football Archives - Arsenation

‘Jaded’ Arsenal disappoint again

Football fans will be fickle, but singling out a player is wrong!

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Nov 302012

Many years ago my friends and I were standing in a hallway at work, chatting about weekend results when a guy barged past us, bumped into us and caused a minor coffee spill. The guy kept walking. ‘Jerk’ was the immediate response, followed by ‘well, look at his jacket – what do you expect?’ He was wearing a Manchester United top.

One of my friends who only has a passing interest in football took offence at this characterisation of someone we had never met. My Arsenal supporting friend said, ‘well, if you saw someone wearing a t shirt with a swastika you wouldn’t need much more to know what they are like would you?’. Harsh? Of course. But it got me thinking about whether it’s fair to characterise people based on the football club they support. Firstly, I know it’s not. One of my best friends supports Manchester United -although our friendship is partially sustained by an unspoken agreement that we never discuss football. I was visiting her in London last year and the game at Old Trafford was going on as I was making my way to the airport. She didn’t say a word and supplied me with double vodkas. I will always be grateful for that.

Some other Manchester United fans I know are less decent – my uncle for one. He gloats when they win, and if they lose, there is no pleasure winding him up because he will stick the knife into his own team worse than any rival fan. My mother’s saying for this is ‘they eat their young’. My cousin ‘supports’ United in the text book ‘glory hunting’ way. He’s got a Barcelona shirt to break out for spare occasions. I know there are plenty Arsenal fans (and fans of many other clubs) who behave in the exact same way, but I do (naturally) have bias towards the Gooners.

One of my favourite Arsenal supporting friends is laid back, witty, and the best person you could imagine to watch a game with. I remember watching United tear a weakened Arsenal team apart (we hadn’t strengthened but Arsene had reassured us there was great spirit in the squad). The game was punctuated by shouts at Nasri, a la Star wars to ‘USE YOUR TEAM SPIRIT!’ If you don’t laugh you cry etc. Another Arsenal supporting friend is more like me, the type of fan who, if we are three goals up with five minutes to go could easily conceive of us conceding four.
With twitter, I have access to a much wider variety of Arsenal fan. And for the last few weeks I’ve been considering unfollowing all but about three of them. This isn’t a fingers in the ears reaction to poor performances– it’s more utter disappointment that so many fans of our club seem to have turned on one another, the manager, and most sickeningly, some of the players – the 21 year old Aaron Ramsey for one.
I will always support Arsene Wenger, because I believe he has earned it. That’s my stance – I don’t expect everyone to share it. I have a realistic sense of his faults, but I honestly believe that we would be in a much, much worse state without him. I also know that if he left most of the top clubs in Europe would want him, and it upsets me to see rival fans laughing at Arsenal fans questioning one of the greatest managers of the modern era. Does anyone seriously think he was happy to sell Van Persie to United? If it was me I’d have sat him on the bench for the year. But then he’d have just gone for free and we’d have been worse off financially. And does anyone think he’s happy looking for players between 8-10 million when our rivals are routinely paying upwards of 20? I don’t think that fans should blindly and unquestioningly support teams, regardless of results. And I don’t like that it’s ‘good enough’ to finish in third or fourth place, but I do understand it.

But there’s a reason Arsene Wenger is still in his job. There’s a reason he is asking us to trust that he is planning for the long term. And yes, I worry that we’ll get left behind while we are waiting. And I worry that players will feel they can’t wait either. But I honestly don’t see the point of fans turning on each other, turning on him, and turning on the club. I don’t know where Arsenal will be five years from now. I know I’ll be supporting them wherever they are. I just hope we aren’t in a situation where we have to accept that we never realised how good we had it under Arsene Wenger.

By Mary O’Connel

RVP Still bleeds Red & White

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Jul 262012

In 2010 Lebron James for those who don’t know him an NBA player became a free agent. Prior to that he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers whom he had given a lot of great years. One thing that Lebron hadn’t managed to do was win a Championship with the Cavalliers. Always rated to be one of the best players in NBA who hadn’t won a Championship. When Lebron announced his decision to Join The Heat who were planning to become the Manchester City/PSG of the NBA. His decision was met with heavy criticism and a media frenzy, thousands of virals of angry fans, burning of jerseys and the old classic death threats. Fast forward now Lebron was voted NBA finals MVP and has now won his first Championship.

I don’t want to educate people about the NBA here as I don’t think theres a lot of interest in it and after all this is a football blog. As a fan its difficult to understand why a player can just move without the motivation of money. For example our old Togolese friend is refusing to sign a contract at sp*** because they cant offer him the amount of salary that he is being given to by the sheikh’s in bucket loads. Samir Nasri, we understand Manchester United were first in for him and wanted him more than Manchester City but he choose to dab his ink where there was more zeros. Is it any coincidence that the biggest players in the world Zlatan, Thiago Silva, Aguero, etc sign for the clubs that offer the most money? Is this trend because they feel there is a better chance of winning things at these money rich clubs or is it because they want a better pay package?

As a fan I like nothing and sitting with friends and berating how Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG are ruining football by injecting unrealistic money into clubs thus corrupting the whole system. Its all fair enough But we Arsenal ourselves have been just as guilty in doing this just like Manchester city albeit with less zeros but its like stealing someone stealing a TV and another one stealing a toaster there might be less value on the toaster but its stealing none the less. Let me expand, Arsenals policy was to sign a lot of young players from mainly Europe taking them from the best academies around and offering twice/3 times the amount they earned at these clubs. When these players join they say things like ‘I’m glad to be joining Arsenal because they give young players the chance’ None of them ever say I’m joining Arsenal because I can now earn 4 times more than my former team mates. In a way maybe some of these young players view Arsenal as a stepping stone or a booster seat to their career even though history proves that for the most part the young players that leave Arsenal never really make it. Why do you leave the club you grew up at and come to a different country? Is it because you get a chance to play more or maybe the nice pay package made the decision easy

So the curious case of Mr Robin Van Persie, there is a famous picture of him sitting in his room decorated in red and white and also wearing a JVC Arsenal shirt. The boy has always been a gooner, , ‘why would he leave his favourite club?’ is some of the words fans mutter. Yes Van Persie might be a gooner and he has played for his favourite club but does that mean he has to stay and potentially not win anything and miss out on that last big payday and a sack full of trophies that comes with it? What Van Persie and Mr Kees Vos had planned is that They plan a beautiful exit plan where Robin gets fan’s pity and people turn on the board and he makes a sweet escape and stays an Arsenal Legend. WRONG! Arsenal fans are not to be underestimated and this beauty of twitter, facebook and blogs means that there is a lot of exchange of information , analysis over and over again meaning the truth or some of it will come out. The backlash was spectacular, I don’t think even Robin himself was prepared for it. Now it has left him in a situation where perhaps he doesn’t have control of it as he wished. Arsene and the board wont have it, No one wants to pay over £20 million. I am not going to speculate on if Robin refused to go on tour or not because Koscielny, Giroud, Podolski and a few others also didn’t travel. Was this done to protect Van persie or the club just had planned it? Why did Theo and Chamberlain go they were at the Euros? are all the questions people have but at the moment its all speculation.

I for one hope Robin does the right thing, show faith in the man who showed him a lot of faith and stood by him through those rape allegations, the petulance and red cards and all those injuries and the club that made him a truly world class performer. Its funny because reading Robin van Persie’s statement theres is a whiff of hypocrisy. Arsenal could have cashed in on Robin and signed a more experienced striker when the likes of Henry left. Yet the club showed faith in him and allowed him to develop. The club is changing its wage structure, investing in ready made talents. I just want Robin to reciprocate the faith that the club and fans have showed him. This summer will decide weather Robin van Persie will become an Arsenal legend or another good player that played for Arsenal.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment and follow me on twitter @mista_mani

Is Malaga Star Santi Cazorla Set For A Move To Arsenal?

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Jul 232012

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger is actively on the search for new reinforcements to further strengthen Arsenal’s current squad. Following the acquisitions of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud recently it is widely expected that Arsenal will now turn their attentions to signing a new midfielder of real quality. The skilful Santi Cazorla is a player who fits the bill. Since the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona the club has never found an adequate replacement to fill this important role for the club. Arsenal had come close to signing Juan Mata from Valencia in the past but this failed to materialise as Chelsea had beaten us to his signature.

However, Arsenal were strongly linked with Spanish international Santi Cazorla last summer before he made a big money switch to ambitious side Malaga. There are widespread reports that Arsenal are once again interested in the Spaniard with Malaga’s owners currently in debt and in need of a significant cash boost. Malaga are also said to be interested in Arsenal’s out of favour striker Nicklas Bendtner with rumours circulating recently that Arsenal had rejected an initial fee believed to be in the region of £6.5 million pounds for the Denmark international.

How Much Will The Spanish Playmaker Be Available For?

Santi Cazorla is expected to command a fee in the region of £15 million pounds although, Arsenal appear to be a keen on a player plus cash deal offering both Nicklas Bendtner and a sum of money to entice Malaga to make a deal happen. With Malaga’s interest in Nicklas Bendtner made public by the player’s agent in the past this could well be a strong possibility for Arsenal Football Club. However, a move for Santi Cazorla may hinge on whether Arsenal can tie Theo Walcott down to a new contract, with some of the media believing that Arsenal could target Cazorla as Theo Walcott’s replacement. But with the clubs willingness to sell Andrei Arshavin there is a position available in Arsenal’s 25 man squad for a player of Cazorla’s quality.

Does Cazorla Want To Leave Malaga? Who Else Is Interested In The Spaniard?

In addition to, Malaga’s apparent need to gain funds from selling some of their prized assets Santi Cazorla is also said to be unhappy at how the Spanish club has broken promises they had made to him previously. Wage and bonus promises have not been met by the Spanish outfit and the playmaker looks almost certain to leave the club this summer.

If Arsenal do want to follow-up their interest in the Spanish midfield they will reportedly face competition from North London rival, Spurs who are on the market for a replacement to Luka Modric who is edging ever closer to the exit door. One of Spurs top transfer targets Joao Moutinho is said to command a fee in the region of £30 million pounds + a fee Spurs are not willing to pay for one of Porto’s standout performers. This is easy to understand though when you consider a player of Cazorla’s talent is available for half the price!

Consequently, Santi Cazorla’s versatility also makes him an interesting proposition with the midfielder able to operate through the middle in a central attacking midfield role or on either wing. He has played a part in some of Spain’s previous international successes although; minutes have been hard to come by in such a talented Spanish national team oozing talent. The pacy playmaker scored nine times for Malaga last season and the only way I can see Cazorla staying at Malaga is if the club settles the dispute over the payment promises they had made to him previously. I strongly believe that with the owners considerable debts he will be forced out the door and join one of Europe’s elite clubs instead. Cazorla could well be the answer to Arsenal’s attacking midfield problems and he could offer the North London Club some much-needed Spanish flair.

Originally posted on: www.football247now.com <– Please check out this website for football news from around the world!

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Robert Lewandowski on his way to The Emirates?

French Star Hatem Ben Arfa On Arsenal’s Radar?

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Jul 082012

With the recent acquisitions of French striker Olivier Giroud and Germany international Lukas Podolski it is widely expected that Arsenal will now turn their attention to strengthening in both the defensive and midfield positions. Arsenal have increased their attacking options significantly with the recent signings of these two highly rated players, although, if Robin Van Persie does leave Arsenal it is vital that the club replaces with a quality replacement. With no conclusion to the Robin Van Persie saga as of yet, Arsenal are expected to continue with the clubs transfer plans along with dealing with this ongoing battle. Moreover, several fringe players are expected to leave the club in the near future, with Squillaci widely reported to be heading back to France and Nicklas Bendtner who now has a new agent alerting several clubs including the likes of Malaga and Swansea. In addition to this, the likes of Denilson, Vela, Lansbury, Arshavin and various other footballers currently on Arsenal’s books are tipped to be heading for the exit door this summer. The potential departures of these players will help free up space and funds for any new signings the club wishes to make. Hatem Ben Arfa is a midfield option Arsenal are said to be taking into consideration.

Where Could Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa Fit Into Arsenal’s Plans?

Well, since the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas the North London club is yet to truly replace them. Following a successful campaign at Newcastle recently Ben Arfa could be the player Arsenal are looking for the fill this gap in midfield. Arsene Wenger has been a keen admirer of the French international ever since his day at Marseille as a youngster. If Arsenal want to challenge on all fronts in the upcoming football season which gets underway in August squad depth is vital. The right blend of quality players is what sets a club ahead of its competitors. The lengthy loss of Jack Wilshere last season impacted Arsenal’s hopes of landing silverware greatly and the addition of Hatem Ben Arfa would offer Arsene Wenger the opportunity to rotate between the two players for a starting berth in the attacking midfield position once Jack Wilshere is fully fit. It is also important to consider the fact that Jack Wilshere is only 20 years of age, still learning his trade and will need to regain his match fitness first before he can play a part for Arsenal next season. Hatem Ben Arfa’s versatility is also a major asset with the player able to play both on the wing and attacking midfield positions. The Frenchman had previously played as a striker at Marseille and if required I am confident he would be able to play in this role once again if needed for Arsenal.

How Much Could Ben Arfa Be Available For?

According, to recent reports although Newcastle would loathe to lose a player of Ben Arfa’s ability but a fee in the region of £16 million may just be enough for the Magpies to part with one of their star players. In my opinion, this price does seem a little steep and if Arsenal were able to negotiate this transfer fee down to about £12 million pounds then this would be the sort of deal that could suit both clubs. The Gunners could also tempt Newcastle by offering some of their fringe players a makeweight for any possible deal. Arsene Wenger is prepared to listen to offers for a variety of footballers on Arsenal’s books so why not use them in a player plus cash deal? According to reliable French media outfit L’Equipe Arsenal have been in contact with Ben Arfa’s agent in recent weeks.

What Stumbling Blocks Are There?

It remains to be seen whether or not Ben Arfa intends to honour his contract at Newcastle or move on if he receives a tempting offer from a club that can offer him the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season. If Newcastle demand a price deemed to be over the odds and do not budge on this price this would likely prevent any deal from taking place at all. The player has also been accused of lacking discipline in the past but Arsene Wenger has been able to handle problems with players in the past and get the best out of them, this therefore shouldn’t be a major obstacle. Consequently, Wenger will know enough about the player by now to judge his character and decide whether he is suitable or not. But with Wenger having declared his interest in Ben Arfa in the past this suggests that the Gunners boss cannot foresee any potential problems that could arise from signing the Newcastle star. Nevertheless, bust ups and disagreements can impact the overall performance and morale of the team as seen most recently from the likes of Samir Nasri at Euro 2012.

Arsenal could really use a playmaker like Ben Arfa who has the ability to dart past opposition players with a great dale of pace and menace, using his dribbling skills to great effect. The 25 year old is not afraid to take on anyone with his pace and he also has a very good long distance shot.

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Do you rate Hatem Ben Arfa as a footballer?

Would signing the Frenchman from Newcastle be a step in the right direction for Arsenal FC?

Have your say below, all feedback is greatly appreciated! I hope you enjoyed reading this article.

Arsenal formations for the 2012/2013 season?

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Jul 052012

WHAT’S THE BEST FORMATION FOR ARSENAL?

Since Wenger’s arrival at Arsenal, we have seen him deploy 2 formations mainly. We played with 4-4-2 upto 08/09 and then a 4-2-3-1 to get the best out of Cesc Fabregas.Now that Cesc has departed and we don’t have a player of similar style, so what is the formation to get the best out of the current players at Arsenal??

The first formation in question is the one we played last season, 4-2-3-1. Some people might argue that it was a rigid 4-3-3 but it wasn’t. In a 4-3-3, The wingers or wide forwards are in a more advanced position than the most advanced Central midfielder. At Arsenal, the CAM is more in line with the wingers than the two holding midfielders, operating as a second striker sometimes to press the opposition’s Central defender. Cesc, and more recently Rosicky and Ramsey have played that role at Arsenal.

If we play a 4-2-3-1 next season, the lineup would be like this…

Szczesny

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song Arteta

Theo Wilshere Podolski

Robin van Persie

This is the ideal lineup with this formation. We can play Ox in place of Theo or Rosicky in place of Jack but player selection is another matter. This formation gives us the edge vs teams who play 4-4-2 as we enjoy most of the possession because of 3 CMs vs 2 of the opposition. But, There in lies the problem for us as teams play defensively against us, giving us most of the possession while they sit back and force the play towards the wings, which ultimately leads to crosses and everyone knows how bad we are at converting those crosses, especially when only 1 striker is up against 2 defenders. (CHELSEA comes to mind)

Now, the formation with which Arsene won all of his trophies, 4-4-2. (OR a 4-4-4-1 as some people might suggest, but the point is to have two strikers). A possible 4-4-2 can be something like this.

Szczesny

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Santos

Rosicky Arteta Wilshere Gervinho

Robin van Persie

Giroud

Again you can change the personnel as you wish. This formation has that Aerial threat upfront which we lacked along with the technical ability of Robin and Giroud (not another Chamakh, I stress). I’d like to bust one myth here that 4-4-2 is dead.. Really? Manchester United won almost everything with a 4-4-2. Spain won Euro 08 with Villa and Torres upfront. Manchester City last season played with 2 strikers in majority of their games. Despite that, 4-4-2 is a risky formation to play vs Big teams. I still remember that United always played 4-5-1 against us to counter our midfield play, And whenever they switched to 4-4-2, they struggled against us. Exception being the last game vs United at the Emirates.

The last formation in consideration is a bit unconventional for the English game, its a 3-5-2. Many people have suggested on twitter that we should play a 3-5-2 with this setup..

Szczesny

Koscielny Mertesacker Vermaelen

Coquelin Arteta Chamberlain Song Gibbs

Robin van Persie Podolski

I remember someone saying on twitter that with a 3-5-2 with Mertesacker as a sweeper and Song shielding the defence, we’ll cope well with the counter attacks which the opposition mount whenever our possession breaks in the opposition half. Interesting point. But 3-5-2 is more of a counter attacking formation in my opinion, which Napoli displayed last season.

There is no doubt about the versatility of our squad. We have a bunch of players who can play in more than one position. Gibbs, Santos, Chamberlain, Rosicky, Podolski, Theo, Robin, Song, Coquelin are all versatile players who make the squad flexible and allow us to have more options.

According to my tiny brain, we shouldn’t just play a 4231, it makes us predictable. Our players are capable of playing different roles, then why not utilise them to good effect?? We should be able to play both the 4231 and the 442 according to the situation. When teams like Sunderland (and Chelsea) come to the Emirates only to park the bus in front of their goal then there is no point in playing a 4231, They just sit back and defend, so why not play to counter them? If we start with 442 vs such teams then it will give us more chance of getting a goal. Giroud is so good in the air as well as with his feet, he gives us the plan B vs such teams (indicated in my 1st article). So to sum it up..

Play 4231 vs teams who will play attacking football like City.

Play 442 vs teams who park the bus and play long balls.

Play 352 vs teams like Norwich and Wigan at home.

That’s it, I think….

@L_KoscielnyFans

The Curious Case of Robin Van Persie…

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Jun 272012

A great once said “If you can’t dream, can’t imagine, then you cannot achieve anything in your life”. Great words, eh? Let’s imagine then…

Imagine, you are born in city where everyone loves football, it’s a religion to them and they worship the game. Then, you grow up by watching your national team playing a nice passing style of football no one has ever seen. After sometime, the skilled players are replaced by the ones who can’t replicate that ideology of total football.

Then, at 12, you join your local football team. You grow as a footballer there, above every other player of your age; you are tipped as the special one. You make it to the first team at 19 BUT.

You always wanted to play beautiful football. Your dream was always to play for a certain team abroad. 7 years later, your dream is about to be fulfilled. Imagine, you are there where you always wanted to be. Now, after 6 years, you are the captain of the team of your dreams but you have won nothing, the press asks if you wanted to win at somewhere else and you reply,

“This is the best club for me, I don’t want to win somewhere else, it wouldn’t be the same if I win trophies somewhere else. I want to win the Arsenal way”

The season has ended. The manager wants you to sign a contract extension, but you want to see this club winning something, what will you do?? What will your conversation be with the manager? Here’s a raw idea:

Manager: You are the best player we’ve got, here’s your 130,000k per week contract.
You: I don’t think this club is going forward, so I want to leave.
Manager: We can’t afford to lose you.
You: Then improve the squad buy some quality, and I’ll sign on 80,000k per week contract.
Manager: Ok then, but don’t make any comments in the media.
You: (thinking) Yesssss, now the club of my dreams will be competing again.

So, that’s the RVP situation in a nutshell In my opinion. He hasn’t signed yet because we aren’t done with the transfers.

Now, if you think Robin wants to leave. Where would he go?? Manchester City? I don’t think he’ll win the arsenal way there. Barcelona? They don’t have the money to buy a 40m player, let alone a striker. Defense is their priority this summer. Juventus? I think Monsieur Wenger cleared that up before me.

Now imagine Wenger. He started the youth policy, but every year, players left on a regular basis. He coped until last year. Fabregas and Nasri left. Losing 2 of your best players was too much to take. He also wanted to win. Pressure was on him to deliver. So he changed from the bargain loving Wenger to the ruthless Wenger of pre 2004, the one who wasn’t afraid of anyone. So he bought 2 top class strikers before the Transfer Window opened. Do you think he will let his best player go again and start building again?? Is he that fragile?? He wants to win again, you can see that in his eyes… And we want to win again too. So stop believing any of the Bullshit the journalists spray on their newspapers to make them sell. Stay Calm and BELIEVE.

UP THE ARSENAL.

Ps. those quote, about imagining, I made that one up.

Hope you liked reading..

@L_KoscielnyFans

GIROUD | PODOLSKI | AND WHAT EXACTLY THEY BRING TO THE EMIRATES?

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Jun 252012

The simplest answer to the heading has to be goals. And lots of them. But lets see what roles they’ll be playing at Arsenal.

Lukas Podolski is the first one we’ll look at. Arsenal confirmed the signing of Lukas from FC Koln for an undisclosed fee, rumored to be in the region of £10.6M. Lukas has played on the left of the front three for most of his career. That’s where I think wenger will deploy him at AFC. He can also play up top with a strike partner or on his own, although we haven’t seen much of him as a lone striker. He has been a regular at Cologne and Germany since 2003 and had a 3 year stint at Bayern Munich from 06 to 09. He scored 46 goals in 81 games in his first spell with Cologne, and 33 in 88 in his second spell. At Bayern, he is deemed as a failure as he only managed 15 goals in 3 years.

But let’s focus on his most recent form at Cologne. He’s been a regular goal threat for a team who was fighting relegation for most of the season. So what he brings to Arsenal?? The answer is Simple. He comes with Pedigree, international experience, amazing work ethic, goals, assists … and a great lad to have around in training and in the dressing room. He’s a more refined left sided Theo Walcott IMO. With a footballing brain, that is, as some pundits might suggest. Arsenal have lacked a regular goal scorer from the left wing of late. Arshavin, and most recently Gervinho have failed to live up to those expectations. So hopefully, he’ll score some valuable goals for us.

And what we have seen at the euros, He’s a team player who tracks back and helps his full back out. Something Arshavin failed to do on a regular basis. In Poldi, we’ve got an international proven goal scorer, with a great attitude. Credit must also be given to Wenger for tying him up early. Great bit of business. Cheerio.

Now, on to our latest capture, Olivier Giroud. Ok ok, he isn’t confirmed by Arsenal.com yet, but the deal is all but done. It cost us around £12.6M to acquire the services of Montpellier’s top scorer who will sign a 5 yr. deal pending a Medical at London Colney.

I have only watched him on YouTube to be honest, but I’ve contacted some Gooners who closely follow the French League, MHSC games to be precise. Olivier Giroud,26, scored 21 goals last season and won the French golden boot award . Now again, the same ol question, What does he bring to Arsenal? Hmmmmmmmm, wait, looking for a suitable word..ah, yes. It’s called plan B. The same plan B all Gooners said we lacked. Stoke Rugby Club. Beware.

At 88 kg, 6 ft.3 in tall, He utilises every inch of that frame. He won 70% of the aerial duels last season, more than any top 4 striker in the to 5 leagues across Europe. His hold up play is among the best, brings other team mates into the game, which is indicated by his 9 assists last season.

And the best thing is…He never fails to shine in big games.

I guess the first line of the blog was quite appropriate.

Hope you liked reading,

@L_KoscielnyFans.

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Montpellier Star Olivier Giroud Set To Join Arsenal In The Next 48 Hours?

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Jun 132012

The emergence of Olivier Giroud has alerted several clubs across Europe including: Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal. The striker is hot property at the moment following a sensational, breakthrough season in France over the course of the season just passed. Arsenal are said to be very keen on the French striker with Arsenal club scout Gilles Grimandi having this to say previously “He’s one of those we’re looking at. It is impossible not to watch him after his development in the past two years”. Giroud is said to be flattered by the Gunners reported interest and strong reports suggest that striker wants to ply his trade in the Barclays Premier League next season, with Arsenal.

So How Has Giroud Faired In France Over The Past Season?

Well, he ended the season as Ligue 1 top scorer, with an impressive goals tally for the season . He is the stand out figure at his current club Montpellier and they of course rate him very highly. As much as Montpellier would love to keep the French striker he seems keen to experience a new style of football elsewhere and with the players clause in his contract believed to be between £12million- £15million Arsenal Football Club could land the French international at a very reasonable price in todays modern transfer market.

Furthermore, Giroud is a good, strong, physical striker who would provide Arsenal with a different option upfront. He showed what is capable of against a strong German team in a friendly earlier on in the season. He scored for France in a 2-1 friendly win over Germany before the start of Euro 2012.

Could He Potentially Have The Same Impact As Koscielny Has Had Since He Left France If He Were To Join Arsenal?

Olivier Giroud is definitely a striker to look out for! Although, he was an inexpensive risk when he joined Montpellier he has certainly proved to be a bargain for the French club. He has only recently emerged as a quality striker over the course of the last two seasons, but he looks a very able striker who could complement Robin Van Persie and Lukas Podolski greatly. He would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad and provide ideal, much-needed striking competition. A move to Arsenal would suit the player and he would surely improve his game further by joining the Gunners. His movement and goal scoring prowess will boost Arsenal’s attacking options significantly, further easing the pressure off Robin Van Persie if he remains an Arsenal player. Some people believe that signing Giroud from Montpellier will signal the end of Robin Van Persie’s time at Arsenal, however, the club remain determined to keep hold of the Dutch striker. The prospect of Van Persie, Podolski and Giroud all available as attacking options for the London giants is mouth-watering.

Moreover, Arsene Wenger’s knowledge of French football has served the club very well in the past with the likes of: Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Petit, Anelka and many others all proving to be great purchases.

Montpellier manager Rene Girard also told French Radio Station RMC recently that “Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them,” further increasing the likelihood that the player will join Arsenal.

In my opinion, Giroud would be a great signing for Arsenal without the hefty price tag of other players available on the transfer market. Consequently, the move could be completed in the next 48 hours with the chances of the player joining Arsenal looking highly likely. But, until a deal is done we must wait and hope…

Please follow me on twitter: @JasonBoyne94 for regular article updates and more!

Feel free to check out the video of Montpellier’s star striker in action below