It might be that we can't compete with the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City. In fact, I'm almost certain we can't, but at least have some kind of plan, some kind of strategy.

Everything is so random and desperate and then we have sheep-fans who just go along with everything that is being done, which gives an idea about what it is probably like at the boardroom level. No pressure, no targets, no ambition. Just rudderless.

well, if we get Lucas Perez, I hope Wenger gives Koeman a nice present. I can imagine the panic - 1) "Arsene needs a striker, quick, see who's available, Lacazette's too expensive and so he doesn't know who to buy, just that he needs someone within the spending comfort zone"
2) "well, there's this reasonably decent striker that Koeman is eyeing up for Everton, around £17m or so, might get him for less as they're an average la Liga team"
1) "hijack the deal; we're in the CL and they aren't and we can trust that Koeman knows what he's doing"
Wenger: " see if you can get him for £14m though, 17 sounds a leetle bit much".

Having said that, I hope we do get him as we're not going to get anyone better.
Lacazette back in the French squad for their next 2 games. So is Koscielny. Hope the French national medical team take a look at his back while he's there.

I think going forward, the football manager should be given responsibilities directly related to the football management of the club. Having responsibilities for finances can only serve to distract him from his job, and in some ways is a conflict of interest.

Having said that, I think it has been a blessing to have a football manager with the loyalty and financial nouse of Wenger during the recent years of comparative financial difficulties (stadium debt, upheavel etc.). I'm not sure that anyone else at the club in a senior role has the faintest idea about running football clubs. The day David Dein left and was never properly replaced was a sad one indeed for Arsenal FC.

But - if he is to be given a new contract - he must agree to carrying it out on new terms, with just footballing responsibilities, and someone in the role of a Chief Executive should handle all contract negotiations, transfer fee negotiations etc. And of course any new manager we get must also work on those terms.

More unhelpful and patronising insults.

It'll only be a matter of time until they see the light. Can't go on like this forever,

The fact Wenger is saying he's afraid to retire speaks volumes - while he's quaking in his boots at the thought of being away from Arsenal, he seems to be unaware he's killing the club.

#timetogo

One day all Arsenal fans will realise that he was the best thing that happened to the club in it's modern history.

Was rather than is though, and I think that's the difference.

Elyan you've put your finger on the exact issue.

Nobody here is doubting that fact but a lot of us now believe he is long past his best and no longer capable of managing this club. I support Arsenal not Arsene and, for the good of the club, he needs to leave as soon as possible. Nothing lasts forever and it's time to say goodbye.

It was George Graham that returned the glory days back to Arsenal. Nothing will surpass the 26th May 1989 for me. Not even the two doubles and the unbeaten season under Wenger.

Wenger has been a brilliant manager but not really in the last 10 years or so. Not entirely his fault as I think the owner/board have been more than happy to accept a top four spot without really challenging for the title. Our record in the CL is abysmal. Not saying we have to win the league every season but it's just been the same old same old. Same excuses, usual injuries. Had we seen some kind of progress and the mistakes being addressed then perhaps he would merit a contract extension but we haven't and the same mistakes keep happening. He can't keep living off his past glories, it's the now that counts not what he did in 2003 or whatever. It's not as if the football we play is that great either. Plus he doesn't do himself any favours with the sarcastic comments and obvious disdain and contempt he has for the fan base.

Spurs apparently in for Zaha. Just £15 mill, could be a real bargain if he can recapture his form.

We want to pay £17m in installments?!?
Bid rejected. FFS this is getting ridiculous.

We have more cash in the bank than any other club in world football. No wonder we're a laughing stock at times.

PSG, Arsenal..............memories of the 90s.

That was before Wenger so it didn't happen

I think thats about as good a draw as we could have hoped for, TBH

Yes we should easily finish second as usual. Man city always have tough draws.

Best chance in ages to finish top seeing as Cavani is misfiring and Zlatan is at Man Utd.

We'll still find a way of finishing second instead.

We've now agreed one payment, but there is something seriously wrong with this club. It seems determined to **** everything up.

Yep!

The usual drill will apply.

Basle won't be a pushover. We are quite capable of making a dogs dinner of this group.

media outlets saying Arsenal has met the release clause for Lucas Perez, and has signed Mustafi. I hope they do well; they aren't quite what we'd hoped.

I'm wary of the CL draw. Basel have beaten Chelsea and Spurs in recent years. PSG are a good side, although if their new manager sells Matuidi to Juventus, that would help a bit.
No excuses for not qualifying from this group though. Some of the other groups are pretty strong. Prob more interesting this way than the old draw?

Ornstein saying we're close to signing or have signed Mustafi.

https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/s...78361410166784

As for Perez, at 17 goals last season is he any better than Giroud? Giroud was top scorer for Montpellier wasnt he?

Mustafi and Perez nearly done? Blimey.

Basle have beaten lots of English sides at their place , they don't travel too well thankfully

Is Perez good?

Mustafi was always going to come, Both clubs were just playing hard ball. Just glad we stomped up the cash in the end.

Guess Chambers will be out on loan and i can see evans type Cb come in as well.