Would Any Rejects From the Silly Spenders be Appealing?

By: Homey | June 24th, 2011

Every summer, there seem to be more and more quality players offloaded from the big spending clubs. As these big money clubs are constantly trying to make a splash in the transfer market, some really good players are often pushed out the door. I think this is happening more often now than ever, due to clubs like Man City, Chelsea, and the Spanish giants. Working almost without any notion of fiscal contraint, these clubs are continuing the nuclear arms race that is the transfer market.

Now, before I begin with an analysis of various players, let me get a few things out of the way. First, I wasn’t sure which clubs to put in the “silly spender” category. I thought Man City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid were obvious. I decided not to put Man Utd in there, because while they do have a large budget, they’re not a club that buys and sells just for the fun of it. But I did put Barca on my list. I was hesitant to do so, but then I got to thinking about their recent Eto’o-Ibrahimovic-Villa trilogy, the buy-then-sell of Chygrynskiy, plus the purchases of the likes of Hleb and Keirrison. I found a handy spreadsheet of their transfer dealings, and it’s clear that they’re in the silly spender category, despite what they say about their youth system and so forth.

Second, I’ll put forth my usual disclaimer about the fact that I’m a total donkey at this, and my knowledge of non-Arsenal players is limited. That’s especially true when looking at players from La Liga. Still, I did some research for this, and got a little helping hand from JG as well.

Third, keep in mind that this is basically just a blog about speculation for the fun of it, and not about genuine Arsenal targets. I’ll look at it from an Arsenal point of view, but it will also be interesting to consider which of these players might make it big somewhere else. There’s no greater reminder of what a club can do with the rejects of other clubs than by looking at 2009-10 Inter. In the summer of 09, they added: Eto’o and cash from Barca in exchange for Ibrahimovic, Sneijder from Madrid, and Lucio from Bayern Munich. Three huge transfers from three huge clubs. When you also consider their signings of Motta and Milito that summer, you have yourself perhaps the most successful and prudent summer window in modern history.

So without further ado, I will attempt to break down the possible rejects from Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Barca. Of course we can’t be entirely sure who’s going to be offloaded, but I’ll do my best to speculate.

Man City:
Possible transfers out: Adebayor, Bellamy, SWP, Vieira, Jo, Bridge, Santa Cruz, Jerome Boateng.
Analysis: I suppose I could have included Tevez in that list, because he seems to wake up in a different world each day. But I can’t see many clubs affording him, and I don’t see why Man City would sell, even if he’s half-crazy. Tevez aside, there’s not much to like from that bunch. We’ve been there, done that with Adebayor, and he successfully burned that bridge. I’m not a huge fan of Bellamy, SWP, or Jo. I used to like Santa Cruz when he was with Rovers the first time around. Now he’s older and not as productive. Boateng is interesting, but reportedly headed back to Germany if he leaves at all. And Bridge probably needs to find a team in a relegation fight in order to have a starting role again.

Chelsea:
Possible transfers out: Drogba, Anelka, Obi Mikel, Zhirkov, Malouda, Kalou, Ferreira, Benayoun, Bosingwa, Kalou.
Kalou
Analysis: This one is a lot harder to sort out. We know that Chelsea will do some summer dealing anyway. But now they have a new manager and perhaps a new style and formation. I’ve already heard the rumors of Falcao and others going there. I do see some pretty interesting names on the list I just mentioned, but age is going to be a factor for many of them. Benayoun and Malouda are 31, Ferreira and Anelka are 32, and Drogba is 33.
I would say that Kalou and Obi Mikel might be the best and most realistic targets, considering age, price, position, etc. Kalou scored 13 goals last year in all competitions, and could fit into our left wing/forward spot. He’s still 25, and he reportedly wants to move on if he can’t get a regular spot in the lineup.
Obi Mikel is less interesting, and has been a bit of a disappointment for Chelsea. I’d only be interested if he came cheap and didn’t mind backing up our defensive midfielders.

Real Madrid:
Possible transfers out: Dudek, Gago, Garay, Kaka, Canales, Leon, Lassana Diarra.
Lassana-Diarra
Ok, now we’re getting into an area where I really am not sure about some guys. Gago, Leon, and Garay had a combined total of 29 appearances for Madrid last season, so it’s hard to sort out how well they played. Clearly they were all out of favor. Gago and Leon were dropped from the squad at one point for fighting with each other.
Kaka would be great for some club out there, but also comes at a massive price tag, if he’s available at all. Canales is a young player (20) who might be loaned out, but I doubt Madrid would give up on him so quickly.
This brings us back to our old friend Diarra. He reportedly left Arsenal on strained terms after not being happy about playing time. I suppose if he came back with a humble and mature attitude, it could work. He was pushed down the pecking order at Madrid by the likes of Alonso and Khedira, but he could still be a handy defensive midfield option for someone out there. If I had to bet, I would say he stays at Madrid, however.
——

Barca:
Possible transfers out: Krkic, Jeffren Suarez, Affelay, Maxwell
jeffren suarez goal
Analysis: Let me preface all of this by saying that it’s hard for me to see us dealing with Barca in any way without you-know-who being involved. I don’t know why that is, but Barca live in bizarro world at times. They want to undervalue our captain and pay us too little for him, and they think we should do him a favor by selling him too cheaply. So I have a hard time seeing us talking to Barca about buying one of their players and leaving it at that.
With that said, I’ll get on to looking at these players. Krkic was rumored to be going to Arsenal at one point, but it sounds like now that Roma will secure his services. I don’t know why Barca would sell Affelay so quickly, but there was a rumor that Liverpool would bid a lot for him, and Barca would make a quick profit.
I don’t see why Barca would sell Maxwell either, and I also don’t see us buying a 29 year old if we sold Clichy. But maybe stranger things have happened.
This brings us to Jeffren. He’s still pretty young (23), but can’t break into the starting lineup, and may want out. I don’t think there’s any shame in being an attacking player and not being able to start for Barca at the moment. He’s currently doing well for Spain in the U-21 championships. But can anyone explain to me how a player can be in that tournament, and yet be 23 years old? I’ll try to sort that one out on another day. There’s talk of Liverpool and Celtic being interested. From what I know, he’d be an intriguing player for Arsenal to acquire for our wing/forward position.

Ok, well there you have it – my breakdown of all the possible offloaded players from the silly spenders. I was mainly just hoping to spark some lively debate on this, so now you have your chance.

There may be some news about Ricardo Alvarez coming soon, and the Gervinho deal could still be announced at any time. As always, the international man of mystery will report when it officially happens. Until then, have a great weekend.

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“…for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14b

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Category: Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea, Manchester City, Transfer News and Player Movement, Transfers

« Thoughts on the Transfer Silliness | Home | Voting Time at the Arsenal Offside »

Rico

What about Shane Given from Man City? He must of had enough there. Its such a waste because he is a great keeper. We should of bought him before he moved to Man City.
Curse you hindsight.
Augustus Jonah

Interesting post, and with Mikel and Kalou being the most realistic targets, I for one will not go in for any of them. Just imagine losing Alex Song, Mikel, Kalou, Chamakh and Gervinho (if we sign him) to the African Nations Cup. The mere thought of losing two defensive Midfielders and possibly three Wingers/strikers is enough to put me off.
brenton

Just read (but I don't believe it) that Jol is trying to bring Jeffren to Fulham for 7m pounds. If that were true, I would fire Arsene tomorrow.
brenton

Jagielka v. Cahill v. Samba

Thoughts?
Phredryx

both
Orion

Our biggest weakness, and has been over the years, its the lack of balls to go it all the way. Samba, although a physical presence that we are need of, would be a world beater. He plays with a team that consistently battles relegation and that surely doesn't consistent of the psychological pressure that a title race constitutes of. Cahill has his baggage to; he's English and therefore, overrated. He's good, but not great. Jagielka would be the best option of all three, but assuming Clichy leaves we need a leftback and Leighton Baines would be the best option. Would Everton be ready two of their back four so readily? I don't think so. I'm still rooting for Lugano or Verthongen. Both have been there, and done that.
brenton

But that's assuming they'll let Baines go at all. And I don't know enough about the sizes of clubs in England, but if I'm David Moyes I don't let Baines go. Moyes has proven himself a fairly tough negotiator.
Darren_V

I like Boateng myself from ManCity, not much else interests me.
From Chelsea, I would take Obi Mikel in a hearbeat. A very good DM, and while many ppl don't like him, he is exactly what Arsenal needs imo. Competition and depth for Song, and allow the attacking players do to their job. Underrated player imo.
If Cesc does go, I would pimp HARD for Kaka. The Cesc role is ready made for Kaka, plays to all his strengths.
I really don't see Barca letting go of Afellay. Quality player, very underrated right now. Going to break out and be a terrific player.
brenton

I agree with every word of this. Every one.
Homey_Mills

How many players have we had from Argentina over the years? I'm scratching my head.
JG

Emiliano Martinez, GK, currently in the reserves, is the only one who comes to my mind.
Homey_Mills

That's why we keep you around.
Rickey_banks

What about signing Diego from VFL Wolfsburg? he was released by them a couple days ago.
brenton

I've liked what I've seen of Diego, but he seems to have attitude or team issues. Anyone remember why Juventus sold him at a 9m euro loss after just one season? Bought him from Bremen for 24.5 in 2009, sold him for 15.5 in 2010 to Wolfsburg.
Orion

They had a really crappy season, and the fans had to blame somebody. He was a scapegoat imo. Would be a great buy.
brenton

They blamed Melo, I thought.
brenton

Anyone else still amazed that Barca picked up Afellay for 3m euros?
Darren_V

I was gutted.
Homey_Mills

Uh, yes.
perryvs

Afellay was out of contract this summer, PSV would have gotten nothing, but still, that quality of a player for that cheap is mind boggling
brenton

For what it's worth:

Daily Mirror - Alvarez, Gervinho and Oxtail-Chamberlain will be confirmed next week.
Jordan

Hahaha, good ol' Oxtail.
Homey_Mills

That would also mean that our international man of mystery will have plenty of blogging to do.
Homey_Mills

If all of that is true, I suspect that Nasri or Arshavin will be gone, in addition to Bendtner.
brenton

Arshavin. I hope it means we're trying to convince Nasri and Cesc to stay.
Homey_Mills

I think and hope you're right. I'm not saying I want to see Arshavin leave. Just saying that it would be against our nature to bring in 3 guys for the same 2 positions, and only sell Bendtner. So I'm trying to read the tea leaves.
brenton

But Oxtail can't expect a starting role. He's 12, isn't he?
Homey_Mills

Agreed. But expensive. And I just have a level of pessimism about our transfers until I'm shown otherwise. I doubt we'll spend big bucks on Oxtail, plus two others, and not sell anyone but Bendtner.
mike in atlanta

kalou has one of the highest strike rates in the prem. with gervinho on the other wing feeding van persie, the prospects become very appealing. there's no reason walcott and vela can't become vp's backups this season. arshavin, nasri and ramsay could play the fabregas role, all with aplomb. when the time comes to rotate, walcott/nasri replace kalou/gervinho while kalou/vela/chamak rotate van persie. behind these you rotate alvarez/song with kos/jack or ramsay/jack or ramsay/song. if we buy vertonghen the possibilities become endless. a single signing would cover c/b and d/m then we only need a left full back. the attack would be filled with an endless stream of internationals. they can't al get injured and we would certainly look much stronger when we rotate. all this from adding 4 players, none of which should cost a ridiculous sum to acquire and all of whom are better than buying jordan henderson.
Weedonald

The old saying, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it, applies here. Forget anyone on this list aged 29 or over, Wenger won't risk a transfer that will be on a 1 year contract after their 2 years are up. Forget any player with a ¨reputation¨ like Diarra, Anelka,Bellamy,SWP,Jo etc. AW hates large egos and won't spend a cent on them in case they ruin the club's atmosphere like Gallas almost did. Drogba is a conundrum but it looks like he'll stay at Chelsea anyway.
Here are,imo, the best possibilities, all things being equal: Viera (player-coach),Kalou (unrealized potential,French,young and cheap), Gago and Canales (lots of potential and eager to move),Afellay and Jeffren (young, great potential and could be transfer fodder for Cesc?)
Martin

Unless France colonized Ivory Coast and I just missed it, pretty sure Kalou is not French.
Phredryx

He's Ivorien but speaks fluent french though
Darren_V

My favorite part is "AW hates larges egos"
Nicklas Bendtner anyone?
brenton

You have been out of the loop lately. As a recent attendee at a bachelor party, you should know: what happens in Ivory Coast stays in Ivory Coast.
Perry S.

MASSIVE LOL over here.
Homey_Mills

Well, of course it WAS a French colony, and it DOES list French as its official language. But yes, Kalou is Ivorian and not French.
usman ahmed

interesting article..nice to throw a few names but realistically only half of them will move on..
KingBurns

Just as a point to you guys it looks pretty much set that we have signed Ricardo
Alvarez from Velez for about 10 mil. According to Palmero they tried to make a bid and the club have claimed that a deal with Arsenal is already complete so they couldnt. I doubt this is a lie because there would be no real advantage out of them saying it and we have been heavily linked with him in Argentina with him already saying once that he would like to join us...
Homey_Mills

Yes, I read those reports. Still nothing on the official website though. Maybe in a day or two. This is a weird deal for me. Where does he fit in? I really don't know anything about him.
Gigi_man

I commented this with my Argentine brother in law and he doesnt have a true clue either. Well he lives in Panama now and know a lot more about tennis...
brenton

#Vélez confirma que falta poco para que Ricky Álvarez sea jugador del #Arsenal
J___V

Surely he'd fit in on the left. Reminds me of pires.
Homey_Mills

OK, well that makes a bit more sense. From what I'd read, it sounded like he was going to be a central attacking midfielder. Which made me think that Cesc was on the way out or something.
J___V

Well we'll see, assuming he signs at all, I think this guy will take several months to adjust to the premiership but I like the fit.
KingBurns

I think its a defintae signature because there is really no reason for Palmero to say that... I agree with JV he will probably play on the left and I think this a very clear sign that Wenger is going to sell Arshavin for approx. 10 mil back to Zenit to pay for it as wopuld make sense I guess...
FredJacob

good riddance to Arshavin
CaribKid

Affelay + 30M for Cesc would be a good trade. We get 30M to buy a Falcao/Rossi/Sanchez type striker and one of wing/forward positions are also filled. Move Nasri into the middle with Ramsey as back up and then we would only need a CB and maybe DM purchase. Sale of Denilson, Bendtner and Vela could fund those two purchases and we still would have our 60M kitty intact.

If only it was easy :)
Orion

Vela's agent has "revealed" that the player will not move on. Why oh why?
Homey_Mills

Yes, if only it were that easy, we'd have spent the windfall we got from selling Toure and Adebayor a couple years ago. Plus the money from higher ticket prices, etc etc.
FredJacob

if we buy a striker such as the ones you mentioned wouldn't they be coming off the bench since RVP is the number one

and i have a good feeling that he is going to stay healthy this year
Phredryx

RVP is looking for his first 30 goals a season play. He's doing all he can to stay fit through next season. I've got that feeling this coming season will be his in the EPL
Phredryx

RVP is looking for his first 30 goals a season play. He's doing all he can to stay fit through next season. I've got that feeling this coming season will be his in the EPL
Mark

Signing other top clubs' reject players is not a particularly good approach. Of course there are certain circumstances where the player is unfortunate not to be involved in the first team but a lot of the time, these sort of players just aren't good enough. Some of the names mentioned above would be terrible signings. The likes of SWP for example would really set the tone for an unambitious summer.

Aside from that, you've got these supposedly promising players like Bojan, but I actually think that Bojan would be one of the worst signings we could make, specially if it was so Barca could land Cesc on the cheap by offering us him. Bojan has done nothing to warrant any Arsenal attention, nor would he fit our style of play. Would just be a dreadful signing.

The one player who I think we should seriously push for should he become available is Drogba. Seems like a no-brainer. He may be 33 but he's not going to be starting every week and would still have a big role to play for us. He's basically got everything we could want. A proven, world class striker with bags of Premiership experience and a winning mentality also. Plus, getting him would probably stop us conceding maybe 5 extra goals a season :P ie. his infamous goal scoring record against Arsenal.

Lastly, Kalou is a player who has always interested me. I think he's got huge potential but still, he's 25 and never really shown it consistently. A lot of Chelsea fans don't seem to rate him too highly and heading into a season where Arsenal really need to get it right, signing Kalou is a bit too much of a gamble, specially seeing as it would signify either Nasri leaving or missing out on another target on the wing, or worse still, both of those scenarios, so I dunno... Wenger would want to be very confident about Kalou if he was to go for him.
brenton

How much are Drogba's wages?

And not sure what games you've been watching, but Bojan has been on the fringes of the best attacking team on the planet over the past four years. Done nothing to warrant our attention? How about 8 goals in 11 starts/12 subs in 2009/10 for Barca?
Homey_Mills

Yeah, I like Drogba a lot too. And particularly with the way he plays against us, as you mentioned. But it seems to me he'd only be a great fit at the same position as RvP, wouldn't he? So it would be an expensive luxury. Of course, RvP does get injured a lot, so it would be nice. Still, I don't see it.
Jamesthamgicmonkey

the players can play in the u21's if they are under 21 when the qualification starts so there are a few players around 23 in the squads. im not sure if we would want any of the players i have always liked diarra apart from his moaning! and with that i think he would only want first team and i think song plays well in that position!!
Homey_Mills

Thanks for that info, Jamesthamgicmonkey. I could have looked that up, but the blog was already consuming all of my morning as it was.
FredJacob

since like week i was wondering about that, thanks for the info