Today's paper talk

26may1989 · Post by **26may1989** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:34 am

The Daily Mirror reckons that Sol Campbell is moving to Villarreal this summer. Has he finally worked out where "abroad" is? And just how many ex-Gooners are Villarreal going to accumulate??

And the Star apprently says that Gilberto is going to stay after all, becuase he wants to acquire UK citizenship. I'd be pleased to keep Gilberto in the squad, as cover for both central midfield and central defence. But I know others point to his weaker performances this year and may prefer him to be shipped out.

donaldo · Post by **donaldo** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:47 am

I will tell you now there is no way Gilberto will be at Arsenal next season.He will be the first player out the door followed by Jens.If he wants UK citizenship he can get it at West Ham

Hagbard 23 · Post by **Hagbard 23** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:59 am

Be a shame to see Bert go really,I got a real soft spot for the fella. I agree with 26may that he could be used as squad/backup player.

But I doubt he'll be around next season.

augie · Post by **augie** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:56 am

I'm with donaldo on this - I was never a huge fan of bert but I have to say that it would be sad to see his rep with the fans drop even further

mrgnu1958 · Post by **mrgnu1958** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:59 am

hes off to Juventus.
FACT!

tenementfunster5 · Post by **tenementfunster5** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 11:44 am

Gilberto needs to move for the benifit of Arsenal and himself. His legs have gone and we all know his passing has never been a strong point. Time for the least Brazilian of Brazillians to find a new home. Thanks for the good times Bert!

Bergkamp95 · Post by **Bergkamp95** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:35 pm

I was shocked to read that Gilberto could be staying at Arsenal but we all know its not going to happen Italy fo him jose first signing at Inter perhaps.

Post by **QuartzGooner** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:03 am

I respect Gilberto for his professional attitude, and for his reading of how to intercept opposition passes, and for his stepping up last season when he was our on pitch captain.

Unfortunately as one other poster says here, his legs have "gone".

He would be far happier playing in Italy or Spain , not in the Premier League which is now too fast for him.

He is now too far down the pecking order at Arsenal to get regualr games, and not effective enough any more for us to want to keep him.

I wish him good luck.

green gooner · Post by **green gooner** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:20 am

We have far too many back up players at the club as it is

Diaby, Denilson and Hoyte are all short of the calibre of real talent we require if Wenger is to push the club on. Song and Djourou will never fill the shirt and will drift off to Brum or Pompey.

Quality, that is what we need

tenementfunster5 · Post by **tenementfunster5** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:26 am

Arsenal will strugle to keep top players happy if they are not playing 1st team football, that is why we have 'squad players'. Chelski play thair 'stars' in the reserves which keeps them playing football and therefore happy. Our reserves is populated by youngster trying to make the grade, Wengers policy of developing youth, so we cannot have big name players sitting around doing nothing.

Post by **QuartzGooner** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 1:34 am

I disagree with Green Gooner about Song and Djourou.

I think both can be in the squad for years.

Song has shown he is capable of being a good centre back, during the Carling Cup run.
He is able to move the ball upfield from that position, and is strong in the tackle.
He also now has decent experience from African Cup of Nations.

I do think though he has not yet proven he can play in midfield for Arsenal, though did well there in African Cup of Nations.

Djourou is good as a back up centre back. He is young and can improve.
He also has international experience, and I see him as the replacement for the Gilberto role in midfield.

He is composed and able to run well with the ball.

Both are works in progress, but I think they are too good to sell.

Goonanana · Post by **Goonanana** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:15 am

Gilberto has to go! If he stays I hope he is only used when literally no-one is fit! He's been a good servant but he is not simply too bloody fat and slow, he'd be perfect in the Italian league, I'm sure he's still got the talent just not the speed anymore, would be a great buy for Juventus at around 3 Mill I'd want 4 for him

26may1989 · Post by **26may1989** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:36 am

tenementfunster5 wrote:Chelski play thair 'stars' in the reserves which keeps them playing football and therefore happy.

I don't think any professional player who has already served their apprenticeship would be happy with reserve team football. The only reason Chavski's reserve team mercenaries (like Cudicini, Shevchenko, Pizarro and Ben-Haim) are "happy" is because they're so pleased with their bank balances.

tenementfunster5 · Post by **tenementfunster5** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:24 am

26may1989 wrote: [quote]tenementfunster5 wrote:
Chelski play thair 'stars' in the reserves which keeps them playing football and therefore happy.

I don't think any professional player who has already served their apprenticeship would be happy with reserve team football. The only reason Chavski's reserve team mercenaries (like Cudicini, Shevchenko, Pizarro and Ben-Haim) are "happy" is because they're so pleased with their bank balances.[/quote]

Either way we cannot copy what the chavs do and keep players happy when not playing.

26may1989 · Post by **26may1989** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:35 am

tenementfunster5 wrote:26may1989 wrote:
tenementfunster5 wrote:
Chelski play thair 'stars' in the reserves which keeps them playing football and therefore happy.

I don't think any professional player who has already served their apprenticeship would be happy with reserve team football. The only reason Chavski's reserve team mercenaries (like Cudicini, Shevchenko, Pizarro and Ben-Haim) are "happy" is because they're so pleased with their bank balances.[/quote]

Either way we cannot copy what the chavs do and keep players happy when not playing.

I agree, reserves should be a mixture of players on the way up, players on the way down and the odd solid pro who is willing to do a job once in a while, knowing that they will never be a superstar.