no of grass in emirates. pls buy me. i can sidestep rio ferdinand and walk the ball into the goal!

22

usman

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 03:16 PM - Reply

sign martins now out of remaining transfer window

21

cheecky -gooner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 03:16 PM - Reply

one or two will be all we need.
for those worried about the departed ones.i don't believe anyone has left that there isn't a replacement in place for at the moment.
hleb-nasri/ramsey/vela
gilberto-denilson/diaby
flamini-song/djourou

in short we have lost three players but it seems the team has got bigger with availabilty of vela etc.
let's hope for the best and falcao's arrival.

20

Fookin Hooligan

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 03:13 PM - Reply

We need more than 2... As Griffin said, thats why we failed last year. 3 would be acceptable considering we have 4 unreplaced players.
Barry would be perfect in Centre mid accompanyning Fabregas.

19

Li

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 02:38 PM - Reply

Please Give Barazite a place on the bench.
Realy Talent.
Wish to sign a strong and powerful centre back. Then sell funny Gallas.

18

gommo

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 01:30 PM - Reply

obafemi martins, krankour, ben harfa, or santa cruz I reckon

17

Shimizu

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 01:29 PM - Reply

Wenger is unpredictable. Nobody know what he will do next. He is a man filled with Mistery. Like Rog said he will always have something up his sleeve.

16

Shaun

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 12:20 PM - Reply

Bring in Mika richards he is a Big Big Gooner and longs to play for us.

If ur hearts is not at Arsenal let them go (ADE)
sell him with a swap for ETO..

But please my fellow Gooner family remember....
IN ARSENE WE TRUST....

GOONER 4 LIFE

SHAUN DA KIDD MAN ROBINSON

15

Taiwo

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 11:36 AM - Reply

I think we need three Players.A defender is needed,a defensive midfilder like alonso or Barry and a perfect Left Midfilder like Arshavin.what do u guys think?

14

Linson

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 11:15 AM - Reply

So far we've lost four players - Lehmann, Flamini, Gilberto and Hleb. We've brought in 3 players - Nasri, Ramsey and Coquelin as well as finally getting Vela. All of these players are too young in my opinion. We need more experience!

13

Albanian Gooner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 11:12 AM - Reply

i don't like adebayor to stay at arsenal :s

12

Gunner4life

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 11:05 AM - Reply

i think the one that he thinks is a definite is Amaury Bischoff. i think he will be one and the other, who knows.

11

mamuu

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 10:37 AM - Reply

yaya toure most definately and then may be silva we take the premier good luck arsenal

10

alexinh07

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 10:11 AM - Reply

we need Thiaho Neves ,Arsenal interest him

9

nicky

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 09:52 AM - Reply

Glad to read what Le Patron had to say.I hope it means that Ade the Greedy One ( and his greasy agent) are on the way out!!

8

griffin

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 09:49 AM - Reply

why only 2? thats why our club sank at the end of last season we've already lost 3 players and the kids did'nt look tip top yesterday except ramsey an wilshire i think we need at least 3 (goalie,defender and center midfield etc barry fit in perfect).

7

Kinyua, T.N, Kenya

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 09:39 AM - Reply

Wenger is a great manager and I wish him all the best in his endavours.Players come and go but the club will remain. Lets not get bogged down by the Adebayor saga. We had players like Reyes who never settled at the Club and we all know their progress. Wenger will give us surprises as usual.

6

Gooner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 09:24 AM - Reply

1st?!?

YESSS!!! he will buy someone, hopefully it will be 2 signings, one centre back and one DM, i don't trust Diaby at DM. Also did anybody hear that clubs r interested in Gallas?!

5

TrueGunner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 09:19 AM - Reply

I thought just two more at this point in time would be just fine.

4

Abdullah gooner

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 08:47 AM - Reply

we need a defensive midfielder like flamini or gilberto who could build up with fabregas and alonso is a good choice wants to go is spanish like cesc and is solid and puts up some goals

3

ger

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 08:47 AM - Reply

im glad that he is gonna make more signings

2

Rog

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 08:44 AM - Reply

I wish we would buy Yaya. I was a massive Vieira fan and feel Yaya would be a great asset to our team playing the same role. But im sure Wenger has a trick up his sleave as per usual. Who ever it will be im sure he will be a great player.(as long as it aint Barry or Alonso)