Declan Rice

[bondsman]

Decent player but doesn't change Arsenal into title winners. Not fit to lace Rodri's boots that's not sour grapes either just fact.

 

[DMA's]

Weren’t we going ‘huge’ in this window (again)?

People say that every year but for the last 6 seasons or so we have operated at around 100 mil maximum net expenditure. We don’t really spend that big anymore

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

I keep hearing Phillips will step next season but I think it’s utter nonsense, if he stays I hope he proves me wrong but Pep played Gundogan, who was overplayed, ahead of him as a 6. He started 4 games (2 cup including our defeat at Southampton and 2 dead rubber league matches including defeat at Brentford).

On the scant evidence so far he simply doesn’t fit for us. Not good enough defensively and not a good enough passer. He’s also one of the very few players Pep has publicly criticised.

If Rodri gets injured I’d say we’ll play Kovacic ahead of him.

The fact that we bid £90m for Rice should tell Phillips how he’s rated by City.

I've said a few times that I hope Philips proves me wrong, but I don't think the narrative of the second season wonder ala Mahrez, Grealish, Rodri etc etc is what is happening here. Those players were still getting opportunities and they were clearly learning on the job, doing small things right which Pep liked, slowly improving, and ultimately impressing enough in training. Kalvin hasn't got on the pitch. If he's to have a killer "second" season it will be next year, not this one. The best we can hope for is we wipe the slate clean and tell him to imagine this is his first season and a fresh start, get as many minutes as he can, improve every single day and get his house in order so he can flourish next year.

 

[FantasyIreland]

I'm not sure prudent is the word. We've telegraphed we have £90m burning a hole for someone.

Add Philips to that 90m and test Barca with a bid for Frenkie.

 

[wolviedinho]

Sure looks like we had a valuation and Arsenal went above our valuation so we walk away.

Just as we have done before and will do again.

It appears to be a club policy that has been in place for some time. During which time we have won plenty of trophies.

Some people may say we bottled it, some will say they did or didn't want him.

I think he strengthens Arsenal quite considerably. Mind you they have the Champions League fixtures to add to their schedule this year so they need to.

I'm not the slightest bit worried though. We just won the treble and that smile will take quite some downturn to remove.

Yes a sense of perspective needed. We won the fucking treble!!!!!!!

Football completed for little city. Buy away Arsenal. Does echo united bidding more for Fred, pogba etc. The same outcome would be nice -:)

 

[Blu1]

Arsenal have won the we signed Rice trophy! Lol well done

Only it’s not over yet we all know the glaziers will keep the fans happy.
Bid incoming

 

[OB1]

I'm not sure prudent is the word. We've telegraphed we have £90m burning a hole for someone.

Not sure that bidding was imprudent. Clubs know we have a lot of money; they also know we won’t go over our valuation of an individual player. We haven’t indicated we will pay £90m for just anyone.

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

Don't take this the wrong way guys, but 24 hours ago people on here were calling Eni Aluko all sorts of insults for saying she thought the City bid was just to pump up the price Arsenal pay.

Now we have people seriously putting up the idea we made the bid either for PR so Khaldoon can say we don't spend, or because we want some completely unrelated player or club to do something.


If someone on talksport came out with these theories there'd be 30 pages on what a stupid twat they are before lunch.

She was rightly called out mate, it was idiotic of her.

City didn't bid £90m on the off chance it would be rejected and help Arsenal to pay more, to help out his mate Arteta.

It's clearly not a price we want to go to, nor the terms Sullivan is asking for it to be paid.

 

[Citizen in Pakistan]

I'm sure our team behind the scenes would have adequate plans in place for any eventuality and we don't have any reason to doubt that but ideally we should've won this transfer battle with Arsenal especially after winning the treble but it is what it is.

 

[wolviedinho]

Arsenal have a dilemma now.

Sullivan has not accepted the terms and told both clubs yesterday they want the entire fee paid within 12-18 months!

Sullivan will buckle now. Can’t say no to that offer.