As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has targeted Valencia's David Silva as his one big summer transfer priority.
Although the Gunners struggled to raise the £13million to snatch Andrei Arshavin in a controversial postdeadline deal this month, Wenger has made it known the club will have to find the £20m from somewhere to land Silva.
According to the Observer today we are lining up "the new Gilberto" for the summer and jsut to please Quartz will probably fund it by selling RvP.
Arsenal have identified the Brazil international Felipe Melo, above, as a means of reinforcing the team's recently lightweight midfield. Currently with Fiorentina in Serie A, the 25-year-old holding midfielder made his international debut at the Emirates earlier this month in the 2-0 victory over the World Cup holders Italy and is regarded by Brazil's coach, Dunga, as the long-term successor to the former Arsenal player Gilberto Silva.
Arsenal have struggled to control the centre of midfield since selling Gilberto to Panathinaikos while allowing Mathieu Flamini and Lassana Diarra to join Milan and Portsmouth. Arsène Wenger has made the position a priority recruitment area this summer and expects to have funds available for a significant purchase.
These funds may come from the sale of one of Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor or Cesc Fábregas, who have all been targeted by Barcelona. Van Persie is particularly vulnerable, having so far declined to extend a contract that enters its final year at the end of this season. Arsenal rejected a cash-plus -player offer from the Spanish league leaders in January which would have seen Alexander Hleb return to the club, but could be forced to cash in on the Dutch striker if they fail to qualify for the Champions League or meet his financial demands.
Melo only joined Fiorentina from the Spanish side Almeira last summer and has a buy-out clause of over €20m (£17.9m). Chelsea, Aston Villa, Juventus and Lyons have also inquired about his services.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will launch a £20m summer bid to sign Valencia forward David Villa. (Mail on Sunday)
Honestly - where do they dig this kind of shit out from ?
Firstly, us spending £20m....I don't think so.
Secondly, one of the leading stars in World football wanting to play in the UEFA Cup (at best) and finish between 6th and 10th for the next umpteen years. What a load of shit