Arsenal are in desperate shape at present and need to bring in some quality players to not only save the season but build for the future. When you look at what’s available at home or in Europe you soon realize the plight Wenger has got himself into, there are very few star quality players out there able to be persuaded to join the Gunners. Also you will find that most have played in European competition and therefore will be cup tied and not able to help win the Champions league which possibly could be Arsenal’s only way back in next season.
So if we are looking for transfer targets in January or for the back burner next season, we should focus on other parts of the globe. First of all I identified what positions I beleived we should buy in and decided that the main areas were, in this order, Midfield - Full Backs - Striker - Goalkeeper. With this in mind I thought about what type of temperament, age and experience would benifit Arsenal and then tried to identify a country that would fit this mould….Yes I’m typecasting! I beleive there is a huge untapped talent that fits the bill, with many players relatively unknown at present that will definately change after the World Cup and that country is ARGENTINA! So with limitted reserch I admit here are my top 5.
#5 German Lux (25) Plays goal for River Plate. Was the starting goalkeeper in the Olympics as well as earning a few starts at the Confederations Cup, not yet their No 1 but heading that way.
#4 Daniel Bilos (25) Boca Juniors. A tall striker with great heading ability and makes excellent runs down both wings.
#3 Nicolas Frutos (24) Independiente. Another tall striker who is excellent in the air and scores lots of goals. 10 last year and 9 so far this season. It is rumored that he might be heading to Anderlecht in January.
# 2 Jose Calvo (24) Boca Juniors. He can play either right or left back, but prefers the right. Is an old style overlapping fullback with great pace, passing ability and a tough tackler.
Drum roll…….
#1 Federico Insua (25) Boca Junoirs, Midfield. Has amazing technique, dribbling ability, leadership skills and scores more than his fair share of goals. Played previously for Independiente and spent a short time in Spain with Malaga. Has a few national caps and is looked apon as a future midfield starter, possibly in Germany 2006.
So there it is, my 5 picks for concideration, I look forward to the banter…Happy Christmas Arsenal America.
32 Responses to “Arsenal need some “Argy Bargy!””
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December 24th, 2005 at 8:02 am
Hmm not sure id go for South American players tbh. One they have too many internationals, temperament is questionable and just look at Gilberto (tho one player and brazilian in that - he is poor when called upon to set standards)
can’t believe you left out Mascerano and Tevez who are undoubtably wo of the best talents to come out of Argentina since Riquelme and Saviola. Thtas the type of standard we shd be going for not unproven. Who wants another Vivas Northbankgunner?? Good point made tho mate, maybe we shd get an player from that continent in a specified position. not gk or defender tho, but possibly up front. Again Tevez is sensational i’ll add. The South American is an untapped resource by english clubs but moreso the Dutch league is pound for pound are greater depth of young talent that can be groomed to be world stars. There are so many and not all just young. That is the league i’d rather go for but hey, we shdn’t stereotype and go for just one league Wenger should use his scouting network more effeiciently and look at differnent markets to get talent. Im sure he’s trying.
And Yes Happy Christmas everyone on here, hope you get all your presents. Let’s hope for 3 points on Sunday from Santa.
December 24th, 2005 at 8:34 am
what happened to thomas gravesen at real madrid? when he left everton it looked like a very intuitive and sensible buy. has he been injured? gone off form or not really as good as he looked for a season at everton? if he was that good, i wouldn’t mind rescuing him to free up FAB. without injuries, or even with one injury to the full backs, i think we are pretty good. i have been a big detractor of lauren in the past, but he has stepped up when others haven’t this season (despite the chelsea blunder). but eboue, lauren, cole and clichy would be a good foursome there.
when will TH14 try to play WITH reyes instead of a away from him?
shay given? please? he wants away, but not sure he would come to the arsenal. unbelievable shot stopper, and brave.
December 24th, 2005 at 9:34 am
I don?t think we going to sign one of those players esp. from S America but I do agree with you on the future of this club of yours. What we need now is experience, skills and home grown.
Scotty/ Stag,
I think you missing the point. No one in their right mind is saying Arsenal should sign only British lads or guys but talking about the foundation of the Club. Remember when Wenger took over this club. We had some good players and a better foundation and he used that to build a better team. We had the best back 5 in England football history and if not in Europe.
Now that foundation is not there anymore. Look at the subs. I remember the days when we had Edu, Kanu, Ray and others coming on to change the game and now we don’t. The kids are not good enough - facts. Like everything else some folks don’t look at the big picture till is too late. I remember those folks who were saying Wenger knows and we will be fine and all the excuses but now singing a whole new tune
As African Gooner mentioned, even including Henry and DB10 including some ex players you need some British blood with passion, grit, fighting spirit and all in the team. Look at Chelsea and tell me how many people will have J Cole or Reyes in their team. Look at Owen. We let him joined other club then Wenger come out with another classic we wanted to sign him but it was too late. We have heard that about lots of other players.
And there are lots of kids in England playing in league 1, 2 or 3 who could do a better job than most of the kids we have in our reserve or youth team. Did anyone watch our reserve or youth team against Brentford or have being watching them of late?
One day Wenger will leave and if you think these kids are going to be the future of the club think again. Yes I want to us winning now but also to think about the future. And Because Donnie beat City and Villa does not mean Arsenal should drop it standards.
Happy Holidays to everyone and their family. Hello Santa pls can you make it 3 out of 3 before the end of year and hope we take United to the cleaners early next year.
December 24th, 2005 at 11:40 am
I am sick of all this British crap - did Real Madrid & Barcelona win all of those European Cups with British players? No.
Did Arsenal go 49 games unbeaten with British players? No. Is Edu British? Is Vieria? Was Petit? We don’t need British, we need quality FOOTBALLERS. You don’t have to be British to tackle someone.
Is Makelele British? Is Essien? When was the last time Owen tackled someone? Lets sell Henry and replace him for Shearer - great! We can have that knucklehead running round the pitch battering people and scoring 10 goals a season - I’d rather have Henry thanks.
Yes, Arsenal need some grit and determination in the center of the park - but I only want British players if they are good enough - and most of them aren’t. They lack technical skills, for every tackle they make they give it back again with their first pass - remember Ray Parlour? Gilles Grimandi. Yeah, they could get stuck in, but they probably cost us 100 goals giving the ball away outside the box with reckless tackles and cheap passes.
Besides, what did England ever do? Where does their “grit and determination” get them? They haven’t come close to winning a thing in 40 years! And whenever they have a big match they usually bottle it.
December 24th, 2005 at 11:54 am
I highly doubt we will be buying South American players. Its not very likely. Not too many have succeeded in the EPL… the travel… the passport situation, the weather… too many negative factors.
British players.
I am all for it, if they are good enough. Please, someone run me down a list of all these great young British players that we should be going after, because other than Rooney, I haven’t seen or heard of them. Part of that is because I am in the States and don’t see England U-21 matches, but there aren’t too many “stars in waiting” that I have heard of. THEO WALCOTT?
I know everyone seems to be after him, including us, but I have never seen or heard of him.
I want TALENT. I don’t care if they are British or not… if they are, BRAVO… wonderful.
If we are talking about evaluating talent and the COST of talent, then you all know Wenger doesn’t go British for the most part. They are overpriced, and I have no idea why. He’s not going to overpay for anyone, let alone a Brit. So until Arsene goes, I don’t see it changing. ACCEPT IT, or move on!
December 24th, 2005 at 12:29 pm
I agree Stag. This pining for “British grit” is pie in the sky nonsense.
When I myself pine for a great English player at Arsenal, I do so because I happen to like England. It’s no different than when Americans here wanted Simek to do well here. It would sure make all of us happy if Arsenal had a player of our own nationality or ethnic identity in the first team, but for me anyway, it’s not a precondition for following Arsenal.
December 24th, 2005 at 12:47 pm
i disagree wholeheartedly on the parlour and grimandi statements (although where he comes in i don’t know, being french). gilberto gives the ball away more than anyone in our history. he’s brazilian and a world cup winner. parlour was not as bad as him at giving the ball away, though not the quickest or the most impact when coming on. what we ‘perceive’ as being british grit is needed. whether it is a british player or not. scott parker, gravesen, makelele, old gary speed (not now of course), keane, even carrick who went to bloody spurs…
December 24th, 2005 at 12:53 pm
what we “perceive as british grit”, whether from a brit, or norwegian, or ghanian, is what we need. it certainly wouldn’t hurt, with communiation as much as anything, to have more of an “english speaking” influence in the side, british or not. but whether it is gravesen, scott parker or makelele, it is the do or die and commitment factor. and the ability t not get wound up by others.
young FAB was played by shearer a couple of weeks ago. to the point where he was brought off and was waiting to argue, in his kit, at the final whistle with him. that ability to get under someone’s skin and know how far to take it. hit them hard and early, so they look for you for the rest of the game. psycho pearce in his heyday, without going too far…
December 24th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
Danny Danny Danny T…
You will be sick of all these British crap is you don’t read my whole comment first.
I didn’t said we should buy British for the sake of buying but there are lots of kids out there in Division 1,2 and 3 who can do a better job than the kids we have now in our reserve team. They are not good enough and these kids are suppose to be the future and the foundation of this club. Yes I want us to win tomorrow but let think about the future.
2. In the middle of the field Carrick, Parker and Jenas all can do a better job than Cesc and Flimini. Wenger said he want all those guy but fail to signed them.
Again I did not said we should sell Henry for Owen but a big team with ambition like Arsenal we should and can afford Owen. Again Wenger was waiting ?
Forget about what the English done but I want players with pride and passion and Ray had it all.
December 24th, 2005 at 1:37 pm
Let not get confused with British players and British grit. At the moment Arsenal don’t have the British grit.
Players like Carrick, Jenas and Parker would do a better job than Cesc and Flimini.
If Chelsea or United wants a player they go for it and Arsenal should be in the league. The same way Barce comes after Henry.
I will post my list of kids in Div 1,2 and 3 soon.
December 24th, 2005 at 1:40 pm
This is not nonsense but facts..
Lots of British players played with passion and pride and that is the British grit and players I want. You watch the games and you will see it.
December 24th, 2005 at 1:48 pm
Sure lots do, but that doesn’t guarantee success. Remember the West Ham side that got relegated, and compare that with the Bolton side that stayed up then.
December 24th, 2005 at 1:54 pm
Let’s not get carried away with national stereotypes, good or bad. There are plenty of hard-nosed south americans who don’t take any sh*t and walk the walk on the pitch, always have been. They don’t usually make it to Europe b/c technique and flair are more important commodities to import. Demeschalls (sp?) has absolutely stood up to be counted for Bayern, at least against arsenal. Don’t forget the geezer from Deportivo who broke Beckham’s metatarsal. Both tough holding midfielders unlike our man Gilberto (who I still hope will come good once he sorts his head out and realizes what is expected of him now that Vieira is gone).
December 24th, 2005 at 1:59 pm
Pride and passion, Fabregas has pride and passion - but he’s a boy. We need men with pride and passion, but also footballers, not Ray Parlours.
He was sold for a reason, he couldn’t make a 5 yard pass. For every good tackle he did, he negated it with a bad pass.
Sure, he had his moments. Flamini will be your new Ray Parlour. Do you want him starting every game for the next 5 years?
December 24th, 2005 at 3:00 pm
Actually I wrote a post on Tevez a few months ago and you can look it up on my ‘more about Northbankgunner’ slot, its after 12 post’s ago but still viewable. I still think he’s Arsenal quality, I just wanted to bring up new names…..Cheers mate!
December 24th, 2005 at 5:42 pm
Apparently theres some ‘Sod off hot’ players waiting to be discovered in the lower leagues….O.K, name ‘em!
The only forward I can think of is Andy Johnson of Palace, is he seriously hot though?
Norwich has that Rupert Green in goal…Arsenal quality or another East Anglian flop?
I’m struggling…cant think of anyone! Give me a clue………
December 24th, 2005 at 6:00 pm
….got one! That Ledley King bloke from Spurs, hopefully they will be a lower league team soon!
December 24th, 2005 at 9:23 pm
Carrick, Jenas and Parker?
Well, 2 years ago, I’d have said that NONE of them were good enough for Arsenal.
If we want to return to the level of play from the Invincibles season, then they still would not be good enough, in my opinion.
If we are going to buy British players, fine… but I expect them to be the same high caliber I expect of non-brits. Rooney, Lampard, Terry, Gerrard.
I expect and want the best at Arsenal.
Yes, young players do need to develop, but I am not sure of the 3 (Carrick, Jenas, Parker) ANY of them are “can’t miss players”.
I’d rather we developed Cesc over a few years, where he DOES get a good number of games, and have a group of 3 or 4 players that ARE effective, and can rotate, and play when another is injured.
December 24th, 2005 at 9:25 pm
I’d take Andy Johnson in a second.
He’d be just fine on MONDAY, with the likes of RVP and Quincy out… I’d love to have Johnson slotting in during this run of 4 games in 9 days.
December 24th, 2005 at 9:36 pm
Whats he worth? 5 million??
December 24th, 2005 at 10:17 pm
He’d be worth $7 or so, and worth it in my eyes. He’s straight forward, no screwing around, shoots at the net, and can head the ball. We don’t have enough of that at times.
We’d never go for him.
December 24th, 2005 at 10:37 pm
I don’t want Arsenal to sign Green. Not because he’s no good, but because my girlfriend supports Norwich, and what keeps her happy keeps me happy
December 24th, 2005 at 11:24 pm
So your saying that if he left the Canaries would be shite and there’d be no pleasing her, right! Well if you do rate him (I aint so sure) and he joined the Arsenal maybe she’d recognize a good thing, switch teams (not in that way!) and drag you down Ashburton every other week…..crappy!
December 25th, 2005 at 9:13 am
I rate him as about what he is… England’s third choice keeper, not much else. Fourth, really, if Kirkland ever leaves the casualty ward. There’s no way though she’d leave her beloved Naarch
December 25th, 2005 at 12:52 pm
Talking ’bout keeepers…are there any waiting to be discovered playing below the premiership? I havn’t been back for a few years (don’t tell the ‘old Bill, I hear their still doing spot checks down the Dun Cow!) Who’s this Hehnemann bloke at Reading, they’ve only conceeded 12 so far.
December 25th, 2005 at 1:02 pm
Paddy Kenny is not too bad. Craig Gordon from H**rt of Midlothian is also a great young keeper. Oh and Kiraly from Palace also looked good. Those are the only three I can think of right now. I’ve not heard about Reading’s keeper myself though.
December 25th, 2005 at 2:04 pm
The ‘Psycho from Selhurst’ he’s my man!
December 25th, 2005 at 5:01 pm
Although he is suspect on crosses as he’s only 5′ 11” on a good day! Great positional stopper I agree.
December 25th, 2005 at 9:40 pm
I love how he always wears trackies, whatever the heat. Crazy Hungario!
December 27th, 2005 at 7:30 am
Tevez wd be a long shot cos a barca wd come in unfortunately but always good to put up some new names, but i think ul agree what we need is top quality experience. A walcott wd be nice of course, but center midfield whether it be s.america or anywhere is top top top priority, who knows what wenger will do in 2 weeks.
December 27th, 2005 at 7:32 am
MC Hammer pantalons. heehee
December 28th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
we need a f*ckin’ nutter though, or three. given would do, and graveson would do.