Aleksandr Hleb has given his opinion on Arsenal’s summer transfer window ahead of the clash between of his former sides.
The 36 year-old is currently plying his trade back in his home country, as well as starring for his international side, but with two of his former clubs set to take each other on in the Europa League, Hleb had to relive some memories.
Hleb was contracted to BATE Borisov on at least four occasions in his career, including joining them as a 17 year-old youngster originally, while he played for Arsenal for only three years.
Aleksandr has stated that he doesn’t believe the Gunners had the best of transfer windows, while downplaying the ability of club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette.
The former BATE and Arsenal midfielder said: “The signings that did come through are good, like Alexandre Lacazette, but I can’t say that’s a ‘fantastic’ signing.
“I am a fan of Giroud and I don’t think Lacazette is better than him.
“I think the two are on the same level.”
Hleb went onto claim that Arsenal can no longer match the spending of their rivals in this day and age, insisting they would have wanted to make bigger waves in the previous window but couldn’t compete.
“Football is a crazy world now,” he added. “The market is crazy, there is just so much money involved.
“Arsenal would have wanted to sign more players but it’s too difficult to compete with the likes of Manchester City and PSG.”
Are we being left behind because of the current financial climate? Will we ever adapt our ways to try and keep up?
Pat J
Hleb contradicts himself. On the one hand he is a fan of Giroud who is on par with Lacazette who is not a “fantastic signing” for being on the same level as Hleb’s idol – Giroud
No, he dont contradict himself. Being a fan of giroud doesnt make giroud a WC player for hleb or any other fan. He said laca is not a fantastic signing because he believe laca is on par with giroud and giroud being giroud, he felt disappointed because arsenal deserved a better striker. I still want auba and belloti.
Gosh I was so relieved when we cashed in on him. For the younger ones here, Helb was an Ozil type of player, absolutely $hite at defending but no where near the vision and assist level Ozil is having.
I agree, he’s nowhere near Ozil in terms of creativity, but he had his moments. To me, he was a slightly better and more intelligent version of Wilshere. Maybe with a touch of Ox too. He was a bit inconsistent though, and struggled with injuries as well, so all in all I was too glad when we sold him. Hleb, Song, Vermaelen – I don’t know what Barca saw in them. BTW, later on in his career Hleb admitted that he made a huge mistake by leaving Arsenal, and he wished he stayed with us and finished his career with the club. I wonder how many ex-players feel the same, but just wouldn’t come out and admit it like Hleb did (RvP, Nasri, Clichy, Cole, Cesc, Ox, and so on, and so forth).
They are different. I believe they could work really well together up front. Alexis needs to have the ball a lot were Laca I feel is more of a poacher. I what OG does is lost on many fans because even though playing up front he is a target man pure and simple.
I am thankful for all of Giroud’s 100 goals
He may not be the World class striker we have needed for years but he did score 100 goals and helped us win 3 FA Cups
As for Lacazette, only time will tell but I believe Lacazette will prove to be better and score over 20 Premier league goals per season
is helb wrong?
we should have brought lukaku or costa or morata
I think Lacazette will score more goals this season than Giroud has scored for Arsenal in any season.
Hleb was good on the right wing but the guy wouldn’t shoot. At least Razor tried when in the same position and that FA Cup final goal will never be forgotten.
Hleb may not be fabrigas nor Silva but he was quite something, Hleb had a glue on his legs, he had skills and on his day he could match any midfielder. Pep wouldn’t have gone for him if he was as shit as you claim. he may have had his deficiencies but I for one, enjoyed what he offered us.
Hleb should state only 1 defender in EPL that Giroud has dribbled past since his arrival in 2012. Arsenal should sell the lamp post when they can still get something