Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso following rumours that the Spaniard is unhappy with life at the Merseyside club.
Alonso, 26, lost his place in the Liverpool team last season to Argentine defensive midfield star Javier Mascherano.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez changed his side’s formation towards the final months of the league campaign which enabled Alonso to partner skipper Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield.
A move to Arsenal could be possible if Gareth Barry completes his move from Aston Villa to the Anfield side with the Gunners rumoured to also be taking up interest in the England international as well, maybe a cover-up for Alonso to the Emirates?
Reports in Spain today though, suggest that Alonso is in ‘negotiations’ with Gunners’ officials – the article published by ‘Publico.es’ does sound slightly far-fetched.
A couple of questions should be asked though. Firstly, would Liverpool sell to Arsenal? Both clubs are in fierce competition with each other which could prevent a potential move.
Secondly, do the Gunners really need an ‘Alonso type of player ?’, with Cesc Fabregas (a close pal of Xabi’s), Denilson, Diaby, and even Nasri avaliable to play in that holding/offensive role.
Of course there are plenty more questions to be asked & answered, but we want your views on this perculiar yet credible rumour, might there possibly be something in this?
We want your opinions, on Gooner Talk.
Tags: alonso, arsenal, barry, Fabregas, mascherano, Spain, villa
July 15, 2008 at 8:46 pm
great post mate. keep the amazing work up.
July 15, 2008 at 8:47 pm
would be a good signing but liverpool are likely to demand a lot of money 4 him, i also very much doubt that we are after him. If we do have the money to sign then it has to be miguel veloso who we sign, him and cesc would be awesome!!
July 15, 2008 at 8:47 pm
good post chris, tbh i find this deal to be a rumour nothing more imo
July 15, 2008 at 8:48 pm
can’t see it happening. alonso is a passer of the ball (like fabs) we need a runner/tackler.
July 15, 2008 at 8:49 pm
doubt it will happen, Benitez would probably ask for a very high price for him.
July 15, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Funny enough, a friend of mine told me today that the deal to sign for Juventus had fallen through, and I said we should sign him. He disagreed, but I think he is an absolutely quality player.
http://www.arsenal-opinion.com
July 15, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Alonso is a more defensive option to Cesc, but he’s hardly a rugged tough tackling ball winner is he? And for 20 million Euros???
No chance. I’d rather we went for Barry.
July 15, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I would definatley prefer Barry but i feel that Alonso wouldnt be a bad addition… he certainly has the expierence of playing at the higest level, World Cups, Champions League finals, several season in the premier league… and hes unhappy at liverpool and they seem prepared to sell.
I think it would definatly be a good addition to our squad, he would certainly provide a lot of expierence to our young squad.
July 15, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Veloso’s a free kick specialist aswell i heard:P ?
July 15, 2008 at 8:52 pm
It’s probably not true, but I’d rather have Alonso than Barry, but again the price may be prohibitive.
July 15, 2008 at 8:52 pm
now now chris,, quiet news day,, werent juve prepared to pay 18mill or him so dont expect arsenal to come up with a fee like that
July 15, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I don’t think so, but I’ve been wrong many times before.
July 15, 2008 at 8:56 pm
You tiefed that article from Arsenal Mania. lol
July 15, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Juve have signed Poulsen from Sevilla. And didnt fancy paying the sky high fee Liverpool want for Alonso. They’re skinter than we are!
I really don’t think Alonso is the type of player we need for the CM. Although he is quality.
July 15, 2008 at 8:56 pm
As a Liverpool fan I would be gutted to loose Alonso to the Gunners. Think is a lot more to Alonso than just fantastic passes. He doesn’t play that killer ball that Fabregas does but he does play deeper so probably doesn’t have the opportunity so much at Anfield.
He is a fantastic reader of the game and puts in alot more challenges and interceptions than you’d imagine. His workrate is 2nd to none. He covers more ground than another other Liverpool player.
Rafa wanted 16m from Juventus and to me, that is a bargain. Liverpool are let down by the lack of quality on the wings not in the middle of the park. Arsenal have a lot of quality out wide. He improve you no end. Flamini was an excellent player for Arsenal but Alonso is superior. Wenger I would imagine, would give him more freedom to get forward than Rafa does as Liverpool like to play with two holding (deep lying midfielders) and Gerrard and the wingers attacking which is suprising as when they’re all fit, our defense is on par with anyone, especially now that Riise has gone and Agger is back.
July 15, 2008 at 8:56 pm
i have watched him play at liverpool but he is not the right one for Arsenal.
July 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm
PS: Liverpool aren’t c*nts in the transfer market like Manure.
The only club that won’t sell to us are Manure and Tottenscum Hotspuds.
July 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm
YES PLEASE MR WENGER!!!! What a player, under-rated, but that will only help with the price tag. He’s a great player, much better than Stevie G. Hopefully we will sign him.
July 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm
bulls**t plus a fabragas isent a alonso type player fabragas cant pass over 10 feet
July 15, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Simon;
Thanks for the info fella.
July 15, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Can’t pass over 10 feet?
Stupid, unintellectual comment from a Scouser – typical.
July 15, 2008 at 9:00 pm
19;
Was that english?
July 15, 2008 at 9:03 pm
no chance!!
good player but cesc is much better and we dont need that type of midfielder.
we all know we need a ball winner with an engine on him that can pass the ball well next to cesc, alonso is not that player!
i would say wenger needs to buy either barry or veloso, both left foot to add that balance to the midfield we once had with petit/edu & vieira!
UP DA GOOONNEERRRS
July 15, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I think Xabi would turn out to be an amazing patner ship with cesc, he’s physically able skillfully able and also mentally able those two (cecs and xabi) could probably read each otheres minds!! altho UNFORTUNATLEY it probably wud be a load of bollock. Man why’d you have to tell us, now am gunner be dreaming for this to happen
July 15, 2008 at 9:07 pm
decent player, not up to arsenal standards though, and dont we have half a boat load of central mids already?
there r 2 spanish internationals at liverpool that would be of interest to arsenal and neither are coming — torres and reina
July 15, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Alonso is NOT a Cesc type effin player! Do you even watch football?
July 15, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I think we should go for moutinio from portugal…from what i saw in the euros he looks a perfect fit in the dm slot….also once he came off injured against germany portugal looked much more vulnerable….anyone with me on this?
July 15, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Suli;
We are debating Alonso and barry here. Don’t even mention that Portugeezer ta.
July 15, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I think diaby should have is chance now hes been waitin for how long??
July 15, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Credible? Like a female pope?
July 15, 2008 at 9:28 pm
We have lots of centre midfielders, but I can only two of them can play in the defensive midfield role, Gilberto and Song.
I worry that Diaby is going to be the player Wenger chooses to replace Flamini. He just isn’t good enough. It’s amazing how people compare him to Vieira just because they are tall, black and slender. Diaby does not have any confidence in the tackle, and he doesn’t have the head to play a simple pass – he’ll get caught in possession far too often.
http://www.arsenal-opinion.com
July 15, 2008 at 9:40 pm
scottpuffin;
I think you been puffin too much fella. You havent got a clue lad.
July 15, 2008 at 9:41 pm
scottpuffin i agree with u about diaby but i would add kolo to the def mid role as i can see wenger running him out. berts on his way to greece so scratch him. i think rambo will get a run out or two in the role as well
July 15, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Interesting comment Scott, I agree with you about Diaby. Maybe Song can step up next season and grab a starting place? He showed his class towards the end of last season and I personally feel he’s ready now.
July 15, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Song is pretty crap really. Denilson or Diaby will be given the nod. Wenger rang me up and told me.
Adebayor will be sold to barca tomorrow too.
July 15, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Dwayne Dibbly, great name I’ll give you that.
http://www.arsenal-opinion.com
July 15, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Chris, totally agree about Song. He’s the type of player we need in that position, he’s a terrier.
Dibbly, you need to realise Denilson and Diaby are not defensive mate!!
http://www.arsenal-opinion.com
July 15, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Ok Spike, thanks for the info.
July 15, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Alonso would be a quality signing. He is tough in the tackle and can blast from long range. I would sign him in a heartbeat….
July 15, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Chris;
Change of mood, change of name fella!
Scott; Didnt Denilson play as a DM when in Brasil?
Diaby isnt a DM, I am just going on Wenger’s previous comments and the fact that of all our current CMs,we could do with a DM who has a physical presence. And I aint convinced by dear old Song, altho I’d rather him in midfield than defence.
Yep, you know Im right!
July 15, 2008 at 10:34 pm
If Spain can make it work with a Cesc-Alonso type partnership then it would definitely work for us. I would rather have Alonso than Barry any day. He is world class and is sooo underrated.
July 15, 2008 at 10:38 pm
i think it will be a good buy,better than barry…arsenal can tell liverpool give us alonso and we won’t bid for barry….so both liverpool and arsenal save money on transfers…alonso will give fab another reason to stay…
July 15, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Alonso is certainly not under-rated by Liverpool fans and we all prefer him to Barry. Don’t think this would happen unless it was MEGA money.
July 15, 2008 at 10:41 pm
this would be a very good signing. then we can forget about playing rubbish like diaby or song.
alonso for the motherfucking win.
July 15, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Dream on Loosers ! You can watch and admire Xabi when you come to Anfield for another hiding ! Don’t forget your camera’s so you can take a snap of the European Cup !
P.S please sign Barry so that tinker O’Neil can stop moaning.
July 15, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Paul Kop;
I take it you’ve never been to Anfield. Or have any idea what is going on up there either.
Your duffer of a manager is trying to SELL Alonso you thick twat!
Don’t you just love these deluded glory hunters?
July 15, 2008 at 11:25 pm
All these thieves commenting on our site.Bring your cameras to the emirates next season to take a picture of the premier league trophy the one u little thieves crave.
July 15, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I predict that this deal will happen, and this is why. Liverpool have no money. Since the credit crunch, the clubs that have been borrowing to buy players, like Liverpool and Man U, cannot do it any longer. Liverpool are short of money to get Barry, so in comes Arsenal to buy Alonso and there you go, Liverpool get money for Barry. The question to ask is: Why the hell do you sell Alonso to buy Barry? What do you gain? It can only be because Alonso wants to leave. That means he’s unhappy and he MUST leave. Arsenal’s gain. Remember what Arsene said at the end of the season: He wants to buy players with English PL experience. Read Santa Cruz and Alonso. Any aurguments?
July 15, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Utter bollox as usual
July 16, 2008 at 12:10 am
LB i think u are absolutely right. Spanish papers can’t stop talking about the tension between Benitez and Alonso ever since he refused to play against Milan because his wife was having a baby. Apparently, if Benitez stays Alonso leaves and he will definately stay….so thats Alonso out, no Juve move, about 18 mill, more defensive than Cesc, forms a great partnership with him in Spain and they get along woderfully…..sooo why not get him?
July 16, 2008 at 4:42 am
Alonso to Arsenal? If the deal get through, it will be great. Alonso-Fabregas can make a partnership both in club and country like Petit-Vieira. And by then Arsenal won another double and maybe Spain can finally won a World Cup. Get the deal done. Barry is a no no.He’s overrated and overpaid.
July 16, 2008 at 5:40 am
If Rafa lets Alonso join Arsenal then he will have done a great present to the Gunners!!!
I am fully convinced that Rafa in the transfer market is below average but I want to believe that HE IS NOT SO IDIOT!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2008 at 6:07 am
very difficult for Liverpool! Liverpool must keep Alonso because Rafa cannot get Barry. i think Alonso can win the first line-up as Garrand, Macherano and Alonso can play very well together
July 16, 2008 at 8:18 am
XABI ALONSO …. if a deal goes through great he would be a great addition to the squad
July 16, 2008 at 9:39 am
perfect replacement for flanini and him and fabregas are friends which could help him come. arsenal could offer 17million and agree to pullout of the race for Barry and cause liverpool are so urgent for barry the deal may go through!
July 16, 2008 at 10:16 am
i like cheese
July 16, 2008 at 11:39 am
Dont think that alonso is the sort of player we need at the moment..
July 16, 2008 at 12:12 pm
i think alonso should stay
July 16, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Anyone slating Alonso is stupid. The guy’s class and I think he will work well with Cesc. More than just a playmayker he is good in the tackle but he may be worth a lot more than what they were willing to sell to Juve.
July 16, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I would welcome Alonso with welcome arms.
Imagine this for a midfield next season.
Nasri Cesc Alonso Rosicky.
July 16, 2008 at 12:30 pm
ok that was meant to read with open arms lol
July 16, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Alonso is quality. He tidies up in front of the defence, and keeps things simple, but also has a good range of passing. I think he’ll be a great signing. Can’t see it happening, but it would be nice.
http://www.arsenal-opinion.com
July 16, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I don’t understand why Rafa must sell alonso, I don’t think barry will better than xabi, It’s totally a stupid decision. Xabi wants to stay, but liverpool only want to sell them for money, it’s really hurts the player. Xabi is a quality player and arsenal is worth to buy him and play well with cesc.
July 16, 2008 at 2:10 pm
CHRIS TELL ME IF IM RIGHT WENGER SEEMS SHROOD IN THE TRANSFER MARKET BUT IS HE.HE GETS PLAYERS ON THE CHEAP BUT I THINK HE LOSES THEM ON THE CHEAP ALSO OR FOR FREE,IF HLEB WAS A REAL MADRID PLAYER HE WOULD BE WORTH 15 MILLION WOULDNT HE HENRY WAS WORTH MORE THAN 16 MILLION.AND IF HE SIGNED FLAMINI ON A NEW CONTRACT LAST SEASON WE WOULD OF GOT AT LEAST 10 MILLION FOR HIM,,I DONT WANT BARRY ,I WOULD PREFER VELOSA HIS MUCH BETTER,WE STILL LOOK SHORT WHAT DO U THINK MATE??
July 16, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Arsenal has the upper hand in both deals.
They can either go for Barry or Alonso and I believe Villa will be more willing to deal with Arsenal after the long saga with Liverpool over Barry. Barry Vs Alonso? I think Alonso is more offensive minded than Barry. But just for the sake of lacking of English players maybe Barry will be better.
Otherwise, do remember that Barry had had difficulty breaking into a sub-standard England team and Alonso has always been in the Spanish national team despite the abundance of midfielders that they have.
Anyway Liverpool are has been unethical in their ways of dealing with transfers. Similar to the Spanish club (guess where their manager is from), they tap up players through the press first before calling the club. Thats what angered O’Neill. Besides, i’m sure you guys remember the Harry Kewell saga too, in which poor Leeds got cheated of their money.
July 16, 2008 at 2:26 pm
lennox,
you win some and lose some. nobody wins all.
1. Henry was getting injury prone and was declining. Hleb isn’t for both. The age difference of both players also played a big part.
2. Would you have given Flamini a contract by judging his previous seasons performance prior to his good season? He raised his game in his last season and before that we were ready to flock him to Birmingham. Again, it was different. And Arsene has been trying to negotiate a contract with him for the entire season.
3. Arsenal do not accept silly wages demand. Look at Adebayor now.. I think he is stuck with Milan buying Ronaldinho and Barca don’t buy him, he really has no other big club interested in him. Will we see him apologize for being stupid and shoot himself in his foot?
July 16, 2008 at 3:02 pm
What do ppl think about us gettin Nigel De Jong he about the right age 25/26 wouldnt cost 2 much and i thought it was good at euro’s and when he was at ajax? He a gd DM and he a star that would want loads of money.
July 16, 2008 at 3:06 pm
DUCK i dont no mate i just think flamini never got a chance,i no what your saying about the others, it just frustrates me players keep leaving and dont get replaced,what do u think where do we need to strengthen and who will we get??
July 16, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Lennox,
With Gilberto also gone, i think its inevitable Arsenal needs an experienced CM/DM. And then Arsene needs to rectify our defense’s problem with long balls.
The rest depends on whether Adebayor is leaving or not. Seems like Arsenal does not have as much money as reported in news. Mainly we have enough firepower with Vela, Nasri and Walcott. But if Adebayor stays and a new striker is bought, RVP and Bendtner may leave.
July 16, 2008 at 3:28 pm
fuk alonso shitbag we need to buy arshavin he wants to come and is quality
July 16, 2008 at 3:29 pm
n wot dat smak rat up der said
walcott fabregas arshavin nasri
good mid field
July 16, 2008 at 4:55 pm
we need velosa to fill flaminis place ,but i bet he dont buy no one and plays diaby there ,but he loses the ball 2 much,almunia aint all that either,boruc would be good,we never have a kitty we only spend what we get from sale.should of kept diarra and loaned him out???
July 16, 2008 at 5:13 pm
alonso would be a good buy hes a good tackler and he think he would be a great partner for cesc in the centre of midfield. hes a little bit more defensive though but thats what arsenal need. if arsenal don’t get barry, veloso or alonso then they should let song have his chance. him and diaby have been waiting for years now. but alonso would be good and if liverpool were to sell him to us then we would hve enough central midfielders to last for one season.
July 16, 2008 at 5:22 pm
JAMES i agree if we dont get velosa ,barry,or alonso song would be my choice i think his a good player dont no about diaby loses the ball alot stephen appiah is a good player we r always linked with ,and we did put an offer in for zappata but it wernt enuf is he a central mid???
July 16, 2008 at 7:20 pm
this would be a daft signing, we do not need Alonso, we need a work horse in midfield that wil win the ball and play it simple not a player who looks for a killer passer always. Thats the problem with Alonso he always looks for the killer pass, and when it works it looks good but when it doesnt you find yourself losing the ball and tracking back. After losing Flamini, Gilberto and Diarra, I think we all know what kind of player we need
July 16, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Arsenal should go for the likes of van der Varrt
Not to much money and would suit Arsenal very well.
See not all LFC fans are full of hate like Paul Kop is.
August 7, 2008 at 10:32 am
i think Liverpool should keep Alonso because hes a great player.
But the 2 players i think are the best are Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres