So Wenger says that we were 'very, very close' to signing Mbappe. Isn't it annoying

[Rich]

how often we are really close to getting players but never close the deal.

Off the top of my head I can think of Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Kluivert, Mpabble, Cech (before he went to Chelsea).

If we're going to give Him a Director Of Football then perhaps we can perform better in the recruitment department.

[Mo Britain less Europe]

It's simply not true. You either sign a player or you don't, closeness doesn't come into it.

[Rich]

It's simply not true. You either sign a player or you don't, closeness doesn't come into it.

Are you calling Him a liar?

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foot...-a3529926.html

[Mo Britain less Europe]

I am calling him a fantasist. Higuain's another one we nearly signed, he's just won the semi-final for Juventus.

[redgunamo]

I am calling him a fantasist. Higuain's another one we nearly signed, he's just won the semi-final for Juventus.

"Fantasist" is a bit strong but I broadly agree. He knows the business better than anyone and will be fully aware that teenage starlets don't agree to sign for you just because you went round their house for tea; you have to offer them a better deal than anyone else. Business demands it.

[Tony C]

Someone needs shooting for what happened that summer.

lost both Higuain and Suarez that summer because someone thought it would be anything to big £40m +£1

[SWv2]

how often we are really close to getting players but never close the deal.

Off the top of my head I can think of Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Kluivert, Mpabble, Cech (before he went to Chelsea).

If we're going to give Him a Director Of Football then perhaps we can perform better in the recruitment department.

To be fair Richard I think you will find most clubs could run off such a list and I think you have only just scratched the surface there with those names listed.

The issue may be that Wenger does seem to go public on such nearly incidents, or perhaps we only notice his stories as would be less inclined to read stories relevant to other teams.

This morning's Mbappe story merely made me chuckle.

[Rich]

To be fair Richard I think you will find most clubs could run off such a list and I think you have only just scratched the surface there with those names listed.

The issue may be that Wenger does seem to go public on such nearly incidents, or perhaps we only notice his stories as would be less inclined to read stories relevant to other teams.

This morning's Mbappe story merely made me chuckle.

Well Pires says that he will be surprised if he doesn't come to Arsenal this summer. So hopefully he's right as Mbappe is better than Giroud.

[Sir C]

Well Pires says that he will be surprised if he doesn't come to Arsenal this summer. So hopefully he's right as Mbappe is better than Giroud.

I answered your Amsterdam query with some excellent information, you ungrateful bástard.

[Rich]

I answered your Amsterdam query with some excellent information, you ungrateful bástard.

Didn't I thank you?! I thought I did - how remiss of me. Apologies.

I shall certainly pay the Dutch place you mentioned a visit. Will let you know how I get on.