Transfer Rumours Only

[SuperSAINT]

http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/26/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-arsenal-transfer-target-alessio-cerci-4845848/

[derry]

SSN saying GR not fit for tonight but Gardos and Taider probably play. Taider looked like a midfielder that plays forward and runs at defenders as per the Leverkusen game.

[Saint Rees]

SSN saying GR not fit for tonight but Gardos and Taider probably play. Taider looked like a midfielder that plays forward and runs at defenders as per the Leverkusen game.

 

Don't know that Tadic is either. Could be wrong but didn't see him in the training clips and RK said won't risk players who aren't 100%, nevertheless, look forward to seeing how Taider and Gardos get on

[Wade Garrett]

Wonder if we're actively trying to move Gaston on.

[SuperSAINT]

Don't know that Tadic is either. Could be wrong but didn't see him in the training clips and RK said won't risk players who aren't 100%, nevertheless, look forward to seeing how Taider and Gardos get on

 

If Tadic is struggling, lets see how Isgrove does against them.

[ericb]

SSN saying GR not fit for tonight but Gardos and Taider probably play. Taider looked like a midfielder that plays forward and runs at defenders as per the Leverkusen game.

 

I believe it's illegal to mention his name without it being followed up by this.

 

Taider

[Saint Garrett]

Taider

[Window Cleaner]

Taider

 

Who knows really, don't see him being an important part of Koeman's plans actually. He's here because we were desperate to be shot of Osvaldo but if that wasn't the case Taider would still be at Inter, or loaned out somewhere else I expect. From what I remember of him at Grenoble he's OK but nothing really exceptional, he may have improved since then though, he was very young at the time.

[Foxstone]

Who knows really, don't see him being an important part of Koeman's plans actually. He's here because we were desperate to be shot of Osvaldo but if that wasn't the case Taider would still be at Inter, or loaned out somewhere else I expect. From what I remember of him at Grenoble he's OK but nothing really exceptional, he may have improved since then though, he was very young at the time.

 

Taider played very well against Belgium in the WC - Kept De Bruyne and Dembele very quiet it has to be said, and was also very neat and tidy in possession too.

I think he is very capable of forcing his way into the starting eleven.

[Give it to Ron]

Gaston was doing fitness work on Saturday with training staff didnt look 100% fit

[Webby]

Absolutely. I think this is why people still have Gaston in the back of their minds, we simply don't have another player like him and that's why we're all hoping he now shows something on a consistent basis...starting with tonight, hopefully!

Forget Gaston. He'll never come good. Not in this league. He's never fit enough to get the run of games he needs to settle into the pace and physicality of the game.

 

I hope I'm wrong tbh.

[Dan Johnson]

Gaston was doing fitness work on Saturday with training staff didnt look 100% fit

 

Such a shame that every off season he has been involved with the national team and hasnt had a real rest.

 

Olympics, Confederations Cup, World Cup.

 

I think we'd see a different player if he had six weeks off and started pre-season on day 1

[Window Cleaner]

Such a shame that every off season he has been involved with the national team and hasnt had a real rest.

 

Olympics, Confederations Cup, World Cup.

 

I think we'd see a different player if he had six weeks off and started pre-season on day 1

 

I really don't think it makes much difference whether he was off this summer or not, he hardly played for Uruguay at all and would probably have gone to South America for his holidays anyway. I think that after 2 years you just have to accept that he's not suited to English football in any way and cut your losses. Osvaldo in his initial Milan interview said he just couldn't get to grips with English football although he tried desperately hard (whether you want to believe that is up to you),he just couldn't hack the intensity and the physical level required to play 90 minutes every 5 days or so.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

I really don't think it makes much difference whether he was off this summer or not, he hardly played for Uruguay at all and would probably have gone to South America for his holidays anyway. I think that after 2 years you just have to accept that he's not suited to English football in any way and cut your losses. Osvaldo in his initial Milan interview said he just couldn't get to grips with English football although he tried desperately hard (whether you want to believe that is up to you),he just couldn't hack the intensity and the physical level required to play 90 minutes every 5 days or so.

 

When we played a slower pace under Adkins it was Ramirez who showed he was a cut above. But the moment the game is played at a tempo he doesn't like he struggles badly. The game on Saturday would have been a great platform for him to make a contribution - the opposition with a lot of men behind the ball and our struggles to break them down is made for him (or rather, is probably the single circumstance where he is of value to us).

[KelvinsRightGlove]

I really don't think it makes much difference whether he was off this summer or not, he hardly played for Uruguay at all and would probably have gone to South America for his holidays anyway. I think that after 2 years you just have to accept that he's not suited to English football in any way and cut your losses. Osvaldo in his initial Milan interview said he just couldn't get to grips with English football although he tried desperately hard (whether you want to believe that is up to you),he just couldn't hack the intensity and the physical level required to play 90 minutes every 5 days or so.

 

I'm not disputing that Gaston has struggled so far. I've often said he has been made out to be worse than he actually has been, and has shown some good stuff - but has become a boo boy a touch unfairly.

 

Anyway, whilst it is true he didn't play all that much in the WC. He will still have trained everyday, and travelled with the squad. So the actual playing time is probably not all that matters. He'd still be playing catch up on the rest of the squad. Clearly he isn't the most natural of athletes - so having to play catch up is far from advantageous in his case.

 

Whether he will make it or not in the Prem is pretty up in the air. He certainly hasn't been consistent enough - but I would really like to see him come good. There's definitely a good player in there, and he can be exciting.

[Whitey Grandad]

I'm not disputing that Gaston has struggled so far. I've often said he has been made out to be worse than he actually has been, and has shown some good stuff - but has become a boo boy a touch unfairly.

 

Anyway, whilst it is true he didn't play all that much in the WC. He will still have trained everyday, and travelled with the squad. So the actual playing time is probably not all that matters. He'd still be playing catch up on the rest of the squad. Clearly he isn't the most natural of athletes - so having to play catch up is far from advantageous in his case.

 

Whether he will make it or not in the Prem is pretty up in the air. He certainly hasn't been consistent enough - but I would really like to see him come good. There's definitely a good player in there, and he can be exciting.

 

You're ignoring the mental aspect of it. Any player who has been to the World Cup needs longer to get back into the groove.

[Window Cleaner]

I'm not disputing that Gaston has struggled so far. I've often said he has been made out to be worse than he actually has been, and has shown some good stuff - but has become a boo boy a touch unfairly.

 

Anyway, whilst it is true he didn't play all that much in the WC. He will still have trained everyday, and travelled with the squad. So the actual playing time is probably not all that matters. He'd still be playing catch up on the rest of the squad. Clearly he isn't the most natural of athletes - so having to play catch up is far from advantageous in his case.

 

Whether he will make it or not in the Prem is pretty up in the air. He certainly hasn't been consistent enough - but I would really like to see him come good. There's definitely a good player in there, and he can be exciting.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love for Gaston to become what he should in theory be but he's so fragile that I don't think he ever will under the intensity of PL football, won't be the first, won't be the last. As for the WC well it doesn't really seem to have harmed many players, Morgan looks fit although his mindset might not be the best just now, some Dutch lads look OK and Aguero scored with his first touch last night. Gaston is just too fragile that's all, needs to go back to Italy and make a decent career from his great talent, if he stays here he'll regret it for ever, be rich though, won't get that sort of money in Italy.

[Window Cleaner]

Anyway Uruguay play Japan next week, interesting to see if Gaston is selected again, if he is you have to assume he's sort of basically fit and that we're not playing him because of some negligible niggle or that Koeman doesn't fancy him.

[Matthew Le God]

Anyway Uruguay play Japan next week, interesting to see if Gaston is selected again, if he is you have to assume he's sort of basically fit and that we're not playing him because of some negligible niggle or that Koeman doesn't fancy him.

 

Or... that he has recovered from his injury.

[Window Cleaner]

Or... that he has recovered from his injury.

 

 

Looks like he's been dropped anyway, not in the 29 man preselection apparently.

[SuperSAINT]

An interesting line from L'Equipe claims that Arsenal are the leading candidates to sign Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgium international was linked with a loan move to West Ham United last week, while Southampton and Monaco are also reported to be interested.

[DrunkenSaint]

if we get these guys that we have been linked with today, our team could be looking good and have some nice cover for injuries/resting:

 

Forster

Clyne Alderweireld Gardos Bertrand

Wanyama

Clasie Morgan©

Redmond Pelle Tadic

 

Subs from:

Davis, Fonte, Cork, Jwp, Long, Isgroves, S.Davis, Taider, Yoshida

 

Not bad first 11 and some good cover there, now its upto our board to get them if it's true that we're after them.

[SO16_Saint]

if we get these guys that we have been linked with today, our team could be looking good and have some nice cover for injuries/resting:

 

Forster

Clyne Alderweireld Gardos Bertrand

Wanyama

Clasie Morgan©

Redmond Pelle Tadic

 

Subs from:

Davis, Fonte, Cork, Jwp, Long, Isgroves, S.Davis, Taider, Yoshida

 

Not bad first 11 and some good cover there, now its upto our board to get them if it's true that we're after them.

 

So you'd drop the Team Captain and give it to Morgan. Odd decision.

 

Other than that, yeah, it's a strong looking squad

[Sour Mash]

I can't see us signing Alderweireld unless it was to replace Fonte, which doesn't seem likely?

 

No particularly strong rumours at the moment.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

if we get these guys that we have been linked with today, our team could be looking good and have some nice cover for injuries/resting:

 

Forster

Clyne Alderweireld Gardos Bertrand

Wanyama

Clasie Morgan©

Redmond Pelle Tadic

 

Subs from:

Davis, Fonte, Cork, Jwp, Long, Isgroves, S.Davis, Taider, Yoshida

 

Not bad first 11 and some good cover there, now its upto our board to get them if it's true that we're after them.

 

I'd go back on the sauce mate and wait until we actually sign one or two of these players

[Window Cleaner]

I'd go back on the sauce mate and wait until we actually sign one or two of these players

 

No need, a quick fix of CM2014 should get the job done.

[Tokyo-Saint]

We seem to be used as a thread to not quite top players at big clubs, "Don't fanny around too much when you speak to X team or we just might accept an offer from Southampton for you. Before you know it, you'll be having lunch with Les Reed at a New Forest hotel".

[The9]

right now, I would welcome townsend

 

Why?

[benjii]

Such a shame that every off season he has been involved with the national team and hasnt had a real rest.

 

Olympics, Confederations Cup, World Cup.

 

I think we'd see a different player if he had six weeks off and started pre-season on day 1

 

Yep, and Cops America next summer.

[Window Cleaner]

Yep, and Cops America next summer.

 

But he's been dropped, perhaps because his fitness isn't as required but plenty of the 29 selected aren't any fitter and haven't even started playing again. I think basically Tavares has had enough of Gaston's fitness problems. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, trekking off to Japan and South Korea certainly wouldn't have done him much good.

[Give it to Ron]

But he's been dropped, perhaps because his fitness isn't as required but plenty of the 29 selected aren't any fitter and haven't even started playing again. I think basically Tavares has had enough of Gaston's fitness problems. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, trekking off to Japan and South Korea certainly wouldn't have done him much good.

 

Its not fitness its an injury

[Window Cleaner]

Its not fitness its an injury

 

Obtained how this time ?

Thought it was a slight knock, is that not what Koeman said the week before last, most players manage to carry on with "slight knocks". Obviously not Gaston though.

He just seems to get "slight knock" after slight knock, each one keeps him out of the side for 3 or 4 games. Good player, bags of promise but he really is a sick note.

[VectisSaint]

Obtained how this time ?

Thought it was a slight knock, is that not what Koeman said the week before last, most players manage to carry on with "slight knocks". Obviously not Gaston though.

He just seems to get "slight knock" after slight knock, each one keeps him out of the side for 3 or 4 games. Good player, bags of promise but he really is a sick note.

Groin strain.

[Block34]

Obtained how this time ?

Thought it was a slight knock, is that not what Koeman said the week before last, most players manage to carry on with "slight knocks". Obviously not Gaston though.

He just seems to get "slight knock" after slight knock, each one keeps him out of the side for 3 or 4 games. Good player, bags of promise but he really is a sick note.

 

Do you not imagine he is examined by the team doctor - or perhaps you believe it's his Mum who writes him said sick note - "Dear Mr Koeman, Gaston cannot do PE today because....."

 

Of course, he could just be a malingerer?

[Window Cleaner]

Do you not imagine he is examined by the team doctor - or perhaps you believe it's his Mum who writes him said sick note - "Dear Mr Koeman, Gaston cannot do PE today because....."

 

Of course, he could just be a malingerer?

 

Examined by the team doctor or not it's just one injury after another with him, he's been here over 2 years and has participated in 48 games (mostly as a sub).

[Block34]

Examined by the team doctor or not it's just one injury after another with him, he's been here over 2 years and has participated in 48 games (mostly as a sub).

 

But you're not saying he's deliberately/intentionally unavailable, just fragile/unlucky?

[Window Cleaner]

But you're not saying he's deliberately/intentionally unavailable, just fragile/unlucky?

 

Absolutely, not getting more out of him is really regrettable, he's obviously fragile and probably needs to move to a less intense league for his own sake. We'll not get much more out of him really so we could save money and he could relance his career. You see these type of players all of the time in football, great talent but they just don't have the physique to go with it, Grenier and Gorcuff spring to mind, Ledley King as well.

[Lord Duckhunter]

I see we are entering the annual " let's make excuses for Gaston " period. You can tell football's back for another season, the nights draw in, motd is on and some saints fans attempt to convince themselves and others that Gaston is somehow not an unmitigated disaster of a signing who is better off poncing about in a softer league.

[mulletsaint]

I can't see us signing Alderweireld unless it was to replace Fonte, which doesn't seem likely?

 

No particularly strong rumours at the moment.

 

Unless he wants to go to three at the back? Might solve our struggle to get a winger in and our problem in supporting Pelle in matches.

 

Forster

Alderweireld Fonte Gardos

Clyne Morgan Wanyama Bertrand

Tadic

Pelle Long

[angelman]

Unless he wants to go to three at the back? Might solve our struggle to get a winger in and our problem in supporting Pelle in matches.

 

Forster

Alderweireld Fonte Gardos

Clyne Morgan Wanyama Bertrand

Tadic

Pelle Long

 

3 English players.....what a change from last season.

[Whitey Grandad]

Groin strain.

 

I'm jealous. How did he get it?

[Batman]

Unless he wants to go to three at the back? Might solve our struggle to get a winger in and our problem in supporting Pelle in matches.

 

Forster

Alderweireld Fonte Gardos

Clyne Morgan Wanyama Bertrand

Tadic

Pelle Long

good god, I hope we stay miles away from 3 at the back

[thefuriousb]

3 English players.....what a change from last season.

 

Good - Roy can tell some other clubs' England Internationals that they need to move to a champions league side. His actions have been reprehensable.

[John B]

good god, I hope we stay miles away from 3 at the back

 

Why?

[farawaysaint]

Why?

 

Louis van Gaal can't make it work with United's players

[Toon Saint]

Good - Roy can tell some other clubs' England Internationals that they need to move to a champions league side. His actions have been reprehensable.

 

When did he say that? Picking four of our players for national duty, despite them not playing CL football, is hardly reprehensible.

[Saint Charlie]

Imagine Koeman will be asked about incomings after todays game. Doesnt seem there is much imminent, and the last time he expected a few signings they happened two weeks after he said they were very close.

[RinNY]

Louis van Gaal can't make it work with United's players

 

Jesus Christ himself couldn't make 3 at the back work with Smalling, Jones, and Evans. Let's see hoe van Gaal does with 3 at the back when two of the three are Rojos and Daley Blind (assuming ManU do finally get Blind). I think either Jones or Evans could make a go of being the 3rd (or perhaps even Carrick when fit). Smalling belongs in the Championship.

 

For saints, a back 3 of Alderweireld Fonte and Gardos might work, though I expect Koeman will stick to 4 at the back. We definitely need more depth at CB, regardless of whether we play 3 or 4 at the back.

 

If we do sign Clasie and Alderweireld (as rumored), would you trade Schneiderlin for Townsend+cash? I would: with Cork, Clasie and Taider, we wouldn't miss Morgan much if at all; Townsend would give us the pace and directness in attack that we lack; and Alderweireld would improve our defensive options hugely.

[Greenridge]

For saints, a back 3 of Alderweireld Fonte and Gardos might work, though I expect Koeman will stick to 4 at the back. We definitely need more depth at CB, regardless of whether we play 3 or 4 at the back.

 

If we do sign Clasie and Alderweireld (as rumored), would you trade Schneiderlin for Townsend+cash? I would: with Cork, Clasie and Taider, we wouldn't miss Morgan much if at all; Townsend would give us the pace and directness in attack that we lack; and Alderweireld would improve our defensive options hugely.

 

SSN are reporting that Arsenal are leading the chase for Alderweireld so that ship may have sailed.

[DrunkenSaint]

Louis van Gaal can't make it work with United's players

 

LVG copied Koeman so the latter knows the formation better...Man Utd also dont have the balance, far too many attacking players not enough defensive, we have the balance i reckon apart from a 20 goal a season striker. I do think we should try the 352 formation at some point this season, should use cup games to test it but i know his preferred formation is 433.