As long as we are paying respects to the players that have departed the mighty Arsenal recently… I’d like to give a shout out to Kanu.

None of us will ever forget his performance at Stamford Bridge a few years back…. it was truly amazing!! He had alot of great goals for us, and some important ones too! He showed sublime skills at times, but really has not had the chance to get on the pitch enough in the last few years to get the rust off… and old form back.

I hope he proves the critics wrong and has an excellent year for WBA. They are getting a class player and person… although I wish he were going to Charlton or Fulham. I am not sure WBA will stay up! He signed a 3 year deal… much like Ray Parlour did…

All the best KANUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Keep flashing that smile and keep that positive attitude. The league needs more players that actually show they are ENJOYING being on the pitch!

Ed. Note – Nothing is official yet…

So it is to be?…Spanish newspaper Marca are reporting that terms have been reached between Real Madrid and Patrick Vieira. I have been watching this unfold over the past few weeks and have been surprised by my reaction to it all…ambivalence. Now it appears Paddy’s exit is a foregone conclusion and we’ll all be forced to take a position on where we stand. I for one believe that no man is bigger than the club. Paddy is a huge asset to any side, no doubt, but I find it hard to believe that with $30 million give or take and Morientes possibly a part of the deal that Arsenal are losers in the exchange. Sure there will be a void to fill in defensive midfield, but Arsenal are a destination club, consistenly one of the best in Europe and with that amount of cash and the reputation the club has built in recent years they should have their pick of a replacement. It is a blow to any squad to lose their captain, but I feel that Arsenal have the integrity and fortitude to deal with change and move forward without too many steps backward. It’s the strength of the club that will win out here and keep the Gunners rolling in the EPL and in Europe.

Ed. Note – I don’t always agree with Andez, though I often do. The members don’t always agree with him either. But you have to say this – he always offers a thoughtful opinion and original content, not just a “hey did you see this story (link).” I encourage more members to put forth their opinions as Andez does…

The new player-loaning system (clubs are allowed to loan in and out players within the Premiership) will benefit Arsenal’s cause a great deal in my opinion. Jermaine Pennant is a good example.

To loan out a young player to a Premiership side, it solves our problem on whether we should be giving the youngsters more first team playing chances yet at the same time sustains the competitive level of the team.

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