I watched a lot of Milan last couple of seasons. They've become a bit of a hobby. Thiago Silva is immense. I just doubt that they would sell him at a time when Galliani and Berlusconi are crowing about showering the team with 'gifts'

No one is likely to sell a world-class defender because they all tend to be at top clubs already. Silva would be worth the effort of trying though as opposed to Chiellini who, despite what the racist italian FA would have you believe, hasn't been at his best for years now.

I'd be very, very reluctant to spend serious money on any defender from the Italian league who hadn't already proven himself elsewhere. Especially Chiellini.

Personally, I wouldn't limit that to just defenders, Asa.

Well, Ricky, that's probably because, as you admitted, you don't watch much Serie A. Watch teams like Napoli to see a lot of quality that has been slept on

Speaking of expensive defenders, anyone else think Luiz is starting to look more and more like Koscielny?

Thought he was great at first but he's looked really rash and dodgy in certain games.

He's looked rough of late, no doubt.

He's a maverick. Wouldn't necessarily help at Arsenal but provides the type of personality that Chelsea were screaming out for.

One quick question, Kaka or Benzema?

For me, Kaka. Purely because he left a big impression on me when I saw him live.

Me too. Best single game impression I've ever had from seeing a player iin the flesh was Kaka, alongside the first time I saw Bergkamp.

Edit: for the record I'd have Michael Owen, believe it or not, as a close third.

Kaka was my favourite player for a long time. Pretty much until he went to Real.

But we need Benzema more.

One has his career ahead of him and the other has his career behind him. Simple choice for me, Benzema.

I think we need a forward like Suarez or Rossi rather than a Benzema. Benzema can, IMO, only play as a CF in our formation which means we would either play him or RVP. Players like Rossi and Suarez can play in all 3 forward positions to a high standard.

The only way I can see Benzema work out here is if RVP plays in Cesc´s position and Cesc drops a step back. Would mean a lot less opportunities for both Jack and Aaron though.

Who am I kidding? RVP will probably not play more than 40% of next season, so it would probably not be an issue...

otfgoon wrote:

One has his career ahead of him and the other has his career behind him. Simple choice for me, Benzema.

Yeah thats the factor. I reckon both will costs as much as each other, but one can be really brilliant/world class on his day and could still be one of the best players if he gets rid of his injuries. The other one who also flopped at real has qualities but is more of potential than world class still.

Who knows, Kaka might provide the brilliant we desperately need. He is still only 28 don't forget. If we ain't changing 4-3-3, its kaka for me pure and simple

Machete wrote:

Sigh. Really missed the boat with suarez. Fucking chamakh

Was thinking about this the other day. Suarez is really brilliant.

Suarez is awesome. His performance the other night v Fulham was one of the best i've seen in the PL for a long time.

Klaus wrote:

No one is likely to sell a world-class defender because they all tend to be at top clubs already. Silva would be worth the effort of trying though as opposed to Chiellini who, despite what the racist italian FA would have you believe, hasn't been at his best for years now.

Aye Chiellini really hasn't turned out to be the world class defender he looked like becoming a few years ago.

Thought suarez would flop but he has done well. Still not 100% convinced on him but he could have flourished here.

I think he would have been perfect cos' as Rex says he can play all across the forward line and he's a very dynamic player.

Not looking forward to starting next season with a similar forward line. Maybe we will replace Arshavin but i see us keeping Nik and Chamakh.