Arsene doesn't want James, Akinfeev wants Arsenal and I want it to stop

I intended to write a blog yesterday, I had plenty to say at the time, honest guv. I was stopped dead in my tracks by a super sized hangover, one that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. It was actually my first hangover for years and I will make sure it is my last for years as well.

I had a really weird dream last night. Ashley Cole was at my house last night explaining to me that his departure from Arsenal was not his fault and that the story of him demanding more money was false. It was all Arsene's fault apparently. He was leaving my house to drive straight to Liverpool to sign for them. I was not allowed to write about it because no one knew about it. When he left I flipped open my laptop to write an exclusive but then my youngest daughter woke me up from my sleep. Drat, I'll get that big exclusive one day.

As you would expect, loads has been going on since I last wrote. There has been transfer speculation, rumour, gossip, hearsay and erm speculation. The usual stuff you would expect when the players are in another country working to gain fitness. The hacks have to fill their columns somehow haven't they?

Wouldn't it be nice to read articles in the newspaper with a bit of thought, research and depth? Something that wasn't club x is keeping tabs on player y. Just for once, please. You have certain websites likes The Swiss Ramble who are probably writing for the joy of it and are not earning what these idiots from the likes of the Daily Mail are earning yet produce fantastic, informative content.

Surely we are not so ridiculously stupid that we can only be fed 99% made up transfer 'speculation' to keep our attention. There has got to be a gap in the market for something a little more interesting.

While I am mentioning The Swiss Ramble, I thought I would throw a few others into the ring.

Arsenal Column
Zonal Marking

Two more sites that offer a little more than Denilson only passes sideways and Almunia is a clown.

I have gone way off track here, I think the constant transfer crap that drips out of mouths is starting to get the better of me. Whilst I am here let me get it out of the way.

David James apparently was turned down by Arsene Wenger so he now has to downgrade his train ticket to catch the Glasgow train. Celtic will accept him with open arms.

I would be a little perplexed if we bought David James. A great shot stopper, coming to the end of his career who has a habit of making errors from crosses. If I sit here long enough and think about this, maybe I can remember who that reminds me of. But as I don't have the time, I will leave it for now in the hope that it comes back to me whilst doing the dishes or something.

Every Arsenal fans favourite goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has 'issued a come and get me plea' (I love that saying) to Arsene Wenger.

“Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world. If both of them are going to be ­looking for keepers this ­summer – or even the next summer – then of course I am interested.

“I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and ­London life. He has only had good things to say about the club and the city. He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world – and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him.

Anyone think that he wants to come and join us? Well us or the Mancs for that matter. Apart from being the dogs in Football Manager, I know nothing about the Russian number one. I don't know how he would fair against the physical nature of the Premier League, I do not know what he is like on one on ones given the fact that we play quite a high line, I do not know what his distribution is like and obviously I do not know what price a financially rich club like CSKA Moscow would put above his head.

If all the variables are correct for Arsenal and the player is a good character then I am sure the club would be interested in doing business, the trouble is we as fans rarely get to know any of these details, so when player x isn't bought then dissatisfaction often rings around without actually knowing the facts, hence the reason why being an actual manager is much harder than doing it from the comfort of your own home.

Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekeleburg is another who is linked with joining the club. We will probably have to start again from the beginning and relink all the old keepers again soon because we are close to having links with every keeper in the world. Someone told me that Vince Bartram was seen in Tesco's near Ashburton Grove, he was in full Arsenal kit, including muddy boots so I suspect he had just completed his medical.

Yes I know I am ridiculing these transfer 'links' (apart from the Bartram one of course) but it doesn't stop me from admitting that I would love a new number one at Arsenal but not a dip your hand in the bowl and select random keeper, one that is better than we already have and one that will help stabilise our defence.

Which leads me nicely onto my next topic. Johan Djourou calls for more aggression from his defence this year.

Djourou said:

"It is true that 41 goals is too much when you are playing for the top places, I think sometimes we are missing a bit of aggression. It is not that we are not good enough, because the team is good enough. We have top players at the back, top players all over the pitch. It is just that we have to be stronger as a unit."

Ironically enough, I feel that is the side of the game that Djourou needs to improve upon. A very cultured player who made the step back into defence from holding midfield during his time at Arsenal. Good in the air, on the ball and distributes well but unlike the likes of Gallas we haven't seen that aggression to get to the ball first at times. That desire to not let the opposition past him.

Aggression is important but for me, defensive organisation is the area where our defence need to improve upon the most. Individually they are all very good players as Djourou said but at times like season they looked like four separate players doing whatever they wanted. Communication, organisation and practice will hopefully see better numbers at the end of next season.

Djourou's potential partner Laurent Koscielny has brought to the table a list of his strengths that will hopefully improve our defence for next season.

Koscielny said:

"I like physical challenges and I'm a player that can anticipate situations, I feel that I read the game well and one of my strengths is challenging for the ball in the air.

"However, being at Arsenal, I know that I will have to work harder on all of those points to reach a higher level."

Liking the physical challenge and winning headers is a great start Laurent, let us hope he can reach his best quickly. We must all remember not to judge him too much on what he has done in 'practice' games thus far. Last season in pre season I can clearly remember Vermaelen being questioned for being too slow, losing headers to Paul Furlong etc then at Everton we witnessed the Verminator. I am not comparing the two players, that would be unfair but lets give the guy a chance before popping him into the blue recycling bin outside your front door.

***** This section of the article was intercepted by the BFZ filter. Words found: Balding young men.. [deleted] ****

Back tomorrow.

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Comments

#1 - arCHer Says:

I would very much like either of Stekelenburg or Akinfeev to come. No matter if they get into the way of Szczesny, we can always sell them later. I really hope a keeper comes in before the start of the new season.

http://goonerhood.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-goalkeepers-linked-to-arsenal.html

#2 - brdgunner Says:

Defensive organisation is bar far our biggest concern. Thats why I like Sol. He does give us that.

However, a goal keeper that wont be targeted as a weak link is important too. I don't think Jagilka is worth the money being touted so I would look elswhere.

I would like another CM, a real engine to complement Song and Cesc. Kevin Prince or Parker would be excellent for Arsenal.


Whatever happens, I am looking forward to the new Season.



COME ON THE GUNNERS

#3 - double dapper Says:

ML - I feel your pain, going out 3 days on the bounce have given me a hatrick hangover, something I plan to avoid for some time (or until I am stupid enough to go at it again). I also am planning on avoiding this transfer merry-go-round next summer by going into football Hibernation and hopefully avoid all the tenuous links/bullsh1t and more Cesc is being locked in a high security cell by Wenger so that he is kept away from his dream club where he will most likely sit on the bench.

Yes I would love an injection of world class talent into the team but lets face it... it is not going to happen. I am starting to get annoyed with lots of plums telling me (and Arsene) we should sell x,y&z (generally talented young players with potential) for 30 mil and buy a,b,c,d,e & f (generally some 27 year olds who have been linked with Arsenal because their parents went on holiday to London 10 years ago) for 30-45 mil. Where do these 'Football Manager' obsessive’s get their valuations from (oh yeah I just answered that). It also amazes me that people think you can sell one player on the wage of lets say 10 apples a week and bring in 5 players on 15 apples a week each when you have only just planted your apple tree seed in the last few years.

I'm excited about the new season and truly believe we can do it if Vermaelen steps up and organises the defence as a unit and Cesc and RVP stay off of the injury table.

If we sign anyone it will be a bonus but I think I shall leave the decision making down to Arsene, he has by the way:
Won Arsenal a fair few trophies in his time
Developed the youngest and most exciting team in the premier league on a bootlace/shoestring budget
Brought in relatively unrated players of the likes of: Viera, Petit, Cesc, Vermaelen, RVP, Henry, Anelka, Cliche, Pires, Nasri etc.....

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