:(

WTF is this?

You may relax, Wenger already said he's not interested in the Berb.

@messi: Berba posted that "news" article on his official FB. that is a screenshot of it. He's trolling methinks.

With Sanogo and Bendtner injured, Podolski at the right, Wenger needs absolutely a decent 9 because Gunners cannot win anything with only 1 striker.
Even if Berbatov comes, he will be used as an extra weapon, he will be on the bench. Why dont recruit Dzeko or Hernandez ?

^think for a moment. WHY on earth would our direct rivals sell us the strikers we need to win the title?

Marca just reported that Arsenal have activated Diego Costa's release clause. Then again, its Marca.

^If they did, that doesn't mean he'll agree. AM have no option once a release clause is met but is entirely down to the player at the point. WHY would he leave Aleti midseason? 1- He is in the best form of his life with teammates he's used to so why would he potentially disrupt that, in a WC year no less? 2- AM are playing fabulously and are honestly probably a better team than us atm (although those who haven't watchd them enough may disagreee). 3- AM are also running Barca/RM close and have a real chance to finally break the duopoly by winning the league title. Also they have a far kinder draw in the CL and are more likely to advance (plus he'd be cup tied so not be able to play in the CL)
4- He is playing for Simeone, a manager who's stuck by him and whom he respects greatly.

All these reasons make it nigh on impossible to imagine he'd come to us or anyone else before summer.

I think people who believe we'll land Costa this January are the kind of people who still think that we have a chance of signing Lewandowski.

^ I agree with all this, but you forgot the most important thing : Money.
The only reason that made Falcao quit AM, in the same situation. If Costa is thinking about money he will move.If Costa leaves, it will be for Chelsea. Atletico wants : Courtois + 25 M for Diego Costa. Mourinho is thinking about it.

In fairness, though, Foot, Arsenal are in a MUCH stronger position to attract talent than you were in the summer. Wenger taking advantage of the Ozil/Bale situation, Ramsey's form, and maintaining 1st all this time make the Gunners a pretty attractive prospect, right now. Damnit.

"Atletico wants : Courtois + 25 M for Diego Costa. Mourinho is thinking about it."

I love how we've devolved into using memes as substitute for actually having to write.

@Lod: That may very well be but my point was mainly that we're not going to get that particular player.

There's no better way to express my reaction that crazy statement other than using a gif. Writing my response wouldn't do justice to how hilarious it is to hear that :P

actions speak louder than words but gif images shall make you deaf. trademark btw.

@Foota Arsenal cant bring Costa, they wouldnt pay his future salary....
Its incredible how they lost RVP for the wages and be prepared 2 years later to pay more wages for Suarez, its just amazing how they change every year.

@V Yes Courtois has a big name and AM is starting to be more ambitious, they want to secure a GK too. Chelsea has 2 world class GK and no quality in the attack, im not talking to an emotional fan i hope.
And Courtois will not be a replacement for Cech all his life, he is starting to look elsewhere to secure his career.
De Gea costed 20M dont think Courtois costs 100M you are so biaised when its about your team but im used to so no worries.

The only way AM can give their Best striker is to secure their actual GK, its a fact. Or sell Costa for a cash team like Monaco, PSG or Chelsea with a huge salary for the player. Arsenal cannot bring him.

I get what you mean and it could make some sense from an outsiders perspective, but to us Chelsea fans it makes no sense. I'd also like to say that I don't look at it emotionally but more of an unrealistic move. Too unrealistic.

Here's why:

1. Courtois is one of the top 2 best young goalkeepers in the world right now. He's also one the top 5 best goalkeepers. Along with his really young age and time for more development, that makes his price 25+ million pounds.

2. Costa is one of the hottest properties in the football world right now but we also have Lukaku; one of the hottest properties in the football world as well. Buying Costa would mean selling Lukaku, which we don't want.

3. So putting Courtois + 25m and going for Costa is the same like splashing 50m+ for him. That's way too much for a guy who is known for his bad reputation and has only got the spotlight recently.

4. Cech has been advised to retire early because of his injury to the skull and is seriously considering it, meaning Courtois will definitely start for Chelsea soon.

I have never said it was imminent, but just told you the price AM are wanting.
Football is more about speculations now, remember Bales gate ?

I pasted to you where i heard this, and i found it logical for Atleti to do this way, its all about if Chelsea really want the player or not.

With his 23 goals in all competitions since the beginning of season, the Spanish- Brazilian will not be sold off by mattress makers . According to the Sunday People , Chelsea would be very interested in the player profile . But Atlético would include Thibaut Courtois young , 20 years in the transaction and agree to open negotiations on this condition . The goalkeeper of the Red Devils is indeed paid by the Blues Colchoneros , the past three seasons.
The dilemma is to size for club leaders in London. Recognizing the potential of the Belgian keeper London management remains hesitant. José Mourinho would consider indeed to give him a chance , starting next season. Thibaut Courtois could therefore finally take place in the woods of Chelsea, instead of Petr Cech , though still powerful , but who turns 32 next May.

Read more on : http://www.foot-sur7.fr/124145-chelsea-chasscrois-entre-diego-costa-thibaut-courtois

If you want my point ? I dont think he will move this January, because Mourinho cant let Courtois go without having any guarantees that Costa will shine, that could ruin his reputation as a wise coach.
Chelsea here will not loose just money like Torres/shevchenko gates, but a world class GK that could work good for the future. And its more about what will be said about the managing if this doesnt work. Knowing how much pressure a Chelsea manager can have, its just impossible for Mou to take this risk, he would probably prefer not wining anything without Costa, to take a decision and regret it later.

If Chelsea offer Atletico Madrid 35m in straight cash for Costa, I reckon they'd take it.

They are 500+m in debt.

@V: i know i was just messing with you

Not sure why everyone is talking about what Atleti would want in order to sell him. Again, they aren't in a position to negotiate untill he signs a new contract for them. IF the release clause is activated then it doesn't matter who activates it or how. It would simpl be down to the player at that point. Also, Arsenal have more liquid cash than any other club world football so they could theoretically pay the clause outright in cash if they wanted.

I don't think he's going ANYWHERE this january, not just Arsenal, for the reasons I outlined above.

In the summer, will be a different story. If his form continues his wage demands will ineed be high. While it is true that other clubs can offer more, Arsnal have shown this summer with Ozil that they have changed their much maligned wage system and are willing to pay a lot more to star players.

In any case, I hope we get any striker to help us out in the interim. We are severely lacking in that department.

@ Vendetta - I am pretty sure you would have posted the same gif before the season if someone said that Mata would not be a regular starter this season and Mourinho would say that he is free to leave. Stranger things have and will continue to happen in football.