City in ADVANCED talks with Dzeko [merged]

[DoomMerchant]

Can Dzeko start playing as soon as the transfer is completed in January?

Registration and work permit are needed so I guess a couple of days afterwards.

We're trying to get it done for the Arsenal game on the 5th. The only problem I can see, is RSC truning around like Ireland and saying "as I didn't ask for a transfer, I'd like a severence fee".......por favor.

the window doesn't open until Monday tho, right? ...so it's a stretch that he'll be ready by Wednesday imho. Fingers crossed tho.

cheers

also did i miss the news that RSC is going the other way as part of the deal? i hadn't read that yet. Guess im a little behind the times.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

[CityGer]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

Who has said that?

[ENIAM NAM]

How does it work now with our named squad players who are eligible to play in the league? I thought we hadto submit a revised list at the end of Jan. If that is the case how can new signings play before the new squad list is submitted?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

Who has said that?

fair few people. You should check some of the Andy Carroll topics from this past three months.

That's not the point though, people are saying they are sceptic because they haven't seen him and would rather prefer someone they have seen. I've always thought that to be worst point ever. I only listen to people who wouldn't want someone they HAVE seen. In this case only Ted seems to fit that criteria.

[CityGer]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

Who has said that?

fair few people. You should check some of the Andy Carroll topics from this past three months.

That's not the point though, people are saying they are sceptic because they haven't seen him and would rather prefer someone they have seen. I've always thought that to be worst point ever. I only listen to people who wouldn't want someone they HAVE seen. In this case only Ted seems to fit that criteria.

Fair do's. I haven't read a single post expressing scepticism because Dzeko's not English.

[Fish111]

Where does the signing of Dzecko leave Balotelli if he hits the ground running like we all hope he does? If he is a miserable bastard now when he's playing & scoring what is he going to be like when he's sat on the bench?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Where does the signing of Dzecko leave Balotelli if he hits the ground running like we all hope he does? If he is a miserable bastard now when he's playing & scoring what is he going to be like when he's sat on the bench?

people seem to forget that Mario is just a kid. A wonderkid for sure but still just a kid. He doesn't have the maturity on or off the pitch to be regular starter on team like ours. Point which I feel Mancini has already made. Tevez's future hangs in balance. Ade was already disinterested player before Togo incident. Stuff he said after that incident clearly indicated that he had lost what little passion he had for the game. I'd ship him off as soon as we can. RSC has no future and offers us nothing. Rest of our 'striker options' are more or less jokes.

For me we NEED top goalscorer. In fact, I'd add another in summer.

[john@staustell]

Where does the signing of Dzecko leave Balotelli if he hits the ground running like we all hope he does? If he is a miserable bastard now when he's playing & scoring what is he going to be like when he's sat on the bench?

people seem to forget that Mario is just a kid. A wonderkid for sure but still just a kid. He doesn't have the maturity on or off the pitch to be regular starter on team like ours. Point which I feel Mancini has already made. Tevez's future hangs in balance. Ade was already disinterested player before Togo incident. Stuff he said after that incident clearly indicated that he had lost what little passion he had for the game. I'd ship him off as soon as we can. RSC has no future and offers us nothing. Rest of our 'striker options' are more or less jokes.

For me we NEED top goalscorer. In fact, I'd add another in summer.

Agreed. Fishy - that's a bit simplistic for an esteemed poster like yourself. No-one can seriously mount a challenge on several fronts over several seasons - a REAL challenge - without at least 4 top strikers. If you accept that Ade and RSC are written off, then we still have Jo in our 4. IMHO there is still room for Mr Torres and leave Jo to make the half time tea! I believe Mancini had 6 at Inter, including party-boy Adriano (AND BALOTELLI!).

[Blue Blood]

Just had a thought.. I think i'm right in saying Dzeko can play in the Europa League as i think Wolfsburg didn't qualify this year.

Anyone able to confirm this?

Would be awesome if he can!

[Beefymcfc]

How does it work now with our named squad players who are eligible to play in the league? I thought we hadto submit a revised list at the end of Jan. If that is the case how can new signings play before the new squad list is submitted?

It's an open window during January where fringe players/new signings get a chance to get back in/in the squad; basically anyone registered can be in the team.

[ENIAM NAM]

How does it work now with our named squad players who are eligible to play in the league? I thought we hadto submit a revised list at the end of Jan. If that is the case how can new signings play before the new squad list is submitted?

It's an open window during January where fringe players/new signings get a chance to get back in/in the squad; basically anyone registered can be in the team.

good news. Thanks for that.

[13021J]

Mancini has always said he wants to play with two strikers where possible, I think with Dzeko this may become the case. He obviously likes the current formation, so could we expect to see Tevez playing in Yaya's role as SS, and Yaya dropping into Barry's position?

------------Dzeko
---Balo-------------Silva
----------Tevez

--------Yaya
--------------NDJ
Kolarov--------------Zaba
-------Komps-----Kolo

-------------Hart

That's the way we play now but it would improve the team immeasurably and would be very attacking. Tevez is more than capable of playing in Yaya's current role which basically involves dropping back and then collecting the ball and driving forward.

[Kladze]

so could we expect to see Tevez playing in Yaya's role as SS, and Yaya dropping into Barry's position?

In a word ........


No

[CitizenYank]

Of all the players we have bought the last few years, Dzeko is the one who would I could see
being a slam dunk, no doubt about it.

[Ted Hughes]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

Who has said that?

fair few people. You should check some of the Andy Carroll topics from this past three months.

That's not the point though, people are saying they are sceptic because they haven't seen him and would rather prefer someone they have seen. I've always thought that to be worst point ever. I only listen to people who wouldn't want someone they HAVE seen. In this case only Ted seems to fit that criteria.

My scepticism isn't down to a lack of belief in Dzeko's ability, I think, apart from pace, he has almost everything once he settles in & could become a real top player for us. It's just that I wanted to start the season with a No 1 striker as backup to Tevez, who's instantly reliable or can do a job for the team , without goals if he struggles initially, whilst he finds his feet. We need to get Dzeko scoring right away & get the pressure off him imo.

Some players could miss a few open nets but still hold a place down in the team whilst they find form & get the crowd with them. I've seen a few current flaws in Dzeko's game which worried me that, if he got off to a bad start, he could look a bit shit & would be under enormous pressure as a big signing, which could write him off for the season. Also, we weren't getting many players forward & creating much, so a missed chance was a big event & someone missing them would be under the microscope . Now we're creating lots of half chances that someone like Dzeko should thrive on. I'd still like another striker as well though, as we've said.

However, the fact we've got half way through a season with only a 20 year old nutcase, plus Ade (nutcase) & Jo, as backup to transfer seeking, shit stirring, Tevez & are still second, there's not much fucking point in worrying about it is there?!! Get him signed!

[Esky]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

[hyper]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

What we really need here is a youtube clip of his best bits...

[Ted Hughes]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

The fact that he's got a good goals tally & the side has been crap, gives me more encouragement that he'll succeed for us than his performances of the past tbh, when everything was just a little bit too easy for him & Grafite; who also has a very good scoring record. I think he's a much better bet now than he would have been 12 months ago.

[Esky]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

The fact that he's got a good goals tally & the side has been crap, gives me more encouragement that he'll succeed for us than his performances of the past tbh, when everything was just a little bit too easy for him & Grafite; who also has a very good scoring record. I think he's a much better bet now than he would have been 12 months ago.

That's true. McClaren can't seem to turn a trick there and Dzeko's still hitting one in two. In Silva we have a player similar to/better than Misimovic so I think he'd slot in to our side quite easily.