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Podolski Signing Would Signal The Winds Of Change

The rumour that Lukas Podolski will be signing for Arsenal in the summer is gathering pace and no mistake.

The notion first started floating around the internet and football blogs with all the usual credence. Same old rumours that hardly ever come true. However as time passes by there certainly does seem to be a lot more smoke than usual.

Indeed, Arsenal`s "Big F***ing German" Per Mertesacker has confirmed that Podolski has sent him numerous texts inquiring what it`s like to play for the Gunners.

Over night the rumour has escalated somewhat with various news agencies claiming that Arsenal and Cologne have agreed a fee for the striker. Whether or not this is fact or fabrication is not what I`m here to discuss, no, what I want to ponder are the implications on the change of the way Arsene Wenger conducts his business, should the "facts" turn out to be correct.

Aside from a slight nuance every now and again, Mr Wenger`s transfer policy over the last few years has been one akin to that of the eating habits of a hyena. Waiting until the larger predators have had their fill of what`s on offer and then snaffle up the best of the rest, it`s an understandable stance considering the amount of times we`ve had the rug pulled out from under our feet by ruble baring Russians or massively wealthy sheiks. However it`s a transfer policy that`s becoming increasingly harmful to our club.

Failing to strike quickly has cost us chances at signing top players, it`s meant players we have signed haven`t had a preseason, a chance to bed in and on many occasions having to settle into a team whose season is already in full swing. Then there`s lack of top signings causing existing Arsenal players too question the motives of the club. It`s a policy that has very few pros and far too many cons.

To come to an arrangement to sign a great player like Podolski not only before the close of the transfer window, but before the current season has even ended is a massive step in the right direction. And this is forgetting the fact that we have the European Championships in the summer, where a decent tournament could hike Podolski`s price or draw even more attention from other suitors.

Waiting till after the tournament is not productive in my eyes.

After watching some footage of Lukas this morning, I came to the realisation that his style of play and lethal left foot is very similar to a certain Arsenal player whose North London future has been called into question as his contract runs out and his form continues to spiral out of this world (any guesses?). Now one would be forgiven to think that Wenger could be bringing in Podolski as a replacement. Indeed that was my initial reaction, and while there is a distinct possibility that Le Prof is trying to strengthen the side with top class players in order to convince the best striker in the world to stay (you guessed who I`m talking about yet?) …. Which would also be a change in tack for the Frenchman …. We do have to consider the possibility that Podolski is a direct replacement for RvP.

The thought of losing Robin is hideous. However it`s no more hideous than the thought of losing Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Anders Limpar, Ian Wright, and we survived all those losses right? The harsh reality is that there are only two certainties in life, death and taxes, and by extension of the former, no player will ever stay at Arsenal forever, and as such we must prepare for losing players by bringing in others to take their place.

One of the things that I notice gets Arsenal fans so angry, and rightly so, has been Wenger`s inability to adequately replace our top players when they`ve left over the last couple of years. Admittedly replacing Cesc Fabregas is no small task, but when you`re sitting on £50M, to not do everything in your power to fill that massive void feels like a kick in the nadgers (or the nadgette for all you female fans).

So whether AW is signing Podolski (if indeed it does turn out to be true) as a replacement or to strengthen the squad, the change in stance and the timing of the signing is a massive step in the right direction, and one that leaves me hopefully that for once, finally, we`ll be getting all our affairs straightened out before a major tournament and in time for pre-season.

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Writer: Rocky7

Date:Thursday March 8 2012

Time: 9:43AM

Your Comments

"To come to an arrangement to sign a great player like Podolski not only before the close of the transfer window, but before the current season has even ended is a massive step in the right direction." - wasn't the Arshavin situation exactly the same; big signing, before a big tournament? We get regular, early, surprise signings from Le Boss. just some of them are *****e...!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17295576 - 100k/wk for Podolski?

Can we play Podolski and RvP, or is it definitely one or the other? Maybe RvP off him, in the Bergkamp role?

damiano_tommassi

I certainly hope Podolski isn't a replacement for RVP. We know one can do it in the prem while the other is an unknown quantity. Why take such a huge gamble? Apart from the unique skills Robin brings to the team his leadership ability is also rightly garnering praise at the moment. What sort of message would it send to the team if yet another captain turned out to be on the conveyor belt out of the club? This cr@p has to stop here and I hope the club make the right statement this summer by renewing his contract.

Wyn Mills

I really cant decide whether this is a very good move or a bad one for Arsenal. his form for Germany and Cologne has been excellent, but I look at him away from his home club or national side and he has looked poor

oxfordspur

I have heard the same thing about 'Poldi'.

Wyn Mills

Damiano - Arshavin wasn't a signing ahead of a major tournament for the new season, he was a signing AFTER a major tournament and an emergency signing to help us ensure Champions League qualification. He managed it too.

Rocky7

Wyn, which club in the world would want to lose RvP. Its clear that any early negotiations last year or earlier this year by the club management have been rebuffed by RvP. Making him the highest wage earner at 120-130k/ week + one off loyalty bonus is the best the club can do in the summer. City have confirmed their interest by tapping him up early and will pay north of 200k/ week - something we can not match. Lets face it, if he goes for money, we have ZERO chance of retaining him. It will come down to an overall feeling of being content at Arsenal.

Deltaforce

Wyn - I'm sure Wenger is signing Podolski to strengthen the squad and hope to convince RvP to stay, but also in case Rob decides to leave. We can't just decide to renew his contract and that's it. There's no doubt we'll do everything we can to make sure he signs, but we have to have a contingency plan.

Rocky7

This worries me, simply because of the open media involvement and the fact that the fee is now in the public domain. What I hope is that this agreement is somehow enforced by a signed document. Nothing would give other teams more pleasure than coming in and attempting to offer more just to ***** us off!

Trennon

I agree Trennon, it would suit Cologne to leak any news of our interest more than it would suit us. In fact it would not suit AFC at all. If a provisional agreement has not been signed and this news was leaked by Cologne in a cheap bid to jack up the price its likely we'll be bested by a newly rich chav club.

Deltaforce

Or, more likely, the agent jacking the price up.

damiano_tommassi

You'd have to look at this from RVP's perspective. This is likely to be his last major long term contract, and the added complication is the club's over 30 policy. The club have to offer RVP something he cannot refuse, and that's a long term contract with a loyalty bonus that will offset anything clubs like City can wave at him (and this is where I hope Kroenke and Usmanov will come in). He loves this club so we are pushing against an open door in my opinion. Robin wants nothing more than to be whispered in the same breath as Bergkamp. RVP is getter better as he ages and I'm sure many of us can see him dropping back into a Bergkampesque playmaker role well into his thirties. In interviews he has talked about the club's history, which I think means a lot to him. We need to make sure our offer isn't derisory and balance that with the addition of one or two quality signings that signal our intent. And of course qualify for the CL next year.

Wyn Mills

Rocky, is Podolski really an adequate replacement for RVP? Rumour has it he suffered from homesickness while at Munich. What makes us think he'll be happy in London? I certainly wouldn't be comfortable taking that sort of risk.

Wyn Mills

I'm not saying we don't need Podolski ...I'm saying we need RVP AND Podolski.

Wyn Mills

Well in the hypothetical scenario that RvP were to leave, who would be an adequate replacement? My guess would be that a proven international such as Podolski would be an acceptable risk as any to take his place. And again, I'm sure Wenger wants both players too, but as my old mother used to tell me, you can't always get what you want.

Rocky7

That's the point. I think we can get what we want, if we really want it. Unlike Na$ri and Cesc, RVP is in no hurry to leave this club and that sort of loyalty is increasingly rare in football. I'm sure he understands the commercial situation (his agent will no doubt be explaining how he can double his money), but I doubt he would be sitting down 'over a cup of coffee' with Wenger if he had his mind set on moving elsewhere. The club has to make sure he stays. I can't see the fans stomaching another gold standard star leaving for a consecutive year.

Wyn Mills

The link to the article in German daily Bild which inspired all the press coverage is here http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/podolski/transfer-zu-arsenal-london-perfekt-23041792.bild.html All the articles on the transfer make reference to this article as the source. If this news from Bild turns out to be inaccurate, all the other articles are inaccurate as well. Lets hope the article is accurate.

Deltaforce

Wyn, while your wish that we retain RvP is shared by every other gooner, you seem to completely place the onus of keeping RvP on the club. That is a very one sided view. Like you said, look at it from RvP's point of view, if money is not and his agent Darren Dein's main motivation, Arsenal's offer will be competitive for sure. Thierry Henry was paid a fabulous loyalty bonus to sign a contract extension as was Fabregas and the same will be offered to RvP. If Darren wants even more or wants 200k/ week + there is almost nothing the club can do. Its upto RvP to show his agent his place if things come to a head over an extra 30k/ week or 50k/ week. Lastly, Usmanov has no role in this contact negotiation as he is not on the board of directors.

Deltaforce

The german is set to replace the utter rubbish we have in reserve. Remember we have 4 strikers we need to give the boot to in the summer. Chamack, Park, Bendtner and Vela. Only Afobi has shown any class that he can step into the squad. So, assuming we keep RVP which I'm pretty sure we will, the podolski will be the first of 2 strike signings.

Trennon

If Darren wants more? Surely it's up to RVP whether he will accept the club's offer, not his agent. My point is the club need to ensure the offer is competitive and not a slap in the face. Historically they don't have a spotless record. I just have a healthy suspicion of this board's motives under Hill-Wood. Sure Usmanov has no position on the board, but if he gets to 30% I'm sure he'll have a view on how and on what the money is being spent.

Wyn Mills

Trennon, assuming we can offload the aforementioned 'utter rubbish' with their sky-high wages I would agree with you.

Wyn Mills

One other thing that may be pointing to this being on - Wenger usually comes out and rubbishes rumours like this if they get to this level. So far...nothing. Perhaps the strategy is the club need to indicate their intent to RVP early on, before they sit down to talk.

Wyn Mills

Yes true. But both Vela and Bendy will have 1 year left on their contracts and Chamy def wants out. Either way they will be loaned or sold. Vela isnt on as big a salary as the others and is doing ok in spain. Park is earning nothing and will go back to france. Bendy wants to follow the money so russia is calling.

Trennon

Got this from ArsenalVision: .Com now have an article on Abou, which I am yet to read. Will do so after I finish this. Ok you transfer junkies you. I can see the crust in your mouth and your body shaking due to transfer withdrawal symptoms. It looks as if the BBC have accidentally let the cat out of the bag *meow* they tweeted the following which was swiftly deleted. Arsenal confirm to @bbcsport_david they have agreed a deal to sign Lukas Podolski from Cologne at the end of the season #afc

Dberg

Now they're running the story on their web page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17295576

Dberg

Wyn Mills, no club has a spotless record in retaining every player they have. Just like you suspect PHW' motives, I suspect the motives of DD Junior and Senior who have an infleuntial position in the RvP negotiations. Please check the position of a shareholder who has 30% in Arsenal and what information they can ask for and what they cant. Even if Usmanov gets to 30% unless he is invited to the board all he will get is a detailed set of Arsenal accounts with notes to accounts and all off balance sheet items. He still will not get involved in transfers. Do check your information.

Deltaforce

Damiano, Podolski has often played as a left sided forward in a 4-3-3 combination so its a possibility that he and Gervinho switch flanks. Gervinho was a right sided forward at Lille. Its too early to say whether he and RvP are mutually exclusive.

Deltaforce

Podolski always seemed like a striker to me... In the same as as RvP didn't... Our Lord Dennis Bergkamp said recently that Robin's done fantastically well when you consider he's playing out of position and not a striker. Before playing there for us, he was a wide man or attacking-mid, wasn't he? Maybe Arsene is looking to put him in the more creative role behind a 'proper' striker, and change Arsenal's tactics a little bit?

damiano_tommassi

The Lord Our Dennis knows infinitly more about football than I do, but I have to wonder how anyone can argue that RvP best position isn't the one he's currently playing in.

Rocky7

Separating 'best postiion' from 'most goals', I think Robin would be a happier, better player in the hole/Dennis role... But the fact is that he's a better striker than the other 10 strikers that have come and gone during his time at Arsenal, isn't he! But if we had someone else up there getting 32 goals a season with Robin in behind... with the space to turn, dribble, shoot or pass... now that'd be beautiful.

damiano_tommassi

Just been announced from Germany, Podolski WILL be a Gooner next season. You've got him boys, its a done deal.

Spuds-U-Like

Damiano - I just don't see how Robin could get any better. His best atribute in my humble opinion is his finishing. He's the most clinical striker since Robbie Fowler was in his pomp. He's got many special qualities for sure, but I'd keep him exactly where he is.

Rocky7

Delta, how have City tapped RVP up? If you were asked if you would like arguably the best striker in the world would you say no? I thought he was very respectful in saying that it was his opinion that RVP would stay at Arsenal, he was also very complimentary about Arsenal, yet we still have idiots taking the tabloid gutter angle on his comments.

Bluedub

Bluedub, its quite clear that Mancini has tapped RvP up. Yet we still have idiots spouting the City line that Mancini was just praising RvP.

Deltaforce

Fair enough Rock, it's all opinions. For me, he's Bergkamp but forced to play in the Henry position. Had Arsene played Bergkamp as a striker, he may have scored goals - the man was a fantastic finisher too - but his natural position is a creator. I think it's the same with Robin - stick him up front and he'll score goals, and compared to the other players at our club he's certainly our best finisher. But it's like sticking Vermaelen at left-back; he'll play there and do well, it's just not where he belongs.

On a completely unrelated side note (seeing as we're talking about 'out-of-position'), who knew Chamberlain would turn out to be so good in the centre of midfield? At his age? Amazing.

damiano_tommassi

Blue, I'm divided on this one; he didn't say much, and he did say four times that RvP will probably stay at Arsenal. but why did he say anything? Isn't it the official/right thing to say 'I don't want to talk about another club's players.'?

damiano_tommassi

Maybe Damiaio, but what would be the tabloid angle then for the idiots to follow? Something along the lines of 'Mancini is coy about his pursuit of RVP' and unfortunately the idiots would lap that up too.

Bluedub

Mancini tapped up RvP; he is an intelligent man and knew exactly what he was doing.

Naijagunner

Delta, who's saying Mancini is just praising him?

Bluedub

Same tactics were used in his pursuit of Nasri. It was all United till he had that 'harmless' interview and things swung quickly.

Naijagunner

It will seem the Podolski to Arsenal stories are heating up nicely. It will indeed be a good one, if it turns out to be correct. Problem is Arsene is unlikely to speak about it until the season ends. Is there a rule preventing the confirmation of the deal on .com, if it is true?

Naijagunner

Naja, did he tap up Messi and Ronaldo too?

Bluedub

call me negativity personified.. But Podolski is RVP's replacement.. Its so apparent.

Sajit

Btw, RvP and Podolski are too similar players... We need a proper target man / poacher.. RvP is just soo good that he can play any of these roles.. But Podolski today reminds me of RvP 4 seasons ago..

Sajit

Bluedub, I only concern myself with things that relate to my club. I have no recollection of any statements he made (if any) about those players. What's your point? :-)

Naijagunner

To judge tapping up, intentions are the thing to watch out for and not opinions. Having watched Mancini's press conference, an assessment of tapping up is quite straightforward. It was sophisticated of Mancini as usual and littered with a lot of praise for both RvP and Arsenal but there were enough throwaway remarks which made his intentions clear to anyone but the most blinkered City fan. Note this statement - "But if this player wants to stay, we don't have any problem. In my opinion, Van Persie will stay at Arsenal." Opinion - RvP will stay at Arsenal. Intention - Listen RvP, remember us if things at Arsenal dont work out.

Statement 2 - "We are interested in good players, I think all the good teams are interested in Van Persie." Opinion - There will be a dogfight among elite clubs for RvP's signature in the summer. Intention - City will definitely be among the above clubs involved in a dogfight for Van Persie.

Deltaforce

Joachim Loew has said that Podolski 'needs the touchline to give him direction' - hence he's deployed on the left of Germany's 4-3-3. He's an excellent counter-attacking forward and a good finisher. I think he'd suit our style of play - which is comparable to that of Germany - very well. He'll be able to add some intelligence and technique to the flair and pace of Gervinho and Walcott - who lack intelligent movement off the ball when the final third is crowded. He has been criticised for not working hard enough in tracking back, though, which he'll need to improve if he does sign. He'll have a point to prove to all those who say - rather prematurely - that he can't cut it at a top club. I'd certainly be in favour of the signing.

ArsenalRob

Oh interesting.. gilbertosilver of gunnerblog saying that Arsenal leaked the podolski story.. not Cologne.. Coz of the impending season ticket renewals :)

Sajit

£30mil for an injury prone 29 year old will never be sanctioned by the club's hierarchy regardless of how well he's performing at the moment. Naja, he mentioned Ronaldo and Messi in the same interview in which he allegedly tapped up RVP, just goes to show that you didn't even read what he had to say.

Bluedub

I can fairly confidently say that RvP wont join any other English club..

Sajit

Delta, I feel you're slightly misreading my posts. When I say the club don't have a spotless record I am referring to the fact that they don't always offer competitive contracts in transfer negotiations (ie; length and pay) and may have lost some of our most experienced players as a result. Yes it's not unique - and not necessarily always a bad thing of course, but when it comes to holding on to some of our established stars it may have affected us more than most. If I mention Cole, Flamini, Silva, Toure, Vieira and Pires you'll get a gist of what I mean. I'm also well aware that the situation with Usmanov means he will probably never be invited on the board. However his access to the accounts may make the whole financial situation a little more transparent - so we might actually find out where the money has gone and if the entire choice not to spend is, and has been, down to our manager. Its the sort of information that the current board is obviously reluctant to divulge, and might well have an indirect effect on our transfer policy.

Wyn Mills

ArsenalRob, a good 'counter-attacking forward'? How much of that do we do these days? I thought the lack of counter-attacking was the problem we had with Arshavin.

Wyn Mills

BD, the only time Mancini mentioned Ronaldo and Messi in his press conference was when he compared RvP to them. In tapping up, praising the target player if of utmost importancce. Did you watch Mancini's press conference or did you only read the tabloids?

Deltaforce

Wyn, the wins against Chelsea away and Spurs at home were full of counter attacking goals where RvP and Walcott were involved supported by Song and Rosicky. We dont counter attack as frequently or even nearly as well as we did in 2002 or 2004 but we do counter attack fairly well even now. The winner against Barcelona at the Grove was a briliant counter attacking goal with Arshavin finishing the move. It is a very fair statement of ArsenalRob to call Podolski a good counter attacking forward.

Deltaforce

Of course I watched it, it is after all the manager of the team I support giving the presser, so I'm obviously going to watch and listen.

Bluedub

The counter-attacking games seem to be the exception rather than the rule, Delta (typically against teams who considered they were superior to us). In most games we boss possession and sit in front of massed defences playing pass the parcel.

Wyn Mills

When Arsenal CAN counter attack, we do - and the pace on our wings/our formation allows this to be done well. The problem is that 90% of our games are against 'lesser' teams who can only attempt to beat us by sitting very deep and countering us. So most of the time, we don't counter; we need a target man to hold the ball, use it, make runs, and - above all - score goals in a busy penalty box.

damiano_tommassi

I agree with both of you Wyn and Delta, we don't counter-attack as often as we used to - although of course that has no impact on whether or not Podolski is a good counter-attacking forward or not. However, whilst we're criticised for failing to break down teams that sit behind the ball and try to prevent us scoring for 90 mins, we're also criticised for failing to kill games off, and having a counter-attacking player of Podolski's ability can only be beneficial in this respect. From what I've seen he's also capable of making more subtle runs in behind defences and is a very competent finisher, and I think he'd allow us to be more incisive when up against a crowded defence than the likes of Gervinho and Walcott are currently.

ArsenalRob

If it's true then it's pretty savvy: he is bought to add depth to our attack and show some ambition to players who may be questioning, but if RvP goes then we have a national 1st choice with 100 caps as a replacement.

No 10

ArsenalRob, Poldoski certainly looks like he can take care of himself in a crowded box. Gervinho sometimes looks like he'll be blown away by an errant gust of wind, and even RVP is often bullied.

Wyn Mills

When I've seen Podolski play on the left he has looked quick, direct and incisive. He also seems to have an attacking end product ie. he'll always look to have a shot or put the ball in the box. When I've seen him more centrally he has looked really good with his back to goal and although he's only 6' he has really good strength and balance.

No 10

When did you last see him? The following is ardly a glowing endorsement: http://goonerboy.blogspot.com/2012/03/exclusive-scouting-report-lukas.html

Wyn Mills

The club have now come out with an official statement. Apparantly it's all been a bit of a clerical error..... it's actually Lucasz fabianski we're negotiating with not Lukas Podolski, new girl in the office, first day and all that, easy mistake to make.

nikolaijns

A while ago to be honest. I not watched him at Koln since his return, just his Germany games and his Bayern days. But Goonerboy has the same memory as me, the blog actually doesn't read that bad. In a game playing against two DMs he still used 'his vision and technique to bring colleagues into the game' and he still scored.

No 10

Niko, LOL!

Wyn Mills

Nice goal for Sporting!

No 10

Wyn isn't your concern about Rvp overshadowing the usual reaction to a post about a possible new signing of a good player? None of us know today if RvP will stay at the club for sure, fretting about that today is a waste of time. Reviewing your posts today on this topic, you have discussed Podolski's weaknesses, RvP's possible departure and the club management's shortcomings. On a post about the signing of a new player. There's a lot of things still to do to make Arsenal title challengers once again but nitpicking to the extent you have done seems negative to me and wholly off topic. Only my opinion.

Deltaforce

To be fair to Wyn he's not the only one. But I would like to know: If Podolski isn't an adequate replacement to RvP who would be?

No 10

Delta, not sure how you come to that conclusion. All of the points discussed were raised in Rocky's article in one form or another. When the thread started none of us were even sure the rumour was true, so celebrating it would have been premature. I dont believe i've been unusually negative about Poldoski, just asked questions about what he would bring to the team, as any fan would. I'm excited, certainly not fretting. Im sorry you see it as nitpicking.

Wyn Mills

If the rumours are true, then its a massive win win. Obviously we all want RVP to stay, and if he does then Podolski can only improve our potency in the attacking third whether he plays alongside RVP or in front. On the other hand if we lose RVP we have a 26 year old proven striker with 95 international caps! He is playing in a very poor Koln side this season but is still scoring goals. All this "is he an adequate replacement?"....If he is not then please do tell me who the hell is!? 43 goals in 95 internationals.....only klose, klinsmann, voller and rummenigge have scored more goals, he only needs 4 more to be the second all time highest scorer for Germany. This fella has pedigree I don't care what anybody says, so whether it pans out as a replacement or a partner I'm happy with that, just as long as we bring in another striker if RVP does move on.

gunnerman76

I agree that realistically it would be hard to find a better footballing replacement for RvP than Podolski, but it's RvP's leadership qualities that make him truly indispensable. Obviously, you can't really buy instant leadership in the transfer market, so I'm not suggesting this should put us off Podolski, but, as I'm sure he knows, Arsene will have to look at far more than footballing ability when deciding whether or not we have enough to remain competitive without RvP.

ArsenalRob

Lol, Niko.

Naijagunner

OT. It looks like United are getting something of a footballing lesson at Home. Not sure they stand any chance of a heroic come back in Spain.

Naijagunner

Just had a look at a few re runs on the tube......His left foot is Exquisite

gunnerman76

Whether RvP stays or not, he will be a good signing and a step in the right direction. If RvP leaves, he may not be a direct replacement for RvP and to be fair it's hard to find direct replacements for players of RvP's quality. Podolski will bring his own style of play and it's up to Arsene to fit him in to ours. If RvP stays, then I look forward to how both of them play together.

Eboue=GOD

RvP will enjoy slipping Podolski in on goal, in a more withdrawn forward role (2nd striker) or even playing from the wing as he used to do. Podolski will be a good addition and, unlike what I read Didi Hamman had to say, should do very well in England once he settles in. Our small contingent of Poles and Germans will see to his comfort and that will be that.

Naijagunner

@Delta "I never said that we want to buy Robin van Persie," Mancini said to Sky Sports News. "Some journalist asked me about him, and I said we are interested in all good players - but also that I think he will stay at Arsenal for a long time, because Van Persie for them is the best player." still tapping away eh?

Bluedub

Yes Bluedub, still banging on about another club's player and saying 'we're interested (in all good players)'.

damiano_tommassi

Banging on about or answering questions that are put to him? Good grief!

Bluedub

Bluedub, if Mancini was convinced that his earlier press conference was proper in all respects and did NOT constitute tapping up RvP he would have kept quiet now and not given another clarification through the press. The subsequent statement is a prepred legal statement which can be used by City to defend against any possible reporting by Arsenal to the FA. Your mind is not tuned to accepting anything negative about your own club, which is partly understandable so lets agree to disagree as usual.

Deltaforce

He was answering a question. You really need to get over this persecution complex that has developed amongst your fanbase, I suppose it doesn't help with Wenger moaning so much, it's bound to rub off on the fans in some way.

Bluedub

City fans need to get off the propoganda machine that the Etihad establishment has become. The siege mentality shows no sign of abating whether it is the fraudulent 400 million stadium sponsorship deal, the tapping up of players, purchasing players and loaning them to rivals while paying their salary and many more.

Deltaforce

Delta, after accusing me yesterday of going off topic I can't help but feel this whole tapping up of RVP thing is a bit of a distraction. In my opinion the whole affair is being blown up and exaggerated by the media and many seem to be falling for the bait.

Wyn Mills

Wyn, I was only responding to the City fan, I didnt start the topic. Also, i saw the full press conference of Mancini and i would beg to differ with you on the interpretation of what was said and what was meant.

Deltaforce

Delta, fair enough. I still feel there are certain portions of the media who have an Arsenal agenda and are stirring things up after what happened last year. Mancini is like a rich kid in a sweet shop and the press will extract sound-bites out of him with no trouble at all. Anyway, on topic again, this compilation of Podolski's goals this season does fill me with excitement ... ESPECIALLY if he ends up playing with RvP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=VQcCLydNqAQ

Wyn Mills

i hate to think that rvp will leave but realistically, it would be very difficult to make him stay. first of all, a contract for next 4 years will most probably be his last one to win something big and we only have ourselves to blame for giving him empty promises all these years. secondly, he could easily get something over 200k pw elsewhere which is beyond us. my hunch is, wenger would strengthen the midfield and move walcott or ox into forward. let's hope we can get any one of them - goetze, hazard, eriksen

Joe_@**

For once i agree with the city fans i dont think its tapping up i remember Wenger sayin how he admired Hazard not too long ago at end of day managers shouldnt comment on other clubs players but realisticly its allways going happing

Van Persie

"For once i agree with the city fans i dont think its tapping up i remember Wenger sayin how he admired Hazard not too long ago at end of day managers shouldnt comment on other clubs players but realisticly its allways going happing Van Persie" you staying then.....?

Armory

Dont worry lads im staying :)

Van Persie

If Podolski turned down 200k so he could play for us then here's hoping RvP does too. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2112577/Lukas-Podolski-turns-Anzhi-Makhachkala-join-Arsenal.html

No 10

@Joe Wenger is pretty adamant that the Ox will be grow to be an AMF not a striker.

No 10

@Joe Wenger is pretty adamant that the Ox will be grow to be an AMF not a striker.

No 10

"I have not a lot to say about that because if we sign a player we will inform you. At the moment we have not signed anybody. There is still no agreement. The distance to the agreement is not always linked with the signing. When you are very close you are quickly very far again, but Podolski is a good player, I wouldn't deny that." ------ Here we go again. Usual Wenger verbal gymnastics

Wyn Mills

no 10, i think with podolski in front, ox could play as a deep-lying forward ala messi, pretty much like the amf like you mean. as for walcott, i just can't see him playing as a winger anymore. his style is more suited for the m. owen role (when he was 18-23). he acceleration is second to non and his finishing is quite incisive; unfortunately nothing else. once walcott loses his pace a few years down the road, i think he is done, just like owen too

Joe_@**

But what can he say? The cat's already out of the bag I guess.

Wyn Mills

Agree with everything you say there Joe.

No 10

At least, we are talking with him.

Naijagunner

I am not sure how smart it is for Wenger to give indications that we haven't yet closed this deal, as is making the rounds. This could give other clubs with deeper pockets (or spoilers) to come in with a better package to steal him away from under our noses. Juan Mata, anyone?

Naijagunner

Good point Naija. Unless of course there's been a 'gentleman's handshake', whatever that means these days.

Wyn Mills

I sure hope so. Been beaten too many times.

Naijagunner

Naij....apparently podolski was quoted as saying his decision will be purely on his development as a footballer, if that is the case then cash won't be an issue, if the wages were offering him are true then it's already doubling his salary. I'm not reading into the media hype to much, more the fact that mertesacker has said he is in regular contact with him.......and he is asking lots of questions. I think he realises this is his chance to take it a step further and I think he can achieve that under wenger......hopefully he does too.

gunnerman76

if Mancini s 'Tapping up' RvP, what is Wenger doing with the Podolski alledged transfer TO Arsenal, is that not tapping up, or just because the press got hold of it After the Pre-contract have been alledgedly signed.... RvP Is still an Arsenal player and in his last year of a contract, so in 5-6 months is free to talk to other clubs, i assume, Mancini is just covering his bases, like all good manager's and most probably Wenger did exactly the same with Podolski....... so where did this Tapping charge come from? people in glass houses dont throw stones...

cityman51

Cityman, in this instance I'd argue that neither Mancini or Arsene have behaved particularly badly. Mancini's comments were taken out of context by the press just to make headlines, and the noise over Podolski has been chiefly coming out of Podolski/ Cologne's camp as they look to attract competition for his purchase. I personally don't admire the way Mancini talks about players in public, both those contracted to City and other clubs - I personally believe transfer issues, disciplinary matters and performance levels should be commented on and dealt as far as possible exclusively from within the club. However, in this particular case, I don't think either Mancini or Wenger has done much wrong.

ArsenalRob

Cityman - RvP is NOT in the last year of his contract, it runs till 2013, so he can talk to other club from Jan, which is 9 months away! In any case, I don't care about Mancini's comments, a big deal is being made out of it.

prits

Cityman, you made the allegation and pretty much cleared Wenger. Firstly, both clubs (Arsenal & Cologne) agreed to speak on a mutually beneficial transfer deal and reached agreement, then the press latched on from the Cologne end and there was nothing Wenger could do, when asked, but address the 'speculations'. In Mancini's case, RvP is not up for sale, nor has a talk with Arsenal been initiated (not that we would listen), so Mancini speaking about his desire to have such a player then stating his belief he would remain at Arsenal is just plain arrogance and is suggestive; an attempt to turn the player's head to the riches on offer at City. That is unacceptable in the EPL rule book.

Naijagunner

Naja, that is pure *****. Mancini basically answered a question would he be interested in RVP? his reply was ofcourse, just like he'd be interested in Ronaldo or Messi or any top player. The EPL rule book my arse.

Bluedub

Mancini applied a similar gambit when he wanted to turn Nasri's head, last summer. Now, it has continued to be a recurring item in the news, these days, with some reporting a 'done deal' and our captain buying a house in the Cheshire area. I don't see how RvP will move to City. It's all utter garbage! This is an attempt to derail him from his current run of form.

Naijagunner

Podolski in, Van Persie to City ..... good deal all round as VP like Nasri and Clichy wants a chance to win something ..... its not all about money ... still I fancy you guys have a reasonable chance of getting 4th spot, not a bad season I suppose.

Wswilly3

Still willy waving I see..it's not all about money lol, joker. Look at it with half a brain and you can clearly see that you wouldn't be here if that was the case would you?. Go back to cleansing the royal oil rectum with your grateful infidel lackey tongue.

nikolaijns

Obviously, it's a little Willy. What makes you think RvP will want to go to a team that is unlikely to finish top of the league and a side that wouldn't win anything of significance this season. Better worry about how to navigate your remaining fixtures well and leave the matter of your ability to attract class talent till the summer.

Naijagunner

Seems willy has gone a little flaccid after todays' result. Strange that such winners like Nasri and Clichy didn't step up?

nikolaijns

Apparently Pod denied a deal was done.

HKBCCAN

Wenger has said as much. No one has denied a deal was broached with relevant parties, though, so we can expect that an agreement will be reached. Of course, now it is in the open, expect some clubs with deeper pockets to come enquiring.

Naijagunner

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