Exactly mate. There was nothing tongue in cheek about the quoted post at all.
Half the people on here clearly can't read.
I've said on numerous times he will probably go on to be a good player, but there has been nothing in his career so far nor in his limited showings in the PL to date to suggest he is worth the money paid nor the hysteria from our fans during the summer transfer window due to us not going for him.
People simply quote small sections of long posts to remove context and pick arguments.
Would I have been happy if we'd have signed Pepe? Considering our need for a RW, yes.
Would I have been happy if we'd have signed him for £72m? Not really. Considering our recent record with big money signings, it would have felt like a big risk on somebody with no proven track record to speak of other than one very good season in France aged 24.
And like I said earlier, if he was that good, considering the dire need some of Europe's top clubs have for right wingers, he'd have signed for somebody bigger/ better. Munich passed on him due to concerns about his ability to function in a league where you get less space than France (and before you ask, I've already posted a link during the window. Google it as it's very easy to find if you haven't already seen it) whilst Madrid and United (who could have signed him ahead of Arsenal pretty easily given our financial resources) didn't get involved despite his club's best interest to use those names to drive up the price.
Maybe they've all missed a trick and he'll go on to be the next big thing? Who knows. I'm happy to wager he won't live up to the fee though. Personally I think that money would have been better spent shoring up your defence.
I'm not quoting this post specifically but I'm quoting your opinions on this thread in general.
I think your assessments make sense in a forceful way, but applied logically especially in regards to other factors involved it's bordering on over the top. To be honest, using these opinions you've given on Arsenal, we could easily apply it to United no?
Remember we are the Arsenal. We are not City or United and will never compete financially on the same level, our signings have never really been ready made super stars unless a good value opportunity comes along (ozil/sanchez). Our owner doesn't invest personally in the club and we generally have a modest and cautious spending policy. Paying close to £50 million on Lacazette for a striker is nothing. Top strikers command a significant premium, due to limited supply and high demand.
For Giroud, when he left we needed a quicker, younger and slightly more adaptable striker. Giroud was always our plan B option for a lot of games due to his impressive aerial ability. We knew Sanchez wanted to leave at that point so a replacement was essential. We had a look at Higuain but didn't want to pay the fee I think. At that time who else was available? I think Lacazette is a good signing considering the size and financial status of the club (at the time). Can't really think of anyone else who would have performed marginally better without diminishing our returns?
The same applies to the French NT, Giroud got the nod ahead of Lacazette due to his different traits/strengths as a striker. He offers a unique aspect in his game play compared to Lacazette and logically was the obvious back-up option in tightly contested games when they needed to switch tactically? Why pick Lacazette for the NT when you have better players in Mbappe and Griezmann? Again Arsenal realistically have no chance of signing the two I just mentioned...
Now for Pepe, hes just started his first game against arguably the best team in the world right now. A little harsh to judge him as a B rated player. I agree he will never be a Ribery or Robben etc. but the kid has showed flashes of his skill and we expect him to improve the Arsenal team somewhat. If he gives us what Arsenal have lacked for years - a natural dribbler who can beat a man and help us elevate to a 4th CL spot i'd be ecstatic. From there, we can then look into acquiring higher caliber players.
I'm genuinely excited for Pepe and I hope he has a decent season. We've seen flashes of his skill against Liverpool however he seems a little raw. I fully expect him to integrate in the PL and become a key player for Arsenal.