Struggling... Can Arsenal find a way out of this rut?

As a self confessed Gooner myself, I admit the start to this season has easily been the hardest since my affiliation with the club began back in the late 90’s.

Going down to Blackburn like we did really hurt, especially the way in which you almost knew it was coming.

But as testing as it’s been I will never stop supporting the club. Easy to say now yes, but I honestly believe that.

This is why it’s been disappointing to see fellow Arsenal ‘fans’ throwing the towel in already. I mean for goodness sake it’s only been five out of 38 games in the Premier League and I hear people having a whinge that the season is over for us and that we seriously face relegation.

My gosh, please.

The top four is our realistic goal for the season, like it or not. If you have an issue with that, you clearly are not a supporter of the club.

What annoys me a little bit more is people having a go when they didn’t even watch the game.

The first 45 minutes against Blackburn was some of the best football we’ve played all season. We put away two great goals and it could have easily been four or five.

Against United, we scored two goals. That was the first time that’s happened in years.

So, clearly as a fluid attacking team we have much quality. Gervinho looks hungry for goals, Mikel Arteta has fitted in seamlessly and Theo continues to impress.

The defence needs mountains of work. But you really didn’t need me to tell you that.

I believe Koscielny will be a very good player in the future, but at the moment he is just not first team quality.

Don’t get me, or any Arsenal fan for that matter, started on Djourou. He has quite honestly lost the plot and will need some amazing performances to get the fans back on his side.

Mertersacker needs to work on his pace, cause he got turned to many times at Blackburn, but he is quality and will go some way to fixing our aerial issues.

Now to the gaffer.

Arsene Wenger has copped it recently, fairly or not? I’ll let you decide. But either way he WILL be our manager this season unless he decides to walk. Which he has said many times, he won’t.

Faith is needed in him though, for we need to believe in him and his philosophy to get anything out of this season.

I will say this though, a certain number of fans, particularly in North London, have been amazing.

Ever since that famous booing of Eboue, Arsenal fans have never been thought much of.

But during games like United and Blackburn it was nothing short of amazing to hear the support that was being given to the players. Hopefully they can return the favour soon.

Don’t forget that arguably our best defender and midfielder in Vermaelen and Wilshere have also barely played this season. You can already tell how important they are – and it looks like they’ll both return around November-December, fitness permitting.

All that and we haven’t even touched on the best young keeper in the league in Wojciech Szczęsny, arguably our player of the season thus far.

It’s tough times at Arsenal at the moment, but every club has them. It’s certainly not the time to rebuke and go crazy, not yet at least. At this moment of time, we need the fans that are willing to stay on the ship even though waters are rough. If you want to get off now, I think it’s fair to say that most people related to the club wouldn’t want you back on.

Stay loyal Gooners.

Will Cesc finally get his wish?

Our Pick

Fabregas (FINALLY) to Barca

What a fine mess this saga has turned into. From players to coaches to fans to media and even British PM David Cameron, everyone has weighed in on the debate. However, it’s believed Barca has put in a final £35 million bid for the Spaniard and that’s about as high as it’ll get for Arsene who has obviously been holding out for the biggest fee possible and fair enough. Fab is a distraction at Arsenal and no captain should be that. Send him on his way, pick up a nice check and put an end to this scene. (The Telegraph)

What’s Hot

PSG Target Unwanted Berba After Sealing Pastore

The new Qatari owners of PSG that we told you about in a previous edition are really starting to bulk up for the new season. After completing the signing of Javier Pastore for a massive £37 million they will now apparently turn their attentions to a frustrated Dimitar Berbatov. (The Mirror)

Inter Ponder on M’Vila

With new boss Gian Piero Gasperini’s 3-4-3 formation, Inter have been rumoured to be on the lookout for another central midfielder to boost the ranks. The French international is now said to be top of the hit list, valued at £17-£20 million. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

United Step Up Wesley Chase

It is believed that Manchester United may have finally landed their man, Wesley Sneijder, with reports suggesting Inter Milan have accepted a £30 million offer. It is rumoured that Sneijder will travel to Manchester later this week for negotiations. (The Daily Star)

Fiorentina Want £13 For Vargas

Juventus’ chase of Peruvian international Juan Manuel Vargas has hit a stumbling block, with Fiorentina ruling out any potential cash plus player deal. It is believed Jorge Martinez was the player put on the table, but Fiorentina refused and have now said only cash will be accepted for Vargas. (Goal)

Barton Sparks Frenzy

Joey Barton’s shock release by Newcastle has been met with a frenzy of clubs inquiring about the midfielder. It is believed several Premier League clubs are interested including Tottenham and Aston Villa, whilst there is also reported interest from Scottish giants, Celtic. (Crunch Sports)

Say What?!

Milan Eye EPL Duo

Interesting one this, as reports have suggested that AC Milan are attempting bring unsettled stars Alberto Aquilani and Mario Balotelli to the club. Aquilani is believed to be worth in the region of £10, whilst Balotelli is much more expensive, valued at over £20. (ESPN)

United Consider Vidic, Rio Sale

Really don’t know what to make of this speckie, but rumour has it that Sir Alex is considering possibly cashing in on one of his current defensive partnership to accommodate new signing Phil Jones. It is believed Vidic is the more likely with Juventus apparently interested. Make of that what you will! (Daily Star)

Neymar For Sale In December

Brazilian wonderkid Neymar is thought to be free to leave Santos after the World Club Challenge in early to mid December. Reports are suggesting that Real Madrid are the frontrunners as we reported in an earlier Transfer Time, with Santos keen to use the tournament to drive up his valuation. (Yahoo Sports)

Hulk Valued at Incredible £100 Million

Murmurs out of Portugal are suggesting that Porto will only sell overnight star Hulk to a bid of £100 million or more. The fee is contract binding and it is believed they would not even participate in a Ronaldo swap deal with Real Madrid. (Sky Sports)

Alcantara’s Father Keeps Door Open

Thiago Alcantara’s dad may have heaped some unnecessary pressure and speculation on his son by declaring that a future move away from Barcelona, perhaps to Real Madrid, may happen. He noted that he and his son had held talks with Real Madrid before eventually signing with Barca. (Goal)

Rumoured News

Werder Bremen Open to Mertesacker Bids

Rumoured Arsenal target, Per Mertesacker, is free to leave Werder Bremen if a ‘serious’ offer comes along according to general manager Klaus Allofs. The defender is in the final year of his contract and it is believed Bremen are keen to cash in rather than face the option of letting him go on a free. (ESPN)

Magpies Chase Obertan

After suffering a mountain of damage in the current and January transfer windows this year, it appears Alan Pardew and Newcastle will finally sign some talent with unsettled Manchester United striker Gabriel Obertan all but certain of signing a five year deal in the coming days. A fee of £3-5 million is the rumoured figure. (Sky Sports)

Liverpool Keen on Enrique

With Fabio Aurelio currently sitting as a first choice left back, Kenny Dalglish is aiming at bringing Newcastle defender Jose Enrique to the club. It is believed the Spaniard will cost around £7 million, but it would be money well spent after an impressive last season with the Magpies. (Caught Offisde)

Cole Seeks Liverpool Exit

The biggest free agent of last year’s major transfer window, Joe Cole had a terrible time of it at the Merseyside club. Newly promoted Queens Park Rangers have enquired about the former English international and with the brace of midfielders who’ve arrived at the club, the move seems likely. (Times)

Inter Seek Kucka, Genoa Want Pandev

Negotiations between Inter and Genoa over the transfer of Slovakian international Juraj Kucka are progressing well according to reports. It is believed that a deal is close to being done, whilst Macedonian Goran Pandev could move in the opposite direction in a separate deal. (Goal)

Done Deal! – Big Transfers Thus Far

£37m Javier Pastore: Palermo to PSG

£27.2m Sergio Aguero: Atletico Madrid to Manchester City

£20m Fabio Coentrao: Benfica to Real Madrid

£17.7m Alexis Sanchez: Udinese to Barcelona

£16.3m Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Barcelona to Milan

£15.5m Stewart Downing: Aston Villa to Liverpool

£15m Jordan Henderson: Sunderland to Liverpool

£14.3m Santi Cazorla: Villarreal to Malaga

£14m David de Gea: Atletico Madrid to Manchester United

£13m Yury Zhirkov: Chelsea to Anzhi Makhachkala

£12.7m Phil Jones: Blackburn to Manchester United

£12.2m Ashley Young: Aston Villa to Manchester United

£12.2m Manuel Neuer: Schalke to Bayern

£10.9m Edinson Cavani: Palermo to Napoli

£10.5m Alessandro Matri: Cagliari to Juventus

£10.2m Mirko Vucinic: Roma to Juventus

£10.2m Gokhan Inler: Udinese to Napoli

£9.2m Jerome Boateng: Manchester City to Bayern

£8.8m Danilo: Santos to Porto

£8.2m Gervinho: Lille to Arsenal

£8.1m Ricardo Alvarez: Velez Sarsfield to Inter

£8.1m Bojan Krkic: Barcelona to Roma

£8m Erik Lamela: River Plate to Roma

£7.5m Jeremy Toulalan: Lyon to Malaga

£7.5m Kevin Gameiro: Lorient to PSG

£7.1m Fabio Quagliarella: Napoli to Juventus

£6.8m Raphael Varane: Lens to Real Madrid

£6.8m Christian Trasch: Stuttgart to Wolfsburg

£6.8m Blaise Matuidi: Etienne to PSG

£6.8m Stephan Lichtsteine: Lazio to Juventus

£6.5m Stephan El Shaarawy: Genoa to Milan

Top 15 Clubs Spendin’ The Cash

1. £66.3m PSG

2. £50.8m Juventus

3. £39.5m Malaga

4. £39.3m Manchester United

5. £38.6m Napoli

6. £37.5m Real Madrid

7. £37.1m Manchester City

8. £36.2m Liverpool

9. £30.3m Milan

10. £28.1m Bayern Munich

11. £27.5m Inter

12. £25.9m Genoa

13. £23.8m Roma

14. £18.8m Benfica

15. £18m Chelsea

What Have You Heard?

We’re always keen to here any extra rumours you may have heard from around the footballing globe as seasons start to resume! We’re very close to the major leagues resuming and of course we’re arguably coming to the most frenetic period of any transfer window; the end! So let us know about your thoughts and rumours in our comments section below!

Stop... have Juve pulled of one of the biggest coups this window?

Our Pick

Juventus Swoop for Sergio

There are rumours coming out of Italy that Juventus are on the verge of a huge signing in Atletico Madrid striker, Sergio Aguero. The Argentine has been linked to cross town rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City, however, with Juventus on the cusp and needing a big season – Aguero could be the perfect catalyst. (Football Italia)

What’s Hot

United Step up Sneijder Interest

The Red Devils are reportedly turning their attention to Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder as their efforts to bring Samir Nasri to Old Trafford look to be dying. It is believed United will launch a £35 million bid to strengthen their midfield. (Daily Star)

Madrid Close to Sealing Coentrao Deal

Coentrao impressed for Portugal at last year’s World Cup and has been rumoured for a big move ever since. It appears Madrid will match Benfica’s rumoured £20 million asking price. According to Reuters, a medical is all that stands in the way of the deal going through. (Reuters)

Alvarez Snubs Arsenal for Inter

There were hot reports early in the window about Ricky Alvarez making the switch from Velez Sarsfield to Arsenal, but there are murmurs coming out of Italy that Inter have all but signed the Argentine for around £6 million with additional add-ons. (Football Italia)

Madrid Officials in Brazil to Tie up Neymar

We brought it to you a few weeks ago and now it appears that Real Madrid have sent officials over to Brazil to negotiate with the Brazilian’s agent. It’s been rumoured Madrid will offer as much as £30 million for Neymar with possible future payments depending on further terms. (Goal.com)

Chelsea Keen to Sell Mikel Obi to fund Bastos Deal

It is believed Juventus is interested in the defensive midfielder and Chelsea have been said to be interested in the deal. The London club value Mikel Obi at £15 million and it is believed Chelsea will use the money to possibly fund a transfer for Michel Bastos. (Daily Mail)

Say What?!

Tevez Wants to go, Again

Carlos Tevez has handed in another transfer request to Manchester City as he continues to struggle adapting to life in England. Roberto Mancini said last week he was confident his star striker would be at Eastlands for another year, but it seems he is keen for a move. However, City’s asking price may be a stumbling block, their valuation of Tevez is rumoured to be around £45 million. (Daily Star)

Madrid Interested in Argentine

With Tevez keen to jet out of Eastlands, La Liga expert Graham Hunter believes that Real Madrid may well be his destination. With Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan deal coming to an end and with no certainties over Higuain’s future, Real may be the only club with the funds for the deal. (Talk Sport)

What is Happening at Arsenal?

With Gael Clichy gone, there are huge fears that that a disgruntled exodus of players will follow. With Fabregas and Nasri already heavily linked as possible exits, it is believed the likes of Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin may follow as Arsene Wenger faces one of the most testing times of his career. (The Telegraph)

Is Lucio Answer to Gunners’ Problems?

Negotiations have stalled between Inter and the World Cup winner, with rumours floating that Arsenal are ready to fill their defensive voids with the Brazilian. However at 33, signing Lucio may go against Arsene Wenger’s one-year contract policy for players over 30. (Fanatix)

Porto Sign Kleber, Falcao to Chelsea Gains Momentum

Andre Vilas-Boas made it no secret of his desire to bring goal-machine Falcao with him to Chelsea from Porto and the scenario looks a little more likely with Porto signing striker Kleber. If Falcao were to follow his former manager to Chelsea, it would most likely spell the end for Didier Drogba. (FIFA.com)

Rumoured News

Valencia set Banega Price Tag at £8.1 Million

Inter target Ever Banega has had an £8.1 million price slapped on his head as the Italians look to step up their interest. The 23-year old is however waiting for an EU passport after his 3-year stint in Spain. (La Gazzetta Sportiva)

Liverpool Interested in Valencia Winger

Sources are suggesting that Liverpool have launched a bid to sign Santi Cazorla from Valencia. The price is unknown at this stage, however negotiations to bring in Stuart Downing have hit a wall and it is rumoured that Kenny Dalglish is keen to tie up all transfers well before season’s start. (Mirror)

Lille, AC Keen on Chu-Young

The Korean made it clear that he was intent on forcing a move out of Monaco after his side were relegated from Ligue One. Lille and AC have reportedly met with his agent to discuss the player, with Monaco valuing Chu-Young between £5-6 million after scoring 12 goals last season. (Goal.com)

Spahic All But Signed for Sevilla

The 30-year old centre half will aim to complete a medical over the next few days after it appeared Sevilla had signed their man from Ligue One outfit, Montpellier. It was believed that Spahic favoured a move to the Premier League, but any such chances broke down. (Sky Sports)

Swansea Continue to Pursue Soriano

Newly-promoted Swansea are keen to add some firepower to their squad with the addition of Bacelona striker Jonathan Soriano. However, negotiations have stumbled with claims that the terms of the initial deal were not possible for Swansea. (Eat Sleep Sport)

PSG Linked with Lucas

French side PSG have been linked with the lesser-known Brazilian Lucas. The 18-year old is rated highly, but it seems Sao Paulo have even bigger valuations for him, rating the lad at an amazing £72 million. But backed with new and rich Qatari investors, PSG have the cash. (Sky Sports)

Navarro Quits Valencia

David Navarro and Valencia have mutually agreed to terminate the former captain’s contract which expired in 2012. It is believed Navarro is keen to link up with Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax. (The World Game)

Done Deal

Gael Clichy – Arsenal to Manchester City; £7 million

Stephan Lichtsteiner – Lazio to Juventus; £6.8 million

Dries Mertens, Kevin Strootman – Utrecht to PSV Eindhoven; £11.7 million (combined)

Ali Al-Habsi – Bolton to Wigan; £4 million

Danny Graham – Watford to Swansea City; £3.5 million

Abdoulay Konko – Genoa to Lazio; £3.4 million

Alou Diarra – Bordeaux to Marseille; £3 million

Ji Dong-Won – Chunnam Dragons to Sunderland; £2.2 million

Gabi – Real Zaragoza to Atletico Madrid; £2 million

Alfred N’Diaye – Nancy to Bursaspor; £1.9 million

Sergio Sanchez – Sevilla to Malaga; £1.9 million

Manuel Fernandes – Valencia to Besiktas; £1.3 million

Francesco Acerbi – Genoa to Chievo Verona; £1.3 million

Issam Jemaa – Lens to Auxerre; £1.3 million

Brice Jovial – Le Harve to Dijon; £1.3 million

Dale Jennings – Tranmere Rovers to Bayern Munich; £650,000

Sean St Ledger – Preston to Leicester; Undisclosed

Mustafa Amini – Central Coast Mariners to Borussia Dortmund; Undisclosed

Eric Dier – Sporting Lisbon to Everton; Season Loan

What Do You Think?

The window is starting to heat up as well get further into July, but what do you make of all the rumours and done deals so far? Let us know in the comments section below!!

Scroll down to check out some of the big current rumours coming out of England!

Our Pick

Cole seeks fresh challenge

Joe Cole endured a disaster first season at Liverpool, starting okay with Roy Hodgson and then barely getting a game under Kenny Dalglish. The midfielder might still have a bit to offer and with the mountains of experience he has, the likes of QPR, Fulham and Tottenham have all been linked. His 3-4 million pound asking price probably rules out the likes of QPR, with Tottenham rumoured to be in pole position to land the England international.

Will Samir Stay? Pressure mounts on Gunners

Say What?!

Nasri eyes Arsenal exit

The curious case of Samir Nasri continues to boil over, with reported interest now from Bayern Munich. There has also been a quiet word that Bastian Schweinsteiger might be involved in a swap for the French ace. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be interested

Ronaldo wants 400k per week at City

In an absolute cracker of a story, it is believed that Crisitiano Ronaldo is prepared to leave Real Madrid after continuous falling outs with Jose Mourinho and head to old rivals Manchester City. City is probably the only club in the world who could seriously afford his wages, but 400k a week? Come on CR7, no one is paying you over 20 million pounds a year just to play footy!

United look at Modric, Schneider

Manchester United is keeping tabs on Luka Modric and Wesley Schneider as they look to bring in a replacement for recently retired Paul Scholes. The midfield, in particularly central, lacks some depth and the addition of either would add some real class. However, Harry Redknapp has come out saying that his Croatian maestro is not going anywhere.

Which shade of red for Phil Jones?

The young defender has been suspect to huge interest of late and it appears as though Liverpool and Manchester United are the two remaining candidates. It was rumoured that Untied has locked in the defender up until Pool launched a late bid of over 25 million pounds as they look to rebuild their squad.

Rumoured News

Spurs and Liverpool interest in Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge enjoyed his best ever season in the Premier League last time round, showing some very promising signs at loan to Bolton and has hence received some interest from Spurs and Liverpool. It is believed Spurs is the more serious contender, with rumours they are looking to offload Defoe and Pavlyuchenko. However, Chelsea have strapped a 20 million price tag on his head, is he worth that much?

Where on earth is Gervinho going?

It appears no one has a clue where this Ivorian is going. Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Sunderland have all been linked with the forward and he has been quoted as saying that next season he will play in the EPL. However, it does seem he favours playing in the Champions League and there is only one club on that list that can offer it.

Cahill, Samba on Gunners target

No doubt Arsenal need to strengthen their defence this window and it appears Wenger might be favouring some experienced Premier League defenders in Gary Cahill and Chris Samba. Arsenal have a close relationship with Bolton and that might shave a few pounds of Cahill’s price tag, but one thinks he will still be around 10-15 million pounds. Samba might be a little bit cheaper, rumoured at a nine million fee.

Everton starlet Tottenham?

Jack Rodwell is drawing some heavy interest from Spurs right now as the youngster looks to play in Europe and get game time at a bigger club. Not sure, how much there is to this one though, he probably would spend most of his playing time off the bench at Tottenham.

Kewell and Neill to QPR?

The Aussie duo are both out of contract and have been told their Galatasaray contracts will not be renewed for next season. Newly promoted Premier League side Queens Park Rangers are said to be looking for some experience, the Australians certainly have that and still probably a few decent years left in them.

Ashley to leave Villa?

Ashley Young is apparently eying a move out of Aston Villa to win some trophies with Manchester United rumoured as potential suitors. But after losing the likes of Gareth Barry and James Milner in recent years, it appears Villa will be holding out for a massive fee if Young were to leave.

What Do You Think?

What are your thoughts on all these possible transfers? Which, if any do you think will materialize? Also, add any news you’ve heard in the comments section below and we’ll feature you in our next installation of Transfer Time!