Not imo. Mainly down to technique where the ball gets away from Antonio on too many occasions. Lanzini does a lot of work and excels bringing the ball out of defence.
He plays deeper than Coutinho so wouldn't be a ready replacement anyway.
No IMO MrsG. Although I like Mr Antonio and think he's a great player for our team, there is a reason Slav wanted to convert him to be a RB. He is quick, powerful and strong, has a great engine, and dribbles well. His technique and 'football brain' however isn't that high for a forward player. (I'm not trying to say he isn't a good RW, he is, and IMO he's currently the best we have in that position).
I can see a bigger team than us wanting Lanzini, his current ability (baller ;footie , technique and skills of creativity) and potential to get better still are attractive. However I cannot imagine one of the 'top 6' wanting Antonio as a right wing forward - he simply hasn't the technical nous required for those teams IMO.
I hope so Grey. If we are paying a reported £2.4-3m for a (admittedly seemingly highly regarded) 18 year old from the Swedish league, I would like to think we would get more than £4m for a player who; is at his prime (27), is a regular international (43 caps, 11 goals), was a top player and nailed on starter for Valencia for 5 years, was decent in the prem IMO once he adjusted and got past his initial injury, scores (around 1 in 6.5ish in Spain and UK) and creates as a winger, still has two years left on contract, etc, etc.
Although as I have already stated I'll be sad to see him go. Ideally I would keep him and think he could be a good player for us. Unfortunately it appears I will be disappointed
moore_than, I was heavily in the camp for wanting Giroud originally, especially because at the time I felt Chicharito seemed unlikely. I would be amazed if we brought him in now. He's not going to switch across London to still be on the bench, so what are we suddenly going to go two up top when we barely did last season, haven't at all over pre season, and Slav has never seemingly favoured it? He's a top striker IMO and I think he'd be great for us, but I feel if we do bring in another CF (which in itself I feel is unlikely now) he will be a younger player, or from a 'smaller' team, willing to be second fiddle to the 'lil Pea.
...and I am with those who remember Warren Barton. '90s Prem League Newc? RB? and an overly common find for the sticker books! Swap!
Warren Barton is the same former NUFC player, and he is now based in San Diego, and is a regular commentator, pundit and mangler of the English language on the Fox Soccer channel here in the USA. So he may have some inside info: but his most recent comment on Giroud on Twitter is lukewarm at best:
Hammer Robert @TheRobertGLong @warrenbarton2 did I hear u say, on post game show, that Giroud's pk for Arsenal would be his last as he was going to @WestHamUtd?
Looks like Watford signing Andre Gray. Think we will get burnt again not signing 2 strikers. Foolish to think Sakho and Carroll can be relied on to be fit.
Looks like Watford signing Andre Gray. Think we will get burnt again not signing 2 strikers. Foolish to think Sakho and Carroll can be relied on to be fit.
I reckon that they should be able to manage at least ten games.
Comments
He plays deeper than Coutinho so wouldn't be a ready replacement anyway.
I can see a bigger team than us wanting Lanzini, his current ability (baller ;footie , technique and skills of creativity) and potential to get better still are attractive. However I cannot imagine one of the 'top 6' wanting Antonio as a right wing forward - he simply hasn't the technical nous required for those teams IMO.
I just think Lanzini could improve on the 'knowing when to pass' as far too often imo he holds on too long, runs into a dead end and loses the ball.
Nothing in that makes it the case that he's an equal or nearly equal replacement for Coutinho, because in my opinion he isn't in that class.
Although as I have already stated I'll be sad to see him go. Ideally I would keep him and think he could be a good player for us. Unfortunately it appears I will be disappointed
I've never heard of Warren Barton, but I think the chances of Giroud coming to us are extremely, extremely low.
...and I am with those who remember Warren Barton. '90s Prem League Newc? RB? and an overly common find for the sticker books! Swap!
Warren BartonVerified account @warrenbarton2 Aug 6
Warren Barton Retweeted Hammer Robert
Maybe ...
Hammer Robert @TheRobertGLong
@warrenbarton2 did I hear u say, on post game show, that Giroud's pk for
Arsenal would be his last as he was going to @WestHamUtd?
https://media3.giphy.com/media/14fYGia5pd6GeQ/giphy.gif
;pray that it is much more.
The Algerian, will be joining Galatasaray in a £4 million deal.
Just need a couple of new additions. Just a DM and attacking player please!!!
I accept CB is not going to happen.