The Gooner Forum

Chippy wrote:We have (or used to have) gay members of this forum. I wonder how they feel reading this and the Gately thread.

hmmm... it's a valid point, chippy. Although the "so and so is gay" thing started out as a light hearted reaction to the original thread being called the "Player transfer rumour thread" (thus a play on the tabloid penchant for starting unfounded "gay" rumours about celebrities and footballers) if it has offended any of our gay patrons then I apologise for any offence caused.

I wouldn't say the thread is homophobic par se because no one has made any descriminatory remarks, incited hatred or criticised anyone for being gay - but I can see how it might make some one uncomfortable.

So for any gay Gooners out there, I apologise sincerely if you were offended by this thread.

Remember, life is short - live and let live.

DB, I know it was a humorous thing to start with and might be funny the first few times but....

I also know that you are not even remotely a homophobe.

its a delicate line on here which we all stand right on the edge of. I love the humour on here but just get uncomfortable if we start offending minority groups. So next time somebody calls you a twat I will wade in.

Chippy wrote:DB, I know it was a humorous thing to start with and might be funny the first few times but....

I also know that you are not even remotely a homophobe.

its a delicate line on here which we all stand right on the edge of. I love the humour on here but just get uncomfortable if we start offending minority groups. So next time somebody calls you a twat I will wade in.

Us twats aren't a minority! Especially on here!!!

Mario Balotelli (Inter) and Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax) ???

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... Mario.html

Wenger eyes super Mario

By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS and PAT SHEEHAN

ARSENE WENGER is eyeing £20million-rated Inter Milan star Mario Balotelli.

SunSport understands Arsenal scouts watched the Italy hitman in Inter's 5-0 win at Genoa last weekend, while Gunners boss Wenger is also keen on Ajax's Gregory van der Wiel for £8m.

Balotelli, 19, is highly regarded by Inter boss Jose Mourinho but is behind Gabriel Milito, Samuel Eto'o and David Suazo in the San Siro pecking order.

But he fits in perfectly with the profile of Wenger's young team - and it is no secret that the Frenchman wants to add another frontman to his squad.

Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh was Wenger's No 1 summer target but the move hit the buffers when the French club blocked his approach.

Balotelli, on the other hand, is understood to be willing to consider a move to London to get more regular first-team action.

In addition, Wenger is tracking Dutch right-back Van der Wiel - having already snapped up Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for £10m in June.

Van der Wiel, 21, has been capped five times by his country. He has built a reputation as an exceptionally fast defender and a January move is being looked into.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... z0UkRdub6e

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... bonna.html

Arsenal go for Angelo

ARSENAL are poised to swoop for Torino's highly-rated defender Angelo Ogbonna.
Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Italy Under-21 star and wants to strengthen his defence when the transfer window reopens in January.

Ogbonna, 21, has been earning rave reviews in Serie B this season and is regarded as one of the best young talents in Italy.

Juventus and Inter Milan have also been keeping a close eye on his development.

But Arsenal look the strong favourites to clinch his signature.

Ogbonna admits he would love the chance to test himself at the top level and will keep all his options open.

Ogbonna said: "I know exactly what I want and I am not closing the door on anything.

"My objective is to improve and reach the highest level.

"My first dream has been achieved and I have managed to make my professional debut.

"There will be time to see what the options are on other clubs."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 70,00.html

Swiss starlet eyes big move

Ben Khalifa keen to test himself at higher level in the future

Switzerland starlet Nassim Ben Khalifa admits he dreams of playing in 'a big league' after being linked with Arsenal.

Ben Khalifa impressed at the recent Fifa Under 17 World Cup and finished second in the player of the tournament voting as Switzerland won the competition.

He has been likened to current Arsenal schemer Samir Nasri and has also attracted the attention of European giants Barcelona and Juventus.

The 17-year-old is currently on the books of Grasshoppers and is rated in the 7million Euros (£6.4m) bracket by his club.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking to steal a march on any rivals for his signature by making an immediate bid for Ben Khalifa.

The Tunisian-born attacker has not been contacted about a move, but acknowledged his desire to play in a major competition in the future.

Ben Khalifa told reporters: "I have seen the rumours, but now I prefer to stay focused on my club, although my dream is to play in a big league."