thats why keeping sagna would've made so much sense, but i know i'm preaching to the choir there, rex.

El Genio de Oviedo wrote:
qs! wrote:

Exactly. Consistency at centre half is a good thing.

Sure but Mertesacker and Koscielny cannot realistically be expected to play 50 games a season. They're not getting younger and CB is like any other position, occasional rotation is needed for freshness.

I reckon if you don't play the. In the CC and rotate a lite for the FA cup your centre halves can be fine bar bad luck. Positions that cover more ground need more rotation, as do explosive positions.

I like Vermaelen but think we will end up selling him this summer. Personally I think he could make Utd stronger despite what people think of his form in a Arsenal shirt. I think it's fine that he wants to go somewhere where he has a genuine chance at being first choice. He's had his opportunity here to do so and if he can't, especially at his age, then for his career, he should be looking to move. Unfortunately I think most people agree that we have enough areas needed to strengthen without having to contemplate a 3rd choice CB.

As far as potential replacements go, I think we will have to look at those CBs who are not considered genuine starters ahead of either PM or LK. I would imagine someone young with more raw potential experience than talent from somewhere in England, France or Germany or someone slightly older from the "lesser" leagues - i.e. anyone willing to bide their time as third choice. If we were to negotiate with Utd, I reckon we may look to either Phil Jones or Chris Smalling seeing as how we have held serious interest in both before.

I do agree we have other priorities without adding a new CB to them, but still feel that we should sell him. The farce over the captaincy would be settled and we can possibly try for an option that could complement LK and PM if one is injured.

if our 3rd CB is suppose to be there to help give kos and mert some rest then that 3rd center back can't be vermaelen, because he can't stay fit long enough to be a reliable sub. just get rid and buy a 3rd center back and promote one of the youngsters to 4th because any experienced 4th cb is gonna be shit and if they aren't shit, turn to shit with the lack of playing time.

a month later

If we are going to sell him, I hope we bring in a replacement before he leaves. Since Mertesacker is likely to miss our first two games, as he only returns on August 11th (along with Ozil and Podolski). Hence, we would be left with playing a reserve/ youth centre back for those games.

4 days later

Calum wearing Vermaelen's number 5.

Thought Chambers was supposed to be number 21, but this can't just be a cock up can it? Maybe the deal to United is done and dusted and we're waiting to get in another defender before we announce it?

Who knows, but players often wear the wrong number in pre-season.

Since he only joined a day ago they haven't got one with his number on.

Heard that they didn't have time to prepare all the number 21 training stuffs so he took the absent Vermaelen's one temporarily for this trip.

Ricky1985 wrote:

Maybe the deal to United is done and dusted and we're waiting to get in another defender before we announce it?

I think if United had agreed a deal they'd want him now for their preseason.

It is curious that he didn't travel though. I guess we'll hear more at Wengers next press conference.

People are jumping through a lot of hoops to try to justify Chambers wearing his number, Occums Razer- he's gone and they're waiting for some formality.
It won't worry Wenger to cobble together some sort of defence for the first month, he has form for this.

Biggus wrote:

Occums Razer- he's gone and they're waiting for some formality.

They're selling Chambers 21 shirts in the club store. Occums Razor that then.

Stuart MacFarlane confirming on Twitter that Calum is #21. Called it lazy journalism.

Patters wrote:

Since he only joined a day ago they haven't got one with his number on.

Patters - Occam-razoring the shit out of threads since November 2011.

He is

And as for Vermaelen, he has been a nothing player for us for past two years and an absolutely pointless captain. 100% that he's joining ManU very, very soon. There have been hints and soundbites from him, his agent and the club that its happening (Ornstein mentioning it on multiple occasions that we'e looking for a replacemernt). Last year of contract, no point to lose out on £7m-£10m over someone like him. He had a family vacation with his mate Robin and his family a few weeks ago, so clear its done.

qs! wrote:

They're selling Chambers 21 shirts in the club store. Occums Razor that then.

We'll see.