Gerard Deulofeu

[Robbie]

Well, where's the proof that we're after Gerard? I dunno, it seems like everytime a Spanish kid (especially Catalans) turns 16 there's a rumour that Wenger is going to sign him. Happened with Thiago, even Ander Herrera, etc. None of those were true. Only the poaching of Cadete A seems to be real, but going after Gerard doesn't make sense. We wouldn't go after him after getting 2 players from La Masia already, and he wouldn't go because he is so highly rated.

 

[Bergkamp10]

You think Wenger would not want to sign Deulofeu on free instead of splashing millions on that Chamberlain boy!?

We've already signed Chamberlain, it just hasn't been announced. I'm sure he'd like Deulofeu, but I expect his agent is using Arsenal's name to get him a promotion/contract rise or something. Happens with lots of Spanish youngsters.

 

[Aryagorn]

Since CHamberlain's signing is not yet confirmed, there's always the chance of that rumor actually being a fact!!

 

[Barcafan 2304]

Well, where's the proof that we're after Gerard? I dunno, it seems like everytime a Spanish kid (especially Catalans) turns 16 there's a rumour that Wenger is going to sign him. Happened with Thiago, even Ander Herrera, etc. None of those were true. Only the poaching of Cadete A seems to be real, but going after Gerard doesn't make sense. We wouldn't go after him after getting 2 players from La Masia already, and he wouldn't go because he is so highly rated.

And it pisses me off. Barca need to stop this habit of losing kids. Only seen bits and pieces of this kid but seems to have real potential.

 

[Robbie]

Spain needs to change its labour laws, but regardless some of the problem lies with Barca. They have too many talented youngsters and that just means some will leave if they think they can make it elsewhere. Also, Barca needs to start giving pre-contracts with sign on bonuses to the kids they rate the highest. Isn't it how they kept Samper? Anyways that's one of the reasons why I think there's no way we're getting Gerard, he's simply too good for Barca to lose. If the interest is real Barca will just tell him he'll be in the first team soon (he's good enough), and he'll obviously stay.

 

[10Rivaldo]

He won't leave.

They have too many talented youngsters and that just means some will leave if they think they can make it elsewhere.

Indeed. The players that are leaving now probably won't make it at Barca anyway. Cesc and Pique left when we were shit, times are different now.

 

[Barcafan 2304]

Spain needs to change its labour laws, but regardless some of the problem lies with Barca. They have too many talented youngsters and that just means some will leave if they think they can make it elsewhere. Also, Barca needs to start giving pre-contracts with sign on bonuses to the kids they rate the highest. Isn't it how they kept Samper? Anyways that's one of the reasons why I think there's no way we're getting Gerard, he's simply too good for Barca to lose. If the interest is real Barca will just tell him he'll be in the first team soon (he's good enough), and he'll obviously stay.

Yip, was not having a go at your club mate. Its something we need to address.

 

[FCBarca]

Spain needs to change its labour laws

Actually, EU nations should all get in line with what many have already deemed child exploitation by setting the limit to 18

 

[Aasim]

If Deulofeu falls for Wenger's candy, i will seriously prank call Wenger everyday until he changes his number.

 

[Robbie]

If Deulofeu falls for Wenger's candy, i will seriously prank call Wenger everyday until he changes his number.

Wenger doesn't have much to do with it. He's far too busy trying to sign first teamers. Liam Brady and Neil Banfield are in charge of the academy/youth teams and their scouts like Grimandi (who discovered Cesc) and Rowley are the ones who identify targets whereas the youth team coaches then forward to Wenger. The players are offered a direct roadmap to first team football and something like 5k per week contracts or more (could be wrong here), so they choose between that and the uncertainty of making it at Barca.

Other clubs do this all the time. Liverpool stole Dani Pacheco from you and snatched Suso from Madrid, Assulin was taken by Man City, etc. It just makes the news when Arsenal does it because it plays up the media's Cesc focused narrative.

 

[Aryagorn]

City signed Assulin as a free agent... He was out of contract. So he attended few trials at different clubs and finally settled at City

 

[Deco 20]

Wenger doesn't have much to do with it. He's far too busy trying to sign first teamers.

And I thought the problem was that he didn't sign any!

The players are offered a direct roadmap to first team football and something like 5k per week contracts or more (could be wrong here), so they choose between that and the uncertainty of making it at Barca.

Other clubs do this all the time. Liverpool stole Dani Pacheco from you and snatched Suso from Madrid, Assulin was taken by Man City, etc. It just makes the news when Arsenal does it because it plays up the media's Cesc focused narrative.

Agreed about the superior financial offers from PL clubs, but would like to point out that Assulin and the club had agreed to terminate his contract with the club and that Suso never played for Madrid (I think it was Celta Vigo or a club of that size).

Deulofeu won't go since he's on a professional contract by now, Arsenal would have to pay a few million pounds (20?) to get him.

From what I've heard Samper didn't get any other contract offer than the others, just stayed put (possibly because he's been with Barca since the beginning).

 

[Nani17]

Suso was from Cadiz. Liverpool got (some Argentinian kid who's name is similar to - Juan Velasco) & Gerardo Bruna from Real.

 

[Deco 20]

Suso was from Cadiz. Liverpool got (some Argentinian kid who's name is similar to - Juan Velasco) & Gerardo Bruna from Real.

Yeah, Cadiz, thanks. Not as big as Celta.

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Gerard was apparently immense versus Depor. A guy who watched it from the stands said the his first half was the best he had seen at that level.

 

[Deco 20]