which striker (left back and backup goalie) should we buy?

[northbank123]

surely Lewandoski is more 'gettable' than Villa because of the wages they're on already..?
much, understandable, cynicism on here about us making a big signing
I think it might well happen, I think the board want/need one for PR purposes
just like the Glazers made a statement with RVP (a player ManUre didnt necessarily need)

First of all, RvP is a player every top squad 'needs' if he becomes available. They didn't do it for PR (although the fact it allowed them to do a bit of favourable dick-measuring won't have hurt), they did it because the *word censored* is fucking world class.

And Lewandowski is one of those 'hot property' players. I'll readily admit I haven't seen that much of him but I have to say from what I have he hasn't impressed me massively. But if it was made public that he was available there would be a queue of top clubs at his door, and then why would he choose us?

I can't see the same kind of interest re Villa, a big name and proven quality but his age etc mean he's not the marquee signing that he was a few years ago. If we actually submitted a serious bid for him I don't think that many other clubs would be tempted.

[hugh jardon]

Much as I'd love to see the likes of Llorente or Falcao joining Arsenal, it's simply never gonna happen, just fantasy football and lazy media speculation that is bizarrely lapped up and given credence by fans.

Recent history shows we only sign "B List" players: Podolski, Arteta, Mertesacker, Giroud, Gervinho, or even worse!

[rigsby]

The Llorente rumour is very strong. Sky Sports reported on it recently and it seems he's gettable.

Wenger seemed to have said he wanted to add in January. Don't rule it completely out.

[highburyJD]

First of all, RvP is a player every top squad 'needs' if he becomes available. They didn't do it for PR (although the fact it allowed them to do a bit of favourable dick-measuring won't have hurt), they did it because the *word censored* is fucking world class.

I disagree, think ManUre were/are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements
their existing strike-force Rooney, Hernandez, Wellbeck and Berbatov was very good
they needed solidity can't see them winning the league unless Fletch makes a full comeback to his best form
and Scholes stays fit most of the season - 2 massive asks

v Newcastle they somehow shoe-horned in RVP, Rooney, Kagawa AND Wellbeck
I'd be delighted if they pick them all v us

I would also happily take Hernandez who I think is a great finisher who will leave

enough about the Manc-scum

I know we haven't ever really 'gone large' signingswise under Wenger or even before
and leProf's big money record is not great - we would all rather an unheralded George Weah than an overhyped flop like Reyes or Arshavin
but I think SilentStan might try and make a statement in the market

[richpye]

In the Telegraph, Wenger is quoted as saying he wants a "back-up" to Giroud.

As much as I would like to dream that we even have a chance of signing Llorente or Falcao, I think we have to be setting our sights lower based on the back up comment.

I expect a deal to be done on the cheap for someone who's contract expires in the summer. Not saying that player won't be good though.

[green gooner]

Berba is at the cottage now.

Falcao it has to be if we are playing 'fantasy Wenger', however what about a cheeky punt on Chicharito?

As is well documented, I detest the scum he plays for, but the lad is quality, and down the pecking order.

[highburyJD]

In the Telegraph, Wenger is quoted as saying he wants a "back-up" to Giroud.

this story says "Wenger would ideally still like further back-up to Olivier Giroud" but it isn't an actual quote
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... indow.html
maybe I'm just adding 2 and 2 and making 5 but I have a feeling a winter window statement might be made
that article mentions Fernando Llorente, Adrián López, Robert Lewandowski and Stevan Jovetic
I've not seen much of López, the other 3 look good
all signings are a gamble, the more you spend the bigger the gamble

I think El Tigre is as close to a sure thing as it gets, genuine World class
Falcao is not mentioned by the Telegraph, and maybe the story is BS out of us scouting Adrián López (also at Atleti)

presumably we would be in competition with all the petrodollar clubs for his signature
if he's sensible he would turn down ManShitty but at Chelski he would walk into the first team
and earn way more wages

David Villa I would guess is already on big wages and has an awesome record, a true natural
before injury he was the best striker in the world...

quick disclaimer on my fantasy signings - I have acute tonsilitis
maybe the penicillin and painkillers are further addling my mind

[highburyJD]

Berba is at the cottage now.

I did say "existing strikeforce was very good"

another striker slipping down the pecking order in Manchester
who I would instantly take if he became available, is Mario Balotelli

I like his arrogance, reminds me of Ian Wright

[augie]

I agree with highburyjd that there is a lot of sense in the need for a big name signing at the club right now - sponsorship deals are coming near the end and, whilst the club can pull the wool over fans eyes, they wont be able to do it as easily with sponsors. Like it or not we are not as marketable now as we used to be and other clubs have overtaken us which will reduce the price we can ask for in any negotiations - some fans will argue that point but like it or not we are viewed now as a selling club and sponsors want to be associated with winners

[highburyJD]

a big name signing makes sense, my concern is that Wenger (and to some extent Arsenal)
don't have a good record with big signings
(maybe under Chapman we did - think Alex James was a record breaker, maybe Ted Drake as well...)

[donaldo]

Falcao Llorente and Villa are out of our league.They would all cost £30m and we would never pay that or break our wage structure

So it looks like Grant Holt or Ricky Lambert

[Top Londoner]

or Franny Jeffers or Henry loan

[highburyJD]

Llorente will have 6 months left on his contract so he won't even be £20M let alone £30M
if Villa wants first team football (at centreforward a position Barca don't even play), is behind Pedro and has fallen out with Messi he might put in a transfer request - could make him cheaper too
Falcao is the only one who will get beyond £30M

we might be in competition with Chelski, Sperz and Liverpool who all need a striker too
both Manc clubs are overstocked and would have to sell to fit a striker in their squads

I don't think any of the 4 bigger Prem clubs looking for strikers will buy Holt or Lambert

[g88ner]

Llorente will have 6 months left on his contract so he won't even be £20M let alone £30M
if Villa wants first team football (at centreforward a position Barca don't even play), is behind Pedro and has fallen out with Messi he might put in a transfer request - could make him cheaper too
Falcao is the only one who will get beyond £30M

That's the glimmer of hope, for me.

Forget Falcao, but Villa and Llorente could possibly leave their clubs at a knock down price, and if it represents good value, then you never know...

Still not convinced Wenger will bring in direct competition for Giroud though - he's just signed the bloke. But, I'd love to be wrong, as I think we could do with another striker.

[Its Up 4 Grabs Now]

Gazidis is making noises about serious spending (and its not even season ticket renewal time)

No, but the Falcao/Hey Big Spender stories found their way into the papers within days of Gazidis' big salary increase coming to light & the criticism that came with it. I'd be amazed if that's purely coincidence.

Where I'd agree is that if the club was to suddenly go all Walter White on us & let off the shackles it would be with an eye on the upcoming commercial deals more so than anything else. But even then I expect they'd look at it in terms of is the extra outlay to buy (& pay) someone like Falcao (versus the standard Arsenal signing) going to bump up the value of the commercial deals enough to recoup that difference, and then some? And unless the answer is a resounding yes they'll play it 'safe' as per usual.

Villa may be a genuine option though. Wouldn't even be surprised if it was possible to get him on an initial loan. If nothing else Barca may want to get him in the shop window to increase his value for a summer sale.