Even though we have been hugely boosted by new commercial deals, it doesn't really change the fact that in a one off tug of war battle with a financially doped club then we are likely to fail in our attempts to land that player, however it does give us a much stronger chance of keeping current players together and I would argue that doing that was possibly even more important than new signings
Going by our recent behaviour, it seems as if we are content on waiting, waiting until either a fee has been agreed with a target of ours so we can match it which would prevent a bidding war and then use the charm and attraction of playing for Arsene Wenger which in many cases has worked. Abou Diaby and Oliver Giroud chose us over Chelsea. Aaron Ramsey chose us over Manchester United and it was the same with Chamberlain and Walcott. It could also be why we wait until deadline day to make moves assuming that another club has not made a move for that player, by that point Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City have already filled up their spaces or they are too late to get involved
The speed of which people go through transfer rumours on twitter is quite remarkable. This morning it was Grenier and at the last time of checking we had agreed a fee for Capoue. It will almost certainly be a case of boy who cried wolf for me because when we do sign someone, I blatantly won't believe it which I guess is better than believing every rumour. The Wayne Rooney to Arsenal rumour keeps coming back and seriously why is this happening? It makes so little sense. Are the tabloids taking the micky here? Firstly, assuming that we are not going to match the wages he gets at Manchester United, why exactly would Rooney leave Manchester United to earn less money, remember Rooney is a footballer. Also, why would Arsene break our transfer record to buy a player who is
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There are some people saying that if we are to really challenge for the title next season, Arteta may have to move aside and that we should go out and buy a replacement. To an extent, I understand where they are coming from as he is only getting older and he is not the midfield ‘hard man’ it is widely thought we need. However, I simply don’t believe we would be in the position to go out and spend on a replacement or anyone else of top quality for that matter, if it weren’t for Mikel Arteta’s pivotal role, both on and off

Everyone was going mental last summer and in January, calling for us to sign a proper defensive midfielder. We didn’t. Maybe Coquelin was earmarked as that man, or maybe Wenger just didn’t feel we needed one. I do feel we need little bit steel in the middle of the park though, and would like to see us bring in a proper midfield presence, whether he’s an all-out defensive midfielder or not. Fellaini would be great, but I assume he’ll be following Moyes to United. Playmaker-wise

Then Sky showed Gareth Bale's standard screamer and blimey it was a fine strike. The margin for error had been completely erased so it was down to maintaining that clean sheet. Given all the nerves and fear when I think back, we were relatively in control of the game. The Geordies may have had spells of good ball possession but they really did not test Szczesny anywhere near as much as you'd think. Theo Walcott had finally managed to get that pass where he would be set clear, his foot work to turn the defender was actually quite good but his finish only found the base of the post rather than the net, with Bale's goal still fresh in the mind, the fear of the late sting was a concern. Sky television wanted to let us know every couple of seconds that a Newcastle goal would send heroic mighty underdog Tottenham into the champions league.

As for the team news, we all expect Mikel Arteta to be out with injury but I am hoping Arsene is pulling a fast one and Arteta will arrive to Newcastle in a blue and red suit donning a smart red cape. Flying into the Arsenal midfield to save the day from the evil Pardew, or something. If Arteta is really out then Aaron Ramsey will replace him as the deepest midfielder with Jack Wilshere replacing Ramsey in that box to box role if you catch my drift.