Arsenal Wait On Compensation For Mérida's Exit

A UEFA tribunal is set to decide how much La Liga outfit Atlético Madrid will pay Arsenal if they complete a deal to sign Fran Mérida. The 19-year-old has rejected the offer of a new two-year development based contract with the Gunners in favour of a reported five-year deal at the Estadio Vicente Calderón.

Arsene Wenger has constantly spoken of his desire to keep the Spanish Under 21 international but warned that others were trying to destabilise the prospect and convince him his future lies away from the Emirates. Agent Joseba Diaz appears to be the man who Wenger was talking about, as he’s been in touch with several clubs and issued comments in the media that Fran was unhappy and keen for a return to his homeland.

Sevilla and former loan club Real Sociedad have both made advances but Mérida has met with senior Atlético officials and thrashed out a deal, which would see him remain with Arsenal until the summer when his contract expires. As the player is under 24, Madrid would be forced to pay compensation and the early signs are that the Gunners will struggle to agree a deal, meaning a tribunal would decide how much will change hands. A figure of around £3 milllion has been touted.

Many will no doubt be disappointed that Mérida has quit the club especially after he has become an increasing fixture in the Arsenal side, including featuring in the F.A Cup on Sunday. Confirmation is expected shortly.

Article By – J.Sanderson

218 thoughts on “Arsenal Wait On Compensation For Mérida's Exit

  • January 5, 2010 at 2:01 pm
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    While it is disappointing to hear, I’m quite glad in a way. It gives Lansbury an opportunity to take his place in the first team squad.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:04 pm
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    i am sorry he chose going back to spain , maybe he wasnt cut out to be an epl player.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:05 pm
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    Good Bye Fran , you werent the man !!

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:06 pm
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    The signing of Zezinho will make up for Frans departure.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:06 pm
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    Its very disappointing to see him go but the blow is softened by the form of Ramsey. Is there any chance of a U turn? He is exactly what atletico need. Hopefully he wont stagnate like Raul Garcia did

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:06 pm
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    Dont blame him for leaving. His chances were limited at Arsenal and he must have got frustrated at been overlooked. He is young and wants to play football. He will be missed, but life goes on

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:08 pm
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    Hazard will take his place

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:11 pm
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    That’s okay, Ramsey and Wilshere are both clearly superior talents and British so we won’t have worry about him leaving for teams in Spain or Italy. I think this is good news for Henri Lansbury who is good enough to be a squad player and maybe a starter when he reaches his mid twenties. He will also posess a level of loyalty that we can’t expect from most foreign players.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:13 pm
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    not too concerned, I never thought he would adapt to the physical nature and pace of the prem league. £3m would be good compo for him.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:13 pm
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    i think this means lansbury will be promoted to the first team next season!! Couldn’t come at a better time just days after his new contract and wenger said on arsenal.com that lansbury will be a “big player” for him.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:15 pm
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    there is still 2 million owed on the lawsuit by Barcelona aginst him and AFC

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:17 pm
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    im glad hes going, if hes not happy in england, it would b a matter of time b4 he would leave… it’l giv an oppotunity to oda young guns to shine

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:19 pm
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    not really concerned, he was awful against west ham

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:22 pm
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    i think lansbury will cover his place better than anyone can … i am happy because he was not upto the task a person can see his performance against westham …

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:24 pm
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    Like MoE said, there’s no point keeping him if he’s not happy, but I hadn’t given up on him. Many of his performances have been below-par but he’s shown a few very good moments on the ball. He has ability, but he never really looked as though he thought he belonged in the team. In the first team he just looked like a visitor, not really believing in himself that he was there on merit. But this attitude can be gained – as witnessed in a certain Abou Diaby. It’s a shame to see him go but it was bound to happen.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:24 pm
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    It makes sense. Good luck Fran.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:31 pm
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    Good luck at Atletico, Fran

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:34 pm
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    Didn’t we nick this kid from Barca in the same way that Atletico are now doing to us?

    The boy has done a Flamini, though without ever proving himself here.

    Shame for us I think…Wenger was a big fan. I’ve rarely hear AW wax so lyrical about any young talent.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:34 pm
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    Im not too sure how true this is ? wenger rates him very highly and merida himself has stated recently of his desire to follow the likes of cesc into the first team and play for arsenal for years to come. Although, if this is true it would be a shame in a way because I have always liked him and wanted him to develop into a player like cesc but as you lot have said the likes ramsey and wilshere are much better and physically suited to the premier league and not to mention craig eastmond, he looks a decent player so we have plenty of young players in his position

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:35 pm
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    Stupid bastard. Have fun with Reyes.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:39 pm
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    Won’t really be missed. We have far more superior talents at his ML or MC position so goodbye and good luck.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:43 pm
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    What a shame seen this boy shine in the reserves & wondered why his last two outings in the 1st team had been so disappointing, now we all know why his mind was not on the job.
    I just think he’s being given some very bad career advice if you ask me as I’m still sure this boy will be top notch in the future but Atlético for me is not the place he needs + being tied to a 5 year contract with them.
    But good luck to him & it has been said here already we have plenty coming through to cope with this loss, goods news being most of them are English too.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:49 pm
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    I guess its good for him… but then again where is the loyalty… do he think he will get a five year deal with arsenal when he hasn’t quite stick his foot out for a spot ahead of Ramsey or Walcott…Even Ramsey has put a foot ahead of theo in my book… look at Song, he has been here for a long time and is now just stepping into his own. Merida should have seen that you have to really want it to get it… AW had faith in him, it was up to him to prove himself… it don’t matter how many people he had in front of him. All the other lads had and have people infront of them… I guess watts should leave because he got theo, vela, bendtner, rvp, eddy, and arshavin ahead of him…. Good luck to Fran, I hope he had stay and prove himself…

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:51 pm
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    what a shame. i like him as a player, he’s the closest youngster in arsenal to fabregas in terms of footballing brain. but he unable to adapt to prem league yet, i think he just too impatience to play in the first team, like he get that with atletico madrid straight away. he should stay for at least another year, things might be better. well, with fran leaving, landsbury will take his place as back up player from next season. good for him and he’s been on good form with watford.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:54 pm
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    When I saw him play in this the emirates cup he looked superb but we do have at least 4 good prospects in the middle, Ramsey, lansbury, jet, aneke and hendersson. They have also Arsenal blood in them. This will only make room for JET to prove himself.

    I’ve never hated merida and neither will I do it now. But I hope he will never play or be in the bench again for us from now on. It is better to give experience to players who will stay like JET or wilshere.

    I hope Merida plays every week in Athletico so I can watch him play on TV.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:55 pm
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    Big disappointment but we have an abundant of midfieled talent coming through so someone had to make way. He honoured his contract with us and he now has a chance to join his childhood team, who can blame him? Best of luck Fran.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:55 pm
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    i think we have a good enough squad and youth squad that he won’t be missed. but he’s obviously good and i wish him luck. would like to see lansbury have a go in his place. he looks really versatile and good

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:57 pm
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    hahah. i hate to see him go as i think he would be something special in 2 years or so…but then, like others have mentioned, he’s always shown himself to be a visitor to the first team, never any real belief that arsenal was home. i sometimes get that feeling with arshavin too…as if arsenal is merely a comfortable rented house while he waits for the real home he’s buying for himself. guys like denilson and diaby you can see they love arsenal.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:58 pm
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    While it is great to have so many promising youngsters, not all of them can make it. That is the problem with having so many. You have to accept some will leave and there is no point in being sentimental about it or bitter towards him. I wish him all the best. He is behind the likes of Ramsey, Diaby, Denilson and Nasri none of whom are old players. I think Wilshere will become a more effective EPL player than him in the next 2 seasons pushing him further down the pecking order. Behind that I think the likes of Emanuel-Thomas, Lansbury and Cocquelin look like quality players but who will likely have more physical presence and power in their game suited to the EPL. I think he has looked at this and realised that the chances of him becoming a first team regular over the next few years was limited and that his game would be more suited to Spain where he will not require so much physical presence. So while it is a bit disappointing I wish him good luck in his future career.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 2:59 pm
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    Sorry forgot to mention Song as another young player ahead of him.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:02 pm
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    Lansbury is better then Randall
    Why does Coquelin not get a chance? he is better then Eastmond

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:17 pm
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    Young promising players a plenty some lose out others grow impatient! If you love the club, like Jay Simpson you hang on where others would have given up. But Merida’s leaving is not an advantage to Lansbury. King Henri will get to the first team on pure merit!

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:19 pm
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    I say, let him leave if he’s unhappy. What’s the point of keeping a player that wont wear the Arsenal shirt with more pride than any other club’s shirt?!
    If his agent is shopping him around is because he told his agent to do it. Besides, this will open a spot for another youngster that will want to wear our colors with pride.
    Also, we all know that to be successful after leaving Arsenal, you must first prove to be a star in the EPL -The Best League in the World-
    Merida will be like another Hleb or Reyes… always wishing they wouldn’t have left the club. Or maybe he’ll be worst. Better than them, I doubt it.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:20 pm
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    Well, this news does’nt surprise me at all. I can see Merida leaving at the time lansbury sign his contract extension. I think the decision is always betwen the 2 of them and it seem that AW decide to take a gamble on Merida’s contract & put Lansbury’s contract as his priority (My wild guess is because he is English, “true product” of our academy system and last but not least is because of his recent performances with Watford). What do u guys think?

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:25 pm
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    It’s true that it increases the opportunities for lansbury (who also looks a very good player), but it shouldnt happen this way.
    The youth system is naturally going to have competition, ideally this would drive the two players to become the best that they can and we would hold onto the one that emerges the strongest. Now we dont get that option. I dont care what country each was born in.
    Honestly, the contact offer is a joke. Think, merida is not THAT far behind walcott in development terms (he has 10times more football intelligence) , yet they offer theo 60k a week for god knows how long, yet they offer fran a 2year deal? Of course hes going to leave, when very good clubs are offering 5 years! There’s something wrong with the way they offer contracts. They dont know how to provide incentives – eg giving walcott 60k before hes achieved anything – see how he got big-headed; and giving ade a huge contract after only 1 good season – rather than perhaps rewarding him with a slight wage increase but telling him he needs to keep going to really prove himself. But they cant even offer one of the most promising youngsters in europe a lengthy (not high wage) contract to show they believe in his ability. Every other youngster seems to get offered long-term deals.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:32 pm
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    giandano – You’re probably right there. I think wenger is afraid UEFA is going to impose squad restrictions and hed rather concentrate on english talent. I thought all summer traore looked more solid than gibbs and more ready for the PL, yet wenger would always go with the english lad (not that hes a poor player, just weaker physically). That might be more explainable because gibbs did well last season in most games, but I think he even picked him when he had slight knocks.

    Kenyan Gunner – Ah, but jay simpson hasn’t been offered a 5-year deal at a big club like atletico. I think merida used to love the club. When they offer such short-term contracts its not surprising the players leave. You cant just love the club unconditionally. I think eboue will leave soon for similar reasons. Under-utilised and a very good player.

    Walcott has caused a lot of these problems imo. Ive never seen fran look out of his depth (aside from the weekend perhaps, but its understandable now isnt it?) but I have seen theo many, many times. Eboue has performed better when he plays RM overall, but as soon as theo is available he gets back in the 1st team. Some of the youngsters get a free ride it seems. I really think its to do with nationality, which is sad

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:37 pm
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    “Walcott has caused a lot of these problems imo” – by which i mean his signing, and the way theyv handled him

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:38 pm
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    i wonder why players never learn,didnt he see what happened to hleb(even with a club as big as barcelona) and flamini?How many players have left arsenal amid controversy and prospered?when will they ever learn

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:39 pm
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    Can we make a move on their prized possesion Sagio Aguero if we have another player wrapped in a some money? Fran is homesick and therefore nothing we can do about it, except get the best we can out of the deal

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:46 pm
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    i agree with Davi about there being something wrong with the handling of contracts. It seems to be mismanaged.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:46 pm
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    Davi I think your analysis of the way contracts are handed out is wrong… Marida hasn’t shown that he can handle the physical nature of the english game which is where he will play the majority of his games. Lansbury and walcot has shown they can handle it… Walcott might not have the football intelligence of Merida, but he has some intelligence which started to show before he made the mistake of playing for U20 team. Theo has pace which is suited to the EPl… merida don’t. he needs time on the ball. The two year development contract in my opinion was necessary to see if he will add some physicality to his game before granting him a long term contract. The thing u need to understand about arsenal is they don’t have money to waste, but if they see your potential they will sign u on a long term basic to hold onto you. If risicky can get a new contract at arsenal then with patient, hard work and desire anyone can achieve their dream of first team football at arsenal. If you say his choice is good because the PL might not suite him then i will perhaps agree, but on the contract issue i will disagree. He is still young and a better and more lucrative contract can come his way if he proves himself worthy. how long is two years?

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:51 pm
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    Couldnt agree more with Davi, I was going to say the same thing about Walcott.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:52 pm
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    There are so many other players in his place, I honestly couldn’t care less. He will probably be a big player in the future, but hey, we have Denilson, Fabregas, Diaby, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Emmanuel-Thomas, Coquelin, Nasri, Lansbury, Frimpong, Eastmond..

    I wouldn’t worry..

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  • January 5, 2010 at 3:58 pm
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    Wenger definitely does not pick Walcott and Gibbs for their nationality. That is ridiculous. People laugh at Arsenal’s lack of English talent and Walcott hasn’t started many games this season, as when he plays he gets injured. But Wenger only picks the most balanced and best team he can. He might sign someone this window but whatever he does it always seems correct. Cole went, we had Clichy. Adebayor left, we’re scoring more than ever. Vermaelen comes in, he’s a legend. He shows the faith in Denilson, Diaby and Song, they’re playing amazing.
    IWWT

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:02 pm
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    Merida was offered a contract but chose not to sign, which is why his mind obviously hasnt been at Arsenal. I wish him well but I havent seen anything about him that syas we will particularly miss him.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:06 pm
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    SOLGOONER said this on January 5, 2010 at 2:15 pm
    there is still 2 million owed on the lawsuit by Barcelona aginst him and AFC

    the lawsuit is against HIM not arsenal, it’s under appeal. Arsenal were going to pay the judgment for him because he would have been an under contract Arsenal player. Now if the ruling comes down after he signs a pre-contract agreement then Arsenal will feel no obligation to “help” him out with the the money because that will be between him an Atletico now. He better sort that out before he signs on with them, make sure they’ll pay it for him.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:11 pm
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    glad hes going he was crap on sunday and looked lost every time he got the ball the attack would break down into a retreat he could have cost us the game

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:22 pm
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    Although I am sad to see Merida go, I have confidence in others, like Jack, Ramsey, JET, Lansbury to take hsi place on of the last 2 will step it up now.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:24 pm
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    I never really saw the special qualities in him that others saw so im not really that disappointed but I still thought he was a decent player and wish him luck at athletico madrid. adios fran!

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:25 pm
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    In the old days, AW always prefer to have 1st team player who has footbaling brain & intelegence rather than alone. This has not always been the case these days, from Walcott case we can see that the 6 + 5 rule has some influence on the way AW selecting his 1st team player. Walcott is not AW’s typical player (as a striker or as a midfielder). Compare him with our previous side midfielders (Pires, Ljungberg, Rosicky, Hleb or even the back-up like Edu and Parlour) and strikers (Henry, Wiltord, Bergkamp, Kanu, etc.), you’ll see what I’m talking about..

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:29 pm
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    sorry, i was goin to wrote “footbaling brain & intelegence rather than tallent alone”. My bad..

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:35 pm
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    It’s worth noting that he’s a massive athletico fan that wore a AM ring and slept in their shirt as a boy…it’s a dream for him and I wish him the best of luck. As a lot of people have mentioned, he’s fallen behind others and it’ll be no suprise if he does indeed move on – Particularly to Athletico.

    He’s a massive talent and I’m sure will go on to great things, shame.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:37 pm
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    Fran Merida is a very good prospect but not a great one, so him jumping ship to Atletico Madrid is not such a great loss to Arsenal in the long term IMO.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:38 pm
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    John Cross from the mirror has just tweeted that Fran has insisted that he hasn’t signed anything with anyone…but JC still thinks that he will leave in the summer.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:43 pm
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    You’re right Kentpaul, Ramsey is far more better than him..

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:46 pm
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    disagree, he’s had a couple of bad games but has been the best player in Spains youth teams for a long time and was there outstanding player in the most recent tournament too. Regarded more highly than Cesc when at Barca – Will be a great player

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:49 pm
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    When I watched every Merida move for Arsenal and I must admit myself that he is not good enough for the first team (I have noticed that he is a bit overweight). So when he felt he is not good enough then he know that. Thank you Merida for playing Arsenal.

    I am not worry about him leaving but we have plenty of other young players coming up!

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:52 pm
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    @ Davi, you are totally wrong to say Traore is a better player than Gibbs and that AW is showing favourtism towards Gibbs being English, Yes Traore is maturing since he started taking his faith more seriously & Diaby taking him under his wing. His positioning is improving slowly however Traore’s 1v1 defending is still awful hence couple of years against Man utd, he was getting roasted by Nani is who is an average dribbler. Also SWP skinned alive in Man City Carling Cup match.

    As for everyone saying Merida’s departure will give Lansbury more chances is wrong. Merida is a pure playmaker like Cesc playing just behind the striker bcuz he is strong or good defenisvely to be all rounder like Diaby or Ramsey. Thus AW’s options in the playmaker role are [Cesc, Merida, Wilshere in the long-run, Nasri and Ramsey to a lesser extent]. In the Box-to-box role/Diaby role, options are [Diaby, Ramsey, Denilson, Lansbury, JET, Eastmond played in that position against Pompey]. In the DM role, options are [Song, Denilson, Eastmond, Randall, Coquelin]

    Consequently, Lansbury & JET are more in competition with Diaby, Ramsey & Denilson in the box-to-box role that requires forward movement into the box for attacks and workrate to get-back alongside Song to create 2 DMs in front of the defence when ball is lost, using their speed to surge past players thru the centre when space is available, turning with the ball and being physical when it is required to protect trequartista/playmaker ala Cesc from being taken out of the game by kickers.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 4:58 pm
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    Barazite is another fantastic talent. If he went too it would *really* look like they are promoting english talent ahead of the foreign lads. Technically barazite is superb, he can play all attacking positions and can finish chances better than the other youngsters, hes just the perfect type of player for arsenal. He’s also a big guy, which is useful.
    Wilshere is obviously a fantastic player as well, but I dont think there’s any other significant competition among the forwards for that age group – and even then, wilshere is a very different type of player, more of a playmaker. Watt looks good, but not on the level of barazite from what I’ve seen.

    Sean – walcott has always started when he’s been fit mate. Theres been times where eboue has been one of our better players one week, only to lose his place completly the next simple because walcott is fit again. The kid’s on 60k pw, of course wenger sees him as 1st team.
    Btw, I think it is a recent policy, picking the english talent ahead of the foreign players. As I said, I think it is because they think UEFA will change their rules. Also there has never been so much english talent in the reserves coming through to my knowledge. So now they can afford to lose a brilliant foreign prospect because they know they have several english guys who might also be brilliant. I dont think that is right, I think they should keep as many talented players as possible and let the competition decide.

    Truegooner – “Marida hasn’t shown that he can handle the physical nature of the english game which is where he will play the majority of his games”
    The kid has never looked out of his depth. Hes never been dominated by anyone, theyv never prevented him from playing his game. Walcott on the other hand has looked out of his depth on many occasions, particularly when he first came.
    A side point: I dont mean just to beat up on walcott. Theo is actually starting to look like a good player to me. Hes finally starting to be a team player rather than trying to beat everyone in front of him – so I think hel turn out very good and very soon. Doesnt excuse the fact wenger used him so often over the past few years when he clearly wasnt ready at the expense of other promising youngsters.
    Merida has never had that side to his game (trying to beat too many players/not passing to teammates when he should), not since hes been in the 1st team squad. So it baffles me that hes had so few chances in comparison. The same goes for carlos vela. Im delighted he signed a new contract, but Im a little surprised because hes been treated terribly. He has so much talent its ridiculous. Hopefully his performance on sunday will ensure he keeps a place in the side tmw.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:00 pm
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    It’s a Pity but I’m not worried, you can live with that, it was foreseeable.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:03 pm
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    Supergunner07 – No traore is not perfect, but gibbs gets bullied by anyone with real mass. Neither is perfect, both are excellent prospects, but imo traore is better defensively and a more capable player currently. Traore did get skinned by SWP, but he also played extremely well against chelsea and villa, and in pretty much every other game.
    (Why would you bring up a game from 2 years ago? That’s like saying walcott is rubbish NOW because 2 years ago he was useless against wigan or something – I think that shows that troare has actually been extremely good this year by enlarge)

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:03 pm
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    In the old days, AW always prefer to have 1st team player who has footbaling brain & intelegence rather than alone. This has not always been the case these days, from Walcott case we can see that the 6 + 5 rule has some influence on the way AW selecting his 1st team player. Walcott is not AW’s typical player (as a striker or as a midfielder). Compare him with our previous side midfielders (Pires, Ljungberg, Rosicky, Hleb or even the back-up like Edu and Parlour) and strikers (Henry, Wiltord, Bergkamp, Kanu, etc.), you’ll see what I’m talking about..

    giandano said this on January 5, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    ——————————————————————-

    When did you started watching football, AW is replicating Overmas and Ljunberg’s diagonal movement to break offside traps. They werent overly technical like Theo, but what they all have in common is “timing of runs” unlike Adebayor who is always offside, finishing skills, forward movement and speed.

    Anyway Theo will only play upfront when he physically ready with his back-to-goal, his awareness of runners around is good enough and technique in tight space gets better. Dont forget that all young players do not develop at the same rate

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:11 pm
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    I never like to see a promising youngster leave. Merida will go on to be a good player, probably a full international, because he has good vision and technique. He looked out of his depth against West Ham but that is only because he lacks experience. Rewind to 2005 when Fabregas first got in the team. Everyone thought he looked lost, wanting too much time on the ball etc, but after 20 odd games we could see a real player developing. We do have others in there but none have the vision of Merida, save for Fabregas, Ramsey, and perhaps Wilshere. We will obviously cope but we’ll lose a player for little (3m?) who will be worth a lot more in a couple of years as we did with Diarra and Bentley.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:11 pm
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    supergunner – while i agree with what you say overall regarding walcott, overmars was extremely good technically. Ljungberg seemed to degrade in that respect and become more of an “off-the-ball” player as you say.
    I dont think walcott will play up front in this system, i think the wing positions suit him perfectly as he can make diagonal runs from slightly deeper to get in on goal. He could have played in a 2-man front line, but I think carlos vela is more likely to be able to learn the forward skills you list as necessary for theo to learn. Vela has much more natural strength and has a much better 1st touch. That’s not to say walcott’s is poor, but I think vela is on a similar plane to van persie in the 1st touch dept.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:14 pm
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    Jack WIlshere’s Left Foot – he did look out of his depth against whu, but considering he hadnt before, and he was really making *unforced errors, I think you could put that down to the fact he was disillusioned/knowing he was going to leave here anyway.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:14 pm
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    Bit dissapointed but it was inevitable someone had to leave as we have so many talented youngsters in that position.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:24 pm
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    Davi: Traore did get skinned by SWP, but he also played extremely well against chelsea and villa, and in pretty much every other game.

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    Wrong again, Chelsea did not play with wingers in that game, instead they played a narrow diamond to combat Arsenal’s one-touch combination passing game in the centre of the pitch which they didnt succeed at as arsenal passed it thru them even though Chelsea were the better team in Both BOXES.

    As for Villa, its a myth that Ashley Young and Downing are very good dribblers bcuz their close control isnt that great, their remit is to cut back and send in dangerous in-swinging crosses and if you watched the match closely from a tactical point-of-view, Arsenal wide players and full back mostly sent them of the weak foot which negated their best delivery.

    A fullback needs to be able to, read the game, cover his CBs when needed, be good in the 1v1s, be good in the air and physical gifts [height, speed, jump and agility] are a bonus additions. Their reading of the game and physical gifts are close however Gibbs is better in the air, provides better covering and Gibbs is good in 1v1s while Traore is poor in 1v1s. Ashley Cole was and still is great in the 1v1s compare to both.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:27 pm
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    whoa, no need to be rude to someone else who does’nt share the same opinion w/ u Supergunner 07. I respect ur opinion because u “might” be right. But dont forget anyone else who doesnt share the same opinion might be right 2 (Except u are AW in disguisse).
    Cheers

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:36 pm
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    Very disappointed about this. Wish Merida all the best, CLASS player.

    Walcott isn’t a winger, nor is he a striker, he isn’t even a footballer. If he was called Pierre Umbungo and was from the D.R.Congo you’d all be calling him a brainless pace merchant, which is what he is.

    People would be calling for Eboue and Bendtner to be hung drawn and quartered if they put in some of the bollocks perfomances he does.

    Eboue is Bergkamp compared to Walcott on a technical level. This guy can’t even drop a shoulder. Just runs in straight lines into brick walls.

    P.S. Bendtner>>>>Eduardo. Doesn’t give a shit about the abuse he gets. Always wants the ball no matter how poorly he’s playing and pushes himself to make something happen. Not like most of our “star” players with who are disappear when the going gets tough and then want chat shit in the newspapers about winning silverware.

    If half our players had his mentality we’d have won something in the last 4 seasons.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:41 pm
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    Hello JS..First off cracking website…Always on the Ball for the breaking story…However if you check this web site out it has Fran Under contract to us till 2012 ??? Am i right or wrong…Hopefully im right..It seems to have all the upto date news on contracts..Anyways im not doubting you mate…Im just clutching at straws here and hope he stays till 2012 cos he is a smashing player and definitely should be given more time and until its official from the Club…Im hoping AS MARCA are wrong…Link to site http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/verein/11/fc-arsenal/kader/transferdaten_sort_imteam.html
    Good work mate…P.S Any news on zezinho and hazard ???

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:42 pm
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    Supergunner07 – no need to be like that. I didnt say anything about him standing up to individual wingers, I just said he played well. Ive not noticed him being exposed by any individuals particularly apart from SWP as you point out. That isnt the only skill you need as a fullback though.
    As far as Im concerned, gibbs and traore are very equal in most areas. Gibbs has more of a playmakers brain when it comes to passing, but apart from that they are both excellent ball players. The only major difference to me is that gibbs can be pushed about a bit, and troare is more physically developed. Troare still has little weaknesses and so does gibbs. Thats the only thing that stands out as a major weakness from either player imo.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:44 pm
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    Gibbs is better in the air?? Where’d you get that from? Ive havent noticed either of them being exposed for lack of ability in that dept. Il take your word gibbs is better if you like, but traore isnt poor. Hes put in a number of good headers at the back post

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:50 pm
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    @ giandano, i dont mind well thought off opinions however brainwashing others that might not be in the know with ignorant comments annoys me. Its a bit like unintelligent pundits on TV that cant even analsye games properly.

    For example against Chelsea, common consensus was that physicality won Chelsea the match against us however thats not true, our midfield 3 outpassed Chelsea diamond 4 between both boxes however we didnt mark nor position ours properly, didnt stop source of crosses [Ashley Cole] and we didnt have height in the box to vary our play from an attacking point-of-view.

    Again against West Ham, everyone is saying how can eduardo beat Upson in the air when there are 4 compenents for winning aerial duels [height yes, judgement of flight for the ball, jump and timing of jump] meaning they are asumming certainty on probability of 1/4 and also last 3 components are variables rather than fixed like height

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:50 pm
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    Davi

    What is your problem about English players? For a long time, Arsene has favoured foreign players against English. Senderos, Cigan, Aliadiare anyone? as against Upson, Conolly,Sidwell? Can you imagine Arsene let Upson go just to promote crap Sendseros who has remained crap. Sylvestre who? I will take Campbell back any day not Sylvestre. Is language playing a role in his decisions?

    You talk about Traore v Gibbs but every true Arsenal fan knows that Gibbs is a better defender and crosser of the ball than Traore. Traore is all physical but no brain. Did you ever watch Manu v Arsenal, Spurs v Arsenal and all the games Traore played before the emergence of Gibbs?

    Its high time players are given chances and not because they’re French. In fact, there are too many foreign players at Arsenal at the detriment of the club. Most of these are average. Denilson, Almunia, Senderos, Eboue are all average players who’re no special.

    Arsenal is an English club not a French/Foreign one. Get used to it.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:58 pm
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    Supergunner07 – “brainwashing others that might not be in the know with ignorant comments annoys me” – Did you not read my comment yet? You misunderstood what I was saying. I’ll repeat it: I didnt say anything about him standing up to individual wingers, I just said he played well (against chelsea and villa). I offered no in-depth analysis of the tactics employed against him.
    And its a bit rich of you to imply im brainwashing others when you decided to bring up a performance of traore from 2 years ago to support your case.

    Listen mate, I agree very much with your comment on eduardo beating upson to the ball. You do make some good points, I think you are trying too hard to come after me when it’s not necessary. I feel I’ve backed up my points of view pretty well. You obviously dont feel that way. Its a difference of opinion, no need to be rude about it.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 5:59 pm
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    Actually I agree very much with your assessment of the chelsea game as well

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:03 pm
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    Gibbs is better in the air?? Where’d you get that from? Ive havent noticed either of them being exposed for lack of ability in that dept. Il take your word gibbs is better if you like, but traore isnt poor. Hes put in a number of good headers at the back post

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    I have a friend who works for Opta and he gets after every season, free cd with stats of every team [Individual player stats included] in the prem and Gibbs aerially duels stats are better tha Traore and it backs up what i see in the naked eye, Gibbs has better timing of jump. In fact last match we played against Man Utd last season, CR7 came to Gibbs’ side to try and get some knockdowns against him and lost all but one header and couldnt get past him 1v1 and he moved back to Sagna’s side to try and cut him to shoot.

    Supergunner07 – no need to be like that. I didnt say anything about him standing up to individual wingers, I just said he played well.

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    You were responding to my original comment which was specifically about his 1v1 ability. Like i also said previously, he is maturing thus there is an improvment compare to his previous matches @ LB for 1st team and reserves.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:12 pm
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    merida is going to be a great player and ateletico is where heis needed more than arsenal.he just was never going to get with arsene sudden love of all things british-not necessarily a bad thing. i think heis a better playmaker than ramsey who is overhyped.ramsey is a good highlights player for now but he needs to add more to his game to replace cesc. against whu he was as bad as the next player until diaby came on and song did most of the playmaking but you would guess from what the papers said the next day. yes fran was bad but compare him ramsey last year.he needs a run of competitive games like ramsey has had so does wilshere both of whom i believe are superior talents to ramsey

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:14 pm
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    Supergunner:
    Having read all ur previous comments, i think ur d one who try to brainwash people with ur opinion.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:15 pm
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    Well then I will take your word that gibbs is better in the air, but I will also believe my own eyes that traore has made a lot of timely interceptions from headers and heading is hardly a weakness in his game.

    “You were responding to my original comment which was specifically about his 1v1 ability” – I simply chose not to argue u on that direct point as it wasnt necessary. Traore played well in those games I mentioned and didnt get exposed often including in 1v1s. Its not relevant if gibbs is slightly better because traore hasnt been exposed aside from that one game. Gibbs has been exposed as well many times, for example by bernard mendy by just bullying him physically. I see these games as pretty recent as they were only 2009, but you are right I think, he has improved this season. I still dont think he’s physically strong enough quite however.
    Traore has stood up well to many kinds of pressure during his matches in the side, as has gibbs, but imo traores additional strength makes him better equipt for the league currently. If you are right that gibbs is better in these other departments, then when he does mature physically to traores level, then it will show in games that he is a better player. Currently I dont agree though.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:16 pm
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    hasnt been exposed *often*

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:22 pm
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    HENRI LANSBURY IS MILES BETTER THAN FRAN MERIDA HES A GOONER THOUGH AND THROUGH AS WELL. HES BEEN AT THE CLUB SINCE A 9 AND HES PROBABLY THE BEST TECHNICAL ENGLISH PLAYER WE HAVE GOT. HES GOT EH GRIT AND DETERMINATION OF A BRITSH BULL DOG BUT HES GOT THE SKILLS OF A SOUTH AMERICAN HES QUITE SIMILAR TO AARON RAMSEY BUT MAYBE HAS MORE PACE AND POWER AND SCORES MORE WONDER GOALS. BUT LIKE RAMSEY HE CAN PLAY ON THE FLANKS AND FUYLL BACK

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:27 pm
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    John, your opinion has as much value as Zimbabwean Dollar. Merida is a class above

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:31 pm
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    Look Henri Lansbury has had an illness which hes starting to get over with. Wenger hi9mself said he will be a big big player for Arsenal.

    I have seen the kid as a 15,16 he waas better than Merida.

    Merida might have the silky skills, touch. Lanbsury more effecitve, hes more powerful, stronger, protect the ball better, better goal scorer and can create chances and more importantly can battle and fight against teams like Bolton, stoke, etc

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:31 pm
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    john – I agree lansbury looks really good. When Ive seen him Ive thought he looks very similar to ramsey as well. Hes got an engine like gerrard but has actual technical skill.
    I disagree with the idea that lansbury is a “true gooner” and merida is not because he chose to leave. Lets see henri sign a two year deal where he has to prove hes worth sticking with rather than a long contract that shows the club actually values him and believes in his ability. Its a 2-way relationship. Players arent going to be nice to the club if the club is not nice to them.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:33 pm
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    I agree he did win headers in those recent games but the direction and the distance on the headers in the main was up & down. Anyway like his positioning, his heading is improving slowly but his 1v1 defending hasnt improved since he came into the side. Every season, all i look for is that players are adding more string to their bow or improving major weak areas of their game especially since we are all about development rather than buying off the shelf.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:33 pm
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    Dont get me wrong Fran Merida is fantastic hes been brilliant to watch but i just dont think hes cut out for the premier league he doesnt have that mentality to get stuck in where it hurts.

    Wilshere, ramsey, lansbury they can battle, graft and still play when the going gets tough.

    Merida is one of these players where he needs time and space and doesnt like it when things get dirty

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:34 pm
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    Merida’s departure isn’t a big surprise. He looked at the talent and ages of those in front of him, did the math, and decided it was best to move to a team offering more first team football. Can’t really blame him, expecially considering the club he’s chosen is the one he supported as a boy. I expect he will be one of the best midfielders in Spain in about 4 years. Sorry to lose him but don’t think he would realize his full potential with us anytime soon like he will in Spain. Adios Fran. Good luck.
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    His departure is not an obvious gain for Henri Lansbury as many comments here suggest. Lansbury will have to fight it out with JET for the opening left by Merida. I haven’t seen either of them on their loan spells much this season, but JET’s is over and he’s back training with the first team. Considering the injuries we have currently he may actually benefit the most from Merida’s leaving becasue AW may offer him a chance to play here and there in order to protect starters.
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    Frankly, I think it’s a close fight between JET amd Lansbury. Based on their play last year, JET clearly was the better player, showing the abilitty to dominate matches and exhibiting better technique and greater ability to beat players. Bould and co. also clearly see JET as more of a leader than Lansbury. Lansbury’s performances were compromised by the fact that he was returning from a long injury lay-off last season, and even still he showed himself to be a better passer of the ball then JET.
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    JET has more of AW’s eye at the moment, working directly under his tutelege day in day out in training, but Lansbury is doing fairly well at Watford. Though he isn’t proving to be a super player at Championship level, he’s more than held his own and AW will be traking his progress closely.
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    It will be great to watch and great for both players’ development as they fight for the chance to take Merida’s place in the side.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:37 pm
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    I always thought henri lansbury would break through the first team before the likes of Wilshere, gibbs, eastmond

    I remeber that Euro under 17 championships when Lansbury got England under 17 single handley into the final but got injured during the semi final against france.

    He was the best player in the tournament in my opinion along with Bojan krkic and Eden Hazard. Rhys Murphy also looked superb but injuries have killed him he looks a shadow of himself now.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:37 pm
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    Supergunner07 – Ok, well I think we can agree we do have two quality young fullbacks at least?
    Personally I think both will make it as players but gibbs has more of a playmaker’s brain, and may be used in more advanced positions later on. Traore is just as gifted technically, but a bit more simple in his use of the ball and I think more specialised to the LB spot.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:38 pm
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    Merida leavin sucks, but we are stacked Ramsey, Wilshere, Lansbury, zezihno we’ll be fine.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:43 pm
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    Chris – OH, I forgot about zezinho. Yeh, he looks pretty similar to merida actually but hes got more to his game. I saw highlights of him in one game and he looked like a little bit of fabregas and kaka in playing style. Duno how good he actually is, but thats his style at least. He looked good in that game

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:45 pm
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    KC

    I have to disagree about JET being better prospect than Henri Lansbury, also the fact that JET has never got a sniff of international football at any level yet Henri Lansbury does should tell that he is not that highly rated outside of Arsenal and also JET did not exactly pull up any trees while on loan to Blackpool eather.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:46 pm
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    Have I missed something, I thought we still had Barazite? it’s a shame to see potential leave the club, but unfortunately there are so many options we can’t fit them all in. I think the Spanish game may suit his style a bit better. Good luck Fran.

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:48 pm
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    The thing is ppl havent seen alot of Lansbury cause of his illness and injuries and last season he was on loan to scunthorpe in league 1 doing really well and now hes at watfford doing well.

    JET is a sublime talent buts hes not ont he same level as lansbury hence Blackpool didnt extend his loan jays got to work on his work rate, game awareness and tactical nous.

    Henri lansbury is like a fabregas, ramsey he can protect the ball from opposition, he can run with ball, hes a very good tackler and he tends to score alot of important goals hes like ramsey hes a goalsoring midfielder. Plus hes got leadership skills and hes got that drive through midfield that u see in ramsey, fabregas, gerrard, lampard

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  • January 5, 2010 at 6:49 pm
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    The thing is ppl havent seen alot of Lansbury cause of his illness and injuries and last season he was on loan to scunthorpe in league 1 doing really well and now hes at watfford doing well.

    JET is a sublime talent buts hes not ont he same level as lansbury hence Blackpool didnt extend his loan jays got to work on his work rate, game awareness and tactical nous.

    Henri lansbury is like a fabregas, ramsey he can protect the ball from opposition, he can run with ball, hes a very good tackler and he tends to score alot of important goals hes like ramsey hes a goalsoring midfielder. Plus hes got leadership skills.

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