Off Season Puntsphere Rumours.

**Peerzy** · 07-10-2005, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by manker

More talk of Neimi going to the Bhoys.

The papers today are nuts. Saying that Chelski are going to sign everyone and that they've already signed Essien

This thread > Tabloids

Its because we have money, anyone who's any good we'll be linked to. Much like Real Madrid in the past.

**manker** · 07-12-2005, 10:55 AM

It appears Gordon Strachan is being a bit of a bar-steward.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...on/4674447.stm

Mind, I've thought Harry Redknapp has been losing it ever since he left Portsmouth for Southampton ... Southampton

Fine, the chairman was being a bit of an attention seeking arse but moving to their local rivals is only hurting the fans. Justice was done in the end for Pompey, tho'.

**manker** · 07-14-2005, 11:25 AM

Vieira looks to be off to Juve. There was talk but I didn't think he'd go.

He's 29 now and getting £18million for him would be good business for Arsenal, I don't think he was the force he once was in the Premiership last season - the Man Utd midfield, which is creaking a bit, pwned him in both games last season.

With Edu - who I think is a fine player - already gone, plus Pires and Vieira likely to leave, Wenger has to buy another midfielder. Don't know much about this Hleb guy they've just bought apart from he isn't yet the finished article and probably won't make much of an impact next season.

**DarthInsinuate** · 07-14-2005, 12:23 PM

'tis true that Vieira isn't always consistant, but he's still one of the best midfielders in the world, he's also Arsenal's captain.

i think Wenger will need to bring in at least two midfielders, they've never really filled the gap that Petit left

**manker** · 07-14-2005, 02:27 PM

Him being captain means nothing, except to the Arsenal fans.

I think he's past his best, his market value has decreased by about £15million in the last 2 years. Due in part to the cooling off of the market itself but also due to his poor form.

Arsenal have never been much good at attracting established stars - their excellent team is a testomony to Wenger's shrewness and coaching ability.

I wonder who they'll buy.

**Peerzy** · 07-14-2005, 04:32 PM

Wenger has the natural talent of being able to pick young french players who later turn into stars. This is why Arsenal are such a good side. There not financially in a great position so Wenger doesn't get millions to spend.

**JPaul** · 07-14-2005, 04:56 PM

Indeed, aren't they spending a shed load on the new stadium.

Which will presumably mean a tightening of the belt. I agree getting £18 million for him is excellent business.

**Peerzy** · 07-14-2005, 05:06 PM

Not quite £18 million but close enough.

Arsenal have confirmed that they have accepted Juventus' £13.75m offer for their skipper Patrick Vieira.

Stupid of Arsenal in my opinion, seeingh as Juve offered £23 million last year, they should have taken the cash then seeing as he hasn't had a great season and he's certainly not getting an younger.