Curious Case of Arsenal and Barcelona - In the similarities lie the solution

A true case of Benjamin Button - Arsenal seem to be Barcelona ageing backwards. The resemblance is striking and with the only difference being the difference of age. And by resemblance I don't just mean style of play, I also mean choice of players and the youth academy setup. Of course our Spanish counterparts are significantly more flamboyant in the transfer market, but a lot of that is also attributed to the fact that Spain's tradition of soccer, mandates a certain flashiness.

Lets start with the defense. Mind you, the comparisons are purely personal and any criticism is always welcomed:
Victor Valdes and Almunia are in my book on common ground as goalkeepers. Brilliant on their day but have sudden costly lapses of concentration.
In Puyol and Pique, Barca have a great CB combination. Puyol is an excellent marksman and commands the backline well, and Pique with his height provides crucial set piece clearance. Now Arsenal have recruited Vermaelen who from the looks of it is supposed to have some level of commanding ability what with his history of having captained Ajax, but we still lack height which neither Gallas nor Silvestre bring to the table.
In the fullback positions they have Eric Abidal and Dani Alves, both of whom are matched if not surpassed by Arsenal fullbacks in the form of Clichy and Sagna. Whats more, even their replacements Gibbs and Traore are as influential and gifted as the current first team regulars.

In the defensive midfielder role, Barca have Yaya Toure who is a technically gifted, strong tackler of the ball who is valuable in set pieces because of his height. He also tracks back a lot and has a stong working rate and stamina. Arsenal's Alexander Song in this case is not really the best competiton to Yaya's abilities. He does not have the skill (though he has shown improvement) to match Yaya and neither is he as fluent a tackler.
As far as the Guardiola role or the provider role goes, I think Cesc is a more than an able competitor and oft considered suitor for Xavi's role. I do not mean he is as good as Xavi was the last season. I only mean that he has every potential to be just that.
Similarly, Rosicky, Nasri or even Wilshere have the potential to be as good as if not better than Iniesta, who has surpassed himself in the last season.

Now as far as the attack is concerned, my next statement might raise several eyebrows, but in my humble opinion, I do think that Arshavin has just the right skill, intent and personality to surpass the great Lionel Messi. Make no mistake, I hold Messi in very high regard. However, someone who achieved all of what Arshavin did last year without a complete pre season, and to have held an unbeaten record in all games in which he has played from the start, deserves that level of faith, atleast from a Gunner fan.

Which brings me to the ex Arsenal legend Henry, and I do believe that there is nobody, not only in Arsenal but in the entire world, who can replace him. Honestly, this is one position which even Barca have trouble filling in when Titi himself is injured. Case in point the disastrous away game with Chelsea (where his crucial role of opportunity creation in the D box was played by the referee). However, in Eduardo, Van Persie or even Carlos Vela we have the next best players. I do know of a certain Dutch international who statistically, appearance-wise and gameplay wise seems to be Henry's heir apparent, but I shall not whisper his name here.

Finally, as a central striker Ibrahimovic is powerful, holds the ball well, has great skill and a superb final touch. Bendtner...hmm not quite there yet, and I dont know whether he ever will be. However what I do know is that Wenger is showing great faith in him. I do feel though that this position is up for grabs and there should atleast be another potentially competent player if not a proven one, to give Arsenal options if Wenger's faith is a little if not entirely misplaced on Bendtner.

So a tall CB, a tall, hard tackling DMF and an aerially powerful and technically sound striker are what we need to be the next European powerhouse. For as good as Barca maybe..... they will never have Arsene Wenger.... And this season we go to whatever end he may take us........ For in Wenger we will always trust.

Footage of Samir Nasri's Injury in Training

As most of you are already aware of this piece of information, Nasri has been sidelined for the next 6 weeks (atleast) due to a fracture incurred during training in Waltersdorf. What you might not have seen is the footage of him getting injured by Abou Diaby....

Where Should Wenger Recruit Forces?

Let us first consider Arsenal's current line up before we jump into who might or might not come in. This is primarily based on the current position of these players and not where they can or intended or are naturally to be played:

GK: Almunia/Fabianski/Vito Mannone

RB:Sagna/Eboue CB:Vermaelen/Gallas/Djorou/Senderos LB:Clichy/Gibbs/Traore

DM:Song/Denilson/Diaby

LM:Walcott/Nasri/CM:Fabregas/Wilshere/Ramsey RM:Arshavin/Rosicky

SS:Van Persie/Vela

Striker: Eduardo/Bendtner

Now, to analyse what Arsenal really needs as means, let us clarify to what end. In my opinion, if all of these players start this season, without injuries, we almost have enough depth to challenge for the Premier League title. Why? Because with Arshavin's arrival, the team found a much needed proven goal scorer and a winner in the mould of the great Dennis Bergkamp. Since his arrival, Arsenal lost just one game in the premier league to Chelsea (a game in which coincidentally he did not play).

Now my assumption is that the team is only going to improve in the next season, with Eduardo, Van Persie and Walcott all scoring more goals than before. Additionally, Bendtner will also come into the foray. Also, Song has already shown tremondous improvement and will only improve further. Thus, all will be right with the world and humanity will survive and Arsenal will be title winners. Sounds Utopic indeed, however there is a small matter of a what if?

What if, Diaby, Song, Denilson and Djorou remain on status quo or even worsen? What if Eduardo and Rosicky along with the now injured Nasri remain an injury prone lot? What if Vermaelen was a mistake.. especially since his lack of height is also a point of contention what with our existing vulnerability in set-pieces? This season, there are too many such glaring questions which cannot be left unanswered. And with depth being such a contentious issue already with the Arsenal side, we must recruit.

Now that we have established the 'why', let us consider the 'how'. Arsene has always mantained a neat balance of books with his proceeds from sales always exceeding his cost of purchases. So far Arshavin and Vermaelen are the only purchases this year, bringing their combined cost to somehwere around 27 million pounds. On the sales of Adebayor and Toure he has made 40 million pounds. Which provides him with 13 million pounds, along with another 5 million from the sale of Senderos which I personally think is inevitable as neither Arsene wants him to stay and neither is Senderos intending to extend his time in the Emirates. This gives us a combined number of 18 million pounds. Now I personally would love to be proven wrong here but I dont think he is spending anything more than this.

Finally, let us have a look at the positions where we need to add muscle. On the attacking midfielders front, I think we have a spectacular lot, and with Wilshere showing promise in the pre season, we really do not need to worry here. Almost all of the lot can play well with both their feet as well, so a problem on one flank can be replaced with solutions from the other. Arshavin and Nasri already do this during games to disarm defenders.

We have a brilliant bunch of second strikers as well in the form of Vela, Van Persie and Eduardo along with Arshavin and Walcott, both of whom have expressed a desire to play through the centre. In defence, I think we have 5 of the best right and left backs in the world in the form of Eboue, Sagna, Clichy, Gibbs and Traore. I really hope that Arsene does not give away Eboue, because even though he might not be first choice, he is still breathtaking on a good day and is a great super sub.

Our fullbacks are questionable due to their lack of height, however, Vermaelen has been praised by Bergkamp and has also captained the Ajax side, making him a very promising prospect. Also Djorou is brilliant in flashes; A little consistency could take him a long way. With Gallas and Song as additional forces, I think we can await till January to take a call on whether or not reinforcements are needed.

Now come the two areas where I personally (and the rest of the Gunners) think immediate attention is required: The positions of the defending midfielder and holding striker. Now as much as we might have faith in both these departments, the existing bunch have not shown enough reason for us to show great faith in them.

In the DM role Song has improved in his tackling, but is very inconsistent with his passes. Diaby and Denilson to me are both more of Fabregas with less in passing and more in tackling briliance as neither really prefer to stay back or retrace steps with as much vigour as a Gilberto or a Flamini. Thereby making this the most important of all poitions to be filled up.

Another important position which has a void is the striker's role. I personally think Bendtner can be a legend in the making and another holding striker's purchase would be an increment in depth and would make the position more competitive. But even if I were wrong, a strong holding striker, with a good temparament and good finishing skills will be a must. Someone who can power through defenders and has enough skill to not be caught offside all the time would be preferable.

Anyways thats my thought on the whys, whats and wheres..... Check back on the 'who-s' soon enough. I have a few theories and any comments prior to my penultimate article about Arsenal before the transfer season ends would be most welcome...

After the Felipe Melo Fiasco... Can We Still Trust Wenger?

The last couple of months have seen Arsenal being linked with no fewer than 78 players. I have noticed that Wenger's take on the transfer market often mirrors his own Utopic view on soccer. What I mean here is that he never rushes to substantiate or clarify any media rumours about any players which the team might be linked to, primarily to avoid embarassment for the player as well as for the club.

To corroborate this statement, consider the case of Felipe Melo: Arsenal were constantly linked with the player who finally made a switch to Juventus inspite of being on the Arsenal radar for a long time. The final switch was completed for over 22 million pounds. The media had not relented from perpetuating the newly corrupted version of the 'Wenger knows best' chant.

However was Arsene so off in his evaluation? Was his 12 million pound that bloody low? Felipe Melo was a year into his contract with Fiorentina and had gained popularity in the league due to his tough tackling methods. But was he a worldwide star yet? Not really. Was he atleast a proven midfield general? I don't think one great year makes you a star worth banking on. Who would know this better than Arsenal fans who have had oft touted examples of Adebayor, Hleb and Flamini. In fact, the reason for his global popularity were 2 things:

1. The Confederations Cup: Where he was actually playing the role of Fabregas, with Gilberto as his cover and
2. Arsene Wenger's interest in him.

For the first factor, even though I think he was good, his performance was not near as exemplary as, say, an Arshavin during the Euro, where he single handedly routed The Mighty Dutch. What in the world would make Melo cost more than Arshavin then?

The second factor is almost a trend now of all players rumoured with a link up with Arsenal becoming overnight stars. As testmonial, here is a look at something I got off Google Trends

On the 10th of June when Goal.com reported that Arsenal were linked with Melo, search volumes on Melo in the online space, shoot up like there is no tomorrow.

Post the Confederation Cup, Fiorentina had him sign a one year contract to extend his tenure in the club which was little more than a farce - a sort of a charade to let everyone know that "Hey, I am happy here... But I am willing to move if the moneys are right". That was precisely when Wenger lost interest in Melo. In fact, my understanding is that the statement on the club website about Arsenal's proposed interest in Melo, was made long after Wenger had made the initial proposal.

Atleast the fact that Arsene did not respond to the circus playing itself out in Italy goes to show that he has a significant amount of Plan Bs, each of which are as good as the former if not better. And let us not forget, that Wenger has earmarked this year as the make or break season for his own philosophy. I personally think that after all the glory he has brought us, we can definitely give him atleast one more year for his project to play out.

Arsenal Defeats Rangers 3-0 to Retain Emirates Cup

Wilshere steps up with 2 goals and the now almost mandatory Dudu goal to make it a 3-0 rout...

Arsenal Defeats Atletico Madrid 2-1

Check out this miraculous Arshavin goal tonight.. If there is a God.... He has to be short, Russian and definitely Arshavin. Stay posted for highlights...

Arsenal Pre Season Highlights

Highlights of the 3 pre season games of Arsenal this summer. Not that one should read much into them, as this is the time for experimentation within the squad, I think the new 4-3-3 formation seems to compliment the way the squad is shaping up. Also Nacer Barazite, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Sanchez Watt look like a promising lot. This might very well be Bendtner's year.

Game 4: Hannover 96 vs. Arsenal - 0:1

A lone goal from Cesc Fabregas with a brilliant setup from Van Persie and Bendtner, and a decent performance overall.. Vermaelen seemed promising to me till this match though.... Watch him casually stroll the D Box in Hannover's first attempt at goal... Lame man.. totally lame...

Game No.3: Szombathelyi H. vs. Arsenal - 0:5

Spectacular stuff from Arsenal but this was a second division club from the Hungarian league. But Wilshere and Ramsey are looking bloody good, not to forget our very own Dudu.... who fired one hell of a brace. Bendtner clobbers in one hell of a header.

Game No. 2: SC Colombia vs. Arsenal - 1-7

7 goals with another 3rd division club. Nacer Barazite and Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Nicklas Bendtner are shaping up really well for next season.

Game No. 1: Barnet vs. Arsenal

Rosicky and Arshavin combining was enough for me to get goose bumps. Yes I have very low standards ;(

Its Officially Arsh-enal Now!!!

After the longest possible saga in the history of December transfers, Arsene Wenger has probably signed the biggest name signing he has done in his entire tenure at Arsenal. In fact this is the longest a transfer has taken in terms of tenure, because the deal finalization by FA actually happened post closure of the transfer window. Almost 24 hours of extra time was granted to Arsenal thanks to the snow storm which enveloped the city yesterday.

The importance of the blizzard cannot be undermined as Arshavin had rumouredly declined Arsenal's offer initially and was on his way home (or to Man City). However due to the storm, he was forced to stay back at Highbury House, which probably gave the powers that be a little extra bit of time to arry on negotiations. After the papers were signed and submitted at the nth hour, FA took some more time to actually approve the signing, during which time unreliable Zenit and FA sources, spoke to the media, often calling the deal off.

However all speculation aside.... Ladies, Gentlemen and all my fellow Gooners... I proudly unveil our new No. 23, The Artful Dodger, The One, The Only......Andreiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Aarshaaaaaavinnnn!!!!!

Arshavin Saga (Contd.)

Final update before closure:

A fee was reportedly agreed, with Arshavin agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

The Russia international supposedly penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.

However, a Zenit spokesman was then quoted as saying that the deal had fallen through, "I can confirm that the deal is definitely off," Zenit's Alexei Petrov told Reuters.

General director Maxim Mitrofanov is now claiming talks are still ongoing.

"The clubs have a mutual desire to complete the transaction,” Mitrofanov told Sovetsky Sport at 5.40pm. "Negotiations are continuing."

Status on Facebook - "does not know if Arshavin is a real person, or just some sick and twisted made up being to torment my life..."

Arshavin Saga (Contd.) - Dichotomy

2 seemingly contradictory news reports from 2 reliable news sources - AP and Sky Sports

News from AP: Zenit St. Petersburg has failed to reach a deal with Arsenal on the transfer of midfielder Andrei Arshavin, a spokesman for the Russian club said Monday.

Alexei Petrov told The Associated Press that the deal broke down over the size of the transfer fee and the amount of compensation Zenit would be paid for allowing Arshavin to break his four-year contract.

"The deal didn't happen. Arshavin is coming back to Zenit," Petrov said, but he added that a deal could be revived in the summer.

Arshavin, one of the stars of Euro 2008, has long been linked with a move to Arsene Wenger's side and on Monday flew to London in an effort to seal a move on the last day of the winter transfer window.

Sky Sports News: Paperwork for Andrei Arshavin's transfer to Arsenal has been sent and received by the FA.

After a day of claim and counter claim, it would appear that Arsenal have finally secured the services of the Russian playmaker.

There has been no official word from inside the Emirates but it is believed that the player has passed a medical after a fee was agreed with Zenit less than an hour before the 5pm deadline.

The Arshavin Saga

A.R Rahman won a Golden Globe, Nominations for the Academies announced, a handful of new trailers, a sort of joie de vivre experienced by my constant visits to the romantic South Mumbai and seeds of entrepreneurial indulgence apart, there has been one extravagance I have not been able to get enough of - The Saga of The Arshavin Transfer -

K.. Some reference for those who came in late... The tale begins early last year, when in the Euros, Arshavin (winger for the Russian team), decimated Dutch defences to take Russia to the Semi Finals. The Euros walked away with 3 big stars - David Villa, Fernando Torres and Arshavin (testament to his awesomeness being the fact that he only played 2 matches compared to the others who went on to play till the finals).

Club offers started pouring in subsequently to Arshavin's club Zenit St. Petersburg, who want 30 Mill (pounds by the way). Arsene Wenger one of the first to apply immediately slips away. Why? -I just said 30 mill!! This is Arsene Wenger we are talking about here!!! He wont buy his mom back for anything more than 12 Million Pounds.... 1 Million more than what he paid for Silvain Wiltord.. who FYI is the club's most expensive buy till date!!

Anyways... soon everyone from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Tottenham were chasing the Russian, but everyone gave up on Zenit's asking price. Why?? Too fucking high thats why!!! The sky, their price and the geniouses at Zenit who came up with it!!!

The season progresses with Arsenal dropping points left, right and centre. Defeats to Hull and Wigan leave the Gunner's smarting. Additionally, most of Arsene's men, start dropping like cannon balls fresh out of steam... Eduardo and Rosicky out with injuries to the knee and tendon respectively, Walcott out with a shoulder dislocation.. and the final nail in the coffin.. Fabregas.. our Captain out for the latter half of the season with a knee injury as well (ironically by Xabi Alonso whom Wenger wanted to bring in from Liverpool to compliment Fabregas).

Meanwhile Zenit had their own problems... Arshavin was demotivated due to Zenit having priced him out of a move.... Dejected and smarting with the humiliation Arshavin underperforms and gets pushed to the bench, with Zenit's coach Dick Advocaat growing exceedingly frustrated of his delinquent Second Striker.

For me the only story I can draw parallels with here is the story of Seabiscuit... A broken horse and a broken jockey come together in a time of depression to make a miracle happen! We have a depression (or recession or whatever the fuck-ion you might want to call it) The twain are yet to meet let alone make miracles, however the saga of one of the most painstakingly long transfers had begun....

A month of negotiations and transfer rumours later the story stood with:

1. Arsenal unwilling to pay more than 12 million punds plus add ons for Arshavin.
2. Them landing outside the top 4, with Aston Villa taking their spot. This, again for those who came in late means no Champions League for Arsenal.
3. Arshavin, refusing to play for Zenit, boycotting training sessions and praying to God to make the transfer happen.
4. Arsene Wenger, being his customary cool as a cucumber self.... Arsenal notches up a 9 game undefeated spree. Still out of the top 4 though.
   

Now for events in the last 10 days when things really started heating up.

January 24

A report in The Guardian indicates that Arshavin could go on strike if he is not permitted to leave for the Gunners.

Rumours that Arshavin is set to leave gather pace as Zenit look to sign Juventus' Vincenzo Iaquinta by way of attacking replacement.

It is reported that Zenit are set to 'reject' Arsenal's 'final' offer, but negotiations actually continue.

January 25

Reports emerge stating that Arshavin could use a FIFA clause to buy out the remainder of his contract, although this probably would not take place until November.

January 26

Andrei's former Zenit teammate, Martin Skrtel, states that Arshavin would prefer to go to Spain than England.

January 27

Zenit beat Litex Lovech 1-0 in their Dubai training camp. Andrei Arshavin does not take part, fuelling speculation that a move is upcoming.

Maxim Mitrofanov asks whether Arshavin is interested in playing success, or just cash?

Zenit director Maxim Mitrofanov reveals further details of Arshavin's supposed wage demands from Arsenal.

Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson argues that Arshavin would bring nothing new to the Emirates table in terms of play style.

Arsene Wenger announces that it's "all quiet" on the Arsahvin front, and advises reporters to stick to official sources.

Official news: Zenit state that they have practically accepted an offer from Arsenal, and only Arshavin's personal terms remain as an obstacle to a transfer.

January 28

Arshavin is named in the Russian squad for a training camp scheduled to take place in Turkey from February 8th-12th.

Maxim Mitrofanov tells Arshavin that buying out his contract so that he can leave Zenit will not happen.

Vincenzo Iaquinta's agent has rubbished reports linking his client to Zenit, but he was interested in the Arshavin to Arsenal saga.

We ask whether or not a move to Arsenal is right for the player himself in our Goal.com Poll.

Arsene Wenger says that any player who would seek to break the Gunners' wage structure simply will not join Arsenal.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger admits that the Arshavin transfer saga is becoming a burden for his side.

January 29

A Russian tabloid report claims that Arshavin is refusing to train during Zenit's pre-season camp in the UAE.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that the Arshavin deal is '90 Per Cent Completed' and hopes that the situation will be concluded within 48 hours.

January 30

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger claims that in fact no work permit was issued for Andrei Arshavin - or anyone else - contrary to earlier reports.

Saturday 31 January (all times CET)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that 'anything can happen' with regards to the Andrei Arshavin move.

Andrei Arshavin flies to London for talks with Arsenal, according to reports.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has explained exactly why he wants Andrei Arshavin of Zenit at the Emirates.

Sunday 1 February

Is it finally happening?! According to reports, Andrei Arshavin is flying from St. Petersburg to London for Arsenal talks...

Meanwhile former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit would rather see Mathieu Flamini return to the Emirates than Arshavin sign.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein implies that Andrei Arshavin is needed at the Emirates.

Despite the Gunners' 0-0 draw with West Ham at the weekend, coach Arsene Wenger says that Arsenal are in no need of 'saviour' Andrei Arshavin alone.

Arshavin's agent denies the player flew to London yesterday and instead claims he travelled back to St Petersburg.

Now we follow the saga on the last day.............

Arsenal Tables 8 Million Pounds for Newcastle's Shay Given

Article from Telegraph

Villa for the Gunners?? Transfers (contd.)

A bitter sweet week for the Gunners... A draw with Villa and victory with Portsmouth. Where do we go from here??? Well no ideas at my end.. Meanwhile lemme keep churning up the transfer rumor-mill.....

David Villa

Who is he: No really dude... Do you even watch soccer. Apart from Cesc and Torres the true star for the Spanish Armada's Euro glory was the great Villa. Currently Valencia's star striker, Villa combines immense power, with skill and in Pro Evo terms, has probably gotten a 'Response of 98'. In the current La Liga he is the second highest Goal scorer(12) behind Samuel Eto of Barca(14). A mere 2 goal difference inspite of the former having the strongest bunch of midfieler and wingers backing him up.

Why do we need him: Cuz Adebayor's ball control sucks. Arsenal's current crop of strikers are not even close to Henry (all of them combined haven't scored as many as Henry scored during the Gunner's brilliant unbeaten run). Lets face it.. For all the 'beautiful soccer' we play, we really haven't found any penetration.

Why would he move: Valencia is in huge debts. They ill need to offload quite a few of their key players to get funds. Arsenal gives him a chance to combine with Cesc. Why this arrangement is a double whammy of sorts is because the deal would win Cesc's as well as Villa's loyalty to the club for many years to come.

What works against us: An over 50 million pounds tag associated with the striker. The day Arsene spends that much is the day he would sing songs of praise for Usmanov. If and till that day comes this piece of new I am sad to say will die as nothing but a rumour.

For more on El Guaje(The Kid) check out this video. Tantalizingly named 3 goals in 3 minutes... and hell yeah its true:



Here's wishing the Gunners a great second half.. Bring the Champions League home fellas.. My precious... We needssss it.. NEEDSSS It....!!

Updates On The Gunners

Fourth in the Premier League, second in their Champions League Group... Things haven't been going really well for the Gunners this season... Added to that Fabregas going out for 4 months, Rosiscky still recovering and Eduardo on the sidelines as well, we seem to be headed for troubled times.

The good news is that board members have allotted Wenger with a war chest of over 30 Million pounds along with probable transfers in the forms of Gallas (more or less certain - Juventus or AC Milan), Bendtner(Inter maybe) and Carlos Vela, the month of January might see quite a few transfers, even some big ones which would be very uncharacteristic of Wenger. Now lets have a look see at who possible transfers for this season maybe:


Yaya Toure (Barcelona):

• Who is he: Midfielder from Ivory Coast. Is only 24 yrs of age. Is capable of pushing forward to support the attack if required, as well as being adept at passing the ball at speed to keep moves flowing.
• Why do we need him: With Cesc missing from action and from the obious impact of Flamini and Hleb's departure, there is a dire need to strengthen the midfield. Additionally Yaya is 6'2 which should get him an advantage in set pieces and is also great at long range.
  
• Why would he move: Wants to unite with his broth Kolo. Is not getting first team status at Nou Camp.
• What works against us: Press releases from Yaya giving mixed signals. Barca. And Arsene's thrift.
  

Andrei Arshavin

• Who is he: Russian Midfielder. A creative genious. Combines immense pace, confidence and skill. Every big team is gunning to get him on the squad.
  
• Why do we need him: No goal scoring midfielder since the days of Robert Pires. His presence in my opinion would completely transform Arsenal's goal scoring fortunes. Now al we need would be a strong Central defence.
  
• Why would he move: What Arsene wants Arsene gets. His need for Arshavin is more dire than ever. Real Madrid and Tottenham are other contenders, however Tottenham would almost definitely be removed from the shortlist. Real Madris might be difficult to shake off though.
  
• What works against us: Arsene's thrift. Personality-wise Arshavin seems to be looking for the big names. His recent interactions with Zenit have borne testimonial to that. Real would therefore be a more obvious choice. Fingers really crossed on this one.

Xabi Alonso:

• Who is he: Liverpool midfield ace. Also plays in Spain's first team for which Cesc did not qualify for. 'Nuff said.
• Why do we need him: Cesc needs to have strong support to be able to orchestrate. Sadly Denilson is takin insane amounts of time to shape up and our midfield replacements are 15yr olds, talented no doubt, but kids. I personally think Nasri is awesome, but we have been suffering quite a bit due to lack of depth in the squad.
• Why would he move: His last few seasons under Rafa were shaping up quite ordinary. However Arsene wanted him and therefore Rafa gave the 'Pass Master' another shot and this season he has shaped up really well. If you haven't noticed yet... I dont really have a good reason.
• What Works Against Us: All of the above and Arsene's thrift.

In Part 2 of the summer transfer rumours:

• David Villa (Valencia)
  
• Silva (Valencia)
  
• Carlos Tevez (Man Utd.)
• Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
  

Riders of the Storm

I have always been better off at second outings. The perennial comeback kid is how I would love to think of myself. However there haven't been many occasions in life where I have granted myself the liberty of turning around and starting from scratch. Resilience... no... Repetition for fear of redundancy is something I have never associated myself with.... Oh ya.. and FYI.. I AM talking about my blogging history here.

The fascination for everything and then some remains. However, the lack of structure, coherence and even purpose however, have suddenly inspired a sort of a dont give-a-damn-attitude to my writings. I really dont care much for being judged, being interesting anymore. Call it Epiphany or my encounters with the nine tailed fox... I really couldnt care less...

Now for some meat.... Am a Gunner for life, watch tons of movies, anime and TV shows, read books, listen to music, game on my PS... oh and also am an Online Marketing genious of sorts (so much for modesty). Soon to add to the list would be body builder, krav maga trainer, part time entrepreneur and a linguist (what with my fascination for Japanese and all that).

Thats enuff about me... On with the blog....