Quality yes, but we also need numbers!!

Trevheff · Post by **Trevheff** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:34 am

We've all done to death the issue over what money is available and as a result our inability to buy top quality. Wenger has again gone on record as saying that he will only buy top quality players to strengthen the squad. However I'm starting to get concerned that we're going to leave ourselves short in the numbers department. In particular at the back.

We have four centre-backs at the club with first team experience, two of which (Senderos and Djourou) can be described as back up. (I won't count Gilberto as for me he's not great there plus I never agree with shuffling 2/3 positions to fill one gap). Birmingham are eyeing Djourou on a season long loan deal and while I think that would be great for his development, where does it leave us in terms of cover? Steve Bruce is reported as saying he's spoken to Arsenal and is now waiting for a response. So clearly he hasn't been told 'no chance'.

I now read this morning in the Sunday Express (I know don't believe the papers) that Charlton want to sign Senderos. Now I've actually lost patience with Phil and think its time to move him on (again we've done that one to death elsewhere) but again without replacements that leaves us woefully short. Pardew is quoted as saying that he's; "held talks with Senderos in an attempt to persuade him to drop a division". If that's is true it can only mean that Arsenal have given him permission to leave.

Djourou playing week in week out in the Premiership for a whole season is good for Arsenal, and I also feel the same regarding Big Phil being allowed to leave. However when Toure swans of to the African Nations for 6 weeks in February, that leaves us with, err, just Willy Gallas!!!

Of course this could all be good news as if the Djourou and Senderos talk it true, it possibly means Arsene has lined up new players to come in. Maybe both Birmingham and Charlton have been told the deals can be done once we've secured replacements? For me that's great if any replacements are more experienced than the two departing. Otherwsie we're still in the same boat come February depending on Willy Gallas and two rookies. And if Gallas gets injured??

I know I've based most of the above on what I've read in the papers which is always non advisable, but the quotes are coming direct from club managers are aren't the usual sensationalist crap that we have to put up with.

I just hope the clubs transfer policy and the money situation isn't going to force Arsene to patch the defence up with promising reserve players and playing others out of position.

green gooner · Post by **green gooner** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 2:04 pm

Well thought out thread my friend. But if Charlton want to part with cash for Phil, we would be daft to turn it down!!!

Seriously but, I would go along with all you have stated, however I just hope we have some quality on the way in or we will just start to look silly!

It hurts and annoys me that so much is up the bloody air just now

Trevheff · Post by **Trevheff** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 7:01 pm

Someone wanting to give us money for Senderos would appear to be a no brainer (a bit like selling Cygan last season!). However as you say Green Gooner, it only makes sense if we have replacements lined up.

green gooner · Post by **green gooner** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 7:13 pm

But every year it is the same old crap!!! Henry, will he stay or go. Wenger, will he renew his contract! No transfer deals done until the 11th hour.

I'm getting well pissed off Trev.................