People that thought we could replace Cesc with a like for like midfielder (in terms of talent and quality) were kidding themselves. Sorry to say. The money may be there, but no way we're willing to spend that much on one player.

I'd have preferred M'Vila too, but Montolivo is good as well. Arteta I'm more skeptical about, even if he IS a good player (I preferred him over Arshavin back in the day. I was mocked).

Arteta is a walking injury.

Arteta is just another case of us taking the bargain bin option rather than actually buying in top quality for a higher price.

Not really as we have been trying for all sorts of midfielders at a huge variation in prices.

Cill wrote:

A big fat 'Meh' to Arteta tbh..

My thoughts.

Not terribly excited by Montolivo either but I'd prefer him to Arteta.

Sort of convinced we're getting Arteta.
Only injuries have held him at Everton until now?

He's a very skilful player but I really fear he'll be Diabyesque as regards time spent in the treatment room.

He knows how to score goals, a dangerous player around the box.

Quick on the counter?

He could work well with Jack?

I'd be expecting another signing to be pulled out of the bag to make up for his lack of wow though.

Right work done and I'm now devoting my life to transfer muppetry. I'm not just transfer watching i am transfer

Captain wrote:

Not really as we have been trying for all sorts of midfielders at a huge variation in prices.

Have we though?

Or have we bid for these players knowing that we haven't a hope in getting them so Wenger could go for the 7,975th. time:

'Well, we tried to sign him but they wanted too much.'

Arteta is just another case of us going for the cheap option instead of going out, spending some money and actually getting in some real class.

We can't lose Cesc and Nasri and expect Arteta and Gervinho to even come close to replacing them adequately.

BBC radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis on Twitter: "I'm told Yossi Benayoun is heading for Arsenal"

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Pepe LeFrits wrote:

BBC radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis on Twitter: "I'm told Yossi Benayoun is heading for Arsenal"

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I take it back. I love Arteta.

For the love of Chrsit we can't possibly be seriously considering going for Benayoun can we? He's, to put it politely, midtable mediocre.

Heard Benayoun is either Liverpool bound or staying at Chelsea.

Pepe LeFrits wrote:

BBC radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis on Twitter: "I'm told Yossi Benayoun is heading for Arsenal"

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Cill wrote:
Captain wrote:

Not really as we have been trying for all sorts of midfielders at a huge variation in prices.

Have we though?

We have.

Transfer window is closed in Italy. Clubs can no longer sign players but they can still sell them to other leagues. Montolivo didn't move to another Serie A club. Starting to think there is something to the rumours that place him in London.

Father forgive us for our sins.

Klaus wrote:

Transfer window is closed in Italy. Clubs can no longer sign players but they can still sell them to other leagues. Montolivo didn't move to another Serie A club. Starting to think there is something to the rumours that place him in London.

dont do this to me klaus

Montolivo + another creative midfielder please. Just DO IT.

Can't believe we've left it this late and now can't buy anyone proper. Why THE FUCK haven't we worked this hard earlier in the summer? Disgusting.