Mata

[BillobShaisley]

The only real difference between us and Arsenal is that they can offer Champs League football, when Cesc goes they'll have money to up their bid for Mata and maybe compete a bit better in the market for other names, i can't see Arsenal being stingy this transfer window with their lack of silverware, IMO Wenger (although a great manager) is losing the Arsenal fans season by season, i respect his youth policy and the way he likes his teams to play the game of football, but he is too stubborn and doesn't adapt or roll with the market, unfortunately over inflated prices are the norm.

Suppose it all comes down to whether Mata wants Champs League football?

Wenger is not stubborn or stingy but wants to maintain a decent level while paying off the stadium debt. Arsenal are in a very strong position and are more than capable of making a large investment in players when its deemed necessary.

I keep hearing on here that 'it doesn't matter of we waste money on players because its not our money and wont effect other purchases' - That is complete ****ing bollox! Money is a finite resource and whetever is used for one thing can't then be used on another. Arsenal have taken the long term view that paying off the stadium debt quickly will have long term benefots as long as they can stay near the top while it's happening and for all the chirping digs from various sets of fans, they have maintained top 4 status on less money than everyone else. As those debt repayments come down they will be left with a large disposable income.

[Mostar]

Arsenal fan I was talking to few days ago was suggesting Mata as the replacement for Arshavin's exit this summer (obviously via their internet grapevine)......80k a week opening gambit apparently (would expect us to match any offer of course)
Curious that this Arsenal bid has hit the news, so there might be something to it.
Champions League could well swing any choice he'd make IMO

They seem to be losing on their first target Ricky Alvarez a winger/AM from Argentina (looked nailed on joining them and now Inter seems to be his primary destination), which can explain their newly found interest in Mata.

If they do sign Ricky somehow I cannot see them going after Mata.

[red g]

Not sure if anyone else heard graham hunter on talksport.

Basically straight fight out between Arsenal and Us apparently. And he sat on the fence to who would win, although maybe slight preference for Arsenal due to the position he will play in. He did say though the challenge at Liverpool may appeal.

When they compared Downing and Mata, He said that Downing was a real quality player and very under rated but that Mata had that something else, that something special that defines a special talent.

the thought of SUarez and Mata playing together is a full jizzfest.

[CJ]

Wenger is not stubborn or stingy but wants to maintain a decent level while paying off the stadium debt. Arsenal are in a very strong position and are more than capable of making a large investment in players when its deemed necessary.

I keep hearing on here that 'it doesn't matter of we waste money on players because its not our money and wont effect other purchases' - That is complete ****ing bollox! Money is a finite resource and whetever is used for one thing can't then be used on another. Arsenal have taken the long term view that paying off the stadium debt quickly will have long term benefots as long as they can stay near the top while it's happening and for all the chirping digs from various sets of fans, they have maintained top 4 status on less money than everyone else. As those debt repayments come down they will be left with a large disposable income.

[magicalbarnes]

Not sure if anyone else heard graham hunter on talksport.

Basically straight fight out between Arsenal and Us apparently. And he sat on the fence to who would win, although maybe slight preference for Arsenal due to the position he will play in. He did say though the challenge at Liverpool may appeal.

When they compared Downing and Mata, He said that Downing was a real quality player and very under rated but that Mata had that something else, that something special that defines a special talent.

the thought of SUarez and Mata playing together is a full jizzfest.

Yeah i was listening to him, Hunter seems to know what he is talking about too.

Arsenal do have the offer of champions league but all of a sudden with new management & ambitious owners, top players will want to come to us and be part of the project.

If we could sign Mata, it would send out a major sign of intent.

[little dave hedgehog]

interestingly, moussa sissoko has come out and said the the most important thing for him if he goes this summer is that the buying club has a strong sporting project underway

[Tee]

I am actually yet to be convinced we have any genuine interest in Mata.

With our new set up I am sure if we really were after Mata we would have signed him before the U21 tourno. Surely we wouldn't be after him on the back of that alone.

It just all seems too much Rick Parryish to me.

[little dave hedgehog]

not sure valencia would be dumb enough to sell him right before he was about to star in a major tournament.

[sevennilphil]

If we don't have any interest in Mata with our reported 50 mill to spend, our entire board, scouts, **** it EVEN MANAGER can **** right off. If we miss out on him because he wants to go elsewhere then furry muff, but to not be in for a young player of that quality? Crazy.

[little dave hedgehog]

i think it's fairly clear we're at the very least somewhat interested.

[Fierce]

If we don't have any interest in Mata with our reported 50 mill to spend, our entire board, scouts, **** it EVEN MANAGER can **** right off. If we miss out on him because he wants to go elsewhere then furry muff, but to not be in for a young player of that quality? Crazy.

Scouts. Scouts? ****ing SCOUTS?! Mata is there, he's the best soccerboy IN THE WORLD, and if they can't see that by signing him we'll win the World Cup, then what the **** are we paying them for?

FSG you stupid money providing *******s. No, of course it's not enough to give the manager £50m, you should have put a clause stating the money is there only if it gets spent on Mata. Amateurs. This isn't basketball!

That **** Dalglish can do one too, what does he know? All that money spent on those other players when one signing and we'd be champions by now

It's all gone to **** Rita, pass me a jammy dodger

[red g]

I think Downing is a higher priority but I am sure we are in for Mata.

[Exiled_red]

Yeah i was listening to him, Hunter seems to know what he is talking about too.

Arsenal do have the offer of champions league but all of a sudden with new management & ambitious owners, top players will want to come to us and be part of the project.

If we could sign Mata, it would send out a major sign of intent.

How much do you think Fabregas future could affect his decision? Having a fellow Spaniard at the club could help Mata settle, presumably he knows both Fabregas and Reina from international duty, if Fabregas leaves would that make Arsenal a less attractive option?

[little dave hedgehog]

we have more than just reina for spanish speaking players. you can probably count portuguese speaking players as a draw as well.

[Craig_H]

I am actually yet to be convinced we have any genuine interest in Mata.

With our new set up I am sure if we really were after Mata we would have signed him before the U21 tourno. Surely we wouldn't be after him on the back of that alone.

It just all seems too much Rick Parryish to me.

Inclined to agree. I dont think we're in for him at all.