Summer Transfer Temps and Journeymen

[Marc Overmars]

United are close to signing Sancho. :sick:

[selassie]

Yes, absolutely we need to keep Ceballos, good shout

I would personally sign Ceballos on a permanent deal on the strength of his form since the restart of the season.

He’s arguably the best Midfielder in the country on current form, his displays in the cup semi and final were top draw, the potential everyone talks about was there for all to see.

Apparently he’s surplus to requirements at Madrid and they want 25mill for him, I’d buy him for that price, I think he’s an important part in the rebuild of this team.

[I am invisible]

I'm really nervous that Real might use Ceballos as a bargaining chip to try and get Auba - someone tell me I'm just being paranoid...

[selassie]

I'm really nervous that Real might use Ceballos as a bargaining chip to try and get Auba - someone tell me I'm just being paranoid...

You are being paranoid.

Auba is off to Inter 😉

[I am invisible]

You are being paranoid.

Auba is off to Inter 😉
Phew!

Wait... what?

[Mac76]

United are close to signing Sancho. :sick:

I'm not sure he'll fit in at Colchester though ;)

[Marc Overmars]

Seems like the move for Willian is at the behest of Arteta. I guess he feels like that work ethic and athleticism fits in to what he wants to build. There’s a winning mentality too I suppose.

Dunno, I know he’s a good player but just find these kind of signings so underwhelming. A Chelsea mate of mine said they’ve signed Ziyech and probably will get Havertz. Levels...and I can’t help but agree.

If Edu, Raul and Joorabchian want to all line each other’s pockets then at least go and find another Martinelli or some other rough diamond in South America.

[Mac76]

where woudl Willain play though - AFAIK he's a left-sided attacking midfielder so is it to allow Auba to play in the middle or does he go behind the front three?

and where does it leave people like Saka?

i used to think Willian was one of the best players in the Pl but that was about 3 years ago, i think he looks a bit sulky now but maybe that's just because he's pissed off at Chelsea

but ultimately i don't like buying all these rejects from other clubs higher up the table - it makes us look like Neverton...

[Globalgunner]

I hope the move for Willian falls apart. We can certainly do better, younger and cheaper

[Penguin]

Maybe it means that Arteta's going to move Auba back to CF and have Willain fight for one of the wide forward positions. I can see the logic in that because he's still a good player and he'd give competition to Saka and Pepe. It might bring out the best in Pepe if his position is under threat.

Also he'd be a free transfer so it would let to focus the best part of our budget on our midfield and defense. I can get behind that.

Of course, we're probably selling Auba and getting Willian as a direct replacement. :ilt:

[selassie]

Phew!

Wait... what?

I'm as in the dark as you over Auba. No idea if he will stay or go.

[GP]

Apparently in for some dude called Gabriel from Lille.

[selassie]

Seems like the move for Willian is at the behest of Arteta. I guess he feels like that work ethic and athleticism fits in to what he wants to build. There’s a winning mentality too I suppose.

Dunno, I know he’s a good player but just find these kind of signings so underwhelming. A Chelsea mate of mine said they’ve signed Ziyech and probably will get Havertz. Levels...and I can’t help but agree.

If Edu, Raul and Joorabchian want to all line each other’s pockets then at least go and find another Martinelli or some other rough diamond in South America.

Only at Arsenal would our transfer policy go from not buying anyone at all to seemingly overpaying on young talents or picking up washed up players from our so called rivals.

The David Luiz deal amounted to 24 million, 24 million pounds for a defender who is not only old but wasn’t even deemed good enough for Chelsea’s mess of a defence.

If we are seriously going to give Willian are 3 year deal then Raul & Edu should be fired immediately.

[I am invisible]

Apparently in for some dude called Gabriel from Lille.
Ooh, now that’s more like it! Hope there’s some truth to that one.

[I am invisible]

I’ve gotta say, I’m not actually sure what Edu does at this point? As far as I can make out he’s just there to give Raul’s shady AF operation an acceptable public face

[Penguin]

Only at Arsenal would our transfer policy go from not buying anyone at all to seemingly overpaying on young talents or picking up washed up players from our so called rivals.

The David Luiz deal amounted to 24 million, 24 million pounds for a defender who is not only old but wasn’t even deemed good enough for Chelsea’s mess of a defence.

If we are seriously going to give Willian are 3 year deal then Raul & Edu should be fired immediately.

I had the same reaction as you initially, but I wouldn't mind getting Willian on a free transfer if it means we can focus our budget on signing 2 or 3 genuinely quality players in midfield and defense. I don't want us spreading the money out too thin and ending up with a bunch of mediocre players like Xhaka, Mustafi, Giroud.

Ideally we can unearth a young gem like Martinelli instead, but that's easier said than done.

[selassie]

I had the same reaction as you initially, but I wouldn't mind getting Willian on a free transfer if it means we can focus our budget on signing 2 or 3 genuinely quality players in midfield and defense. I don't want us spreading the money out too thin and ending up with a bunch of mediocre players like Xhaka, Mustafi, Giroud.

Ideally we can unearth a young gem like Martinelli instead, but that's easier said than done.

Aye, if it’s Willian plus Gabriel (Lille defender) & Partey then that’s a decent window. I do get the feeling that we need to make some space in the squad to bring in proper additions. The likes of Ozil, Mustafi, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, one of Holding or Chambers & Elneny all need to be moved on though. I think we would struggle to find a buyer for most of that lot With the exception of Torreira and the English lads.

[Mac76]

Aye, if it’s Willian plus Gabriel (Lille defender) & Partey then that’s a decent window. I do get the feeling that we need to make some space in the squad to bring in proper additions. The likes of Ozil, Mustafi, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, one of Holding or Chambers & Elneny all need to be moved on though. I think we would struggle to find a buyer for most of that lot With the exception of Torreira and the English lads.

I still have faith in Holding and think Chambers is great ,decent footballer in several positions and a real Arsenal lad, remember how he was bombing forward even when Emery was telling him not to? :lol:

I think we should keep him around

[selassie]

I still have faith in Holding and think Chambers is great ,decent footballer in several positions and a real Arsenal lad, remember how he was bombing forward even when Emery was telling him not to? :lol:

I think we should keep him around

Oh I agree. I actually really like Chambers, think he's a decent player and was starting to really establish himself before he got crocked. I'd keep him around for sure assuming he recovers from his injury well. I actually think he could force his way back into contention again as a first XI player.

Holding isn't bad either but....I don't think there is room for both him and Chambers.

[Penguin]

I was disappointed that Holding didn't give a better impression of himself to Arteta. Not entirely his fault because Arteta threw him in at the deep end against Leeds, and then froze him out. But that little run of games he got was a really good opportunity to make the position his own, like Martinez has done at GK.

Both Holding and Chambers are at an age where they need to take their chances when they get them. Saliba is here now and hopefully we'll be signing a top quality CB this window too, so they might not get the game time they want.

[fakeyank]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/12042886/arsenal-make-willian-three-year-contract-offer

Looks like the offer for Sideshow Bobs black brother is official

[Marc Overmars]

Bit of talk again on getting Coutinho on loan.

Though I’m not sure how much is genuine and how much is just the media putting two and two together because of the individuals behind these players.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Regardless of the way he went about leaving, I still have an unhealthy amount of love for Coutinho :rose:

[dazthegooner]

Reported that we can sign him for £9m plus Gunfloozi...

[Mac76]

Apparently it's a three-year contract offer to Willian - that's another has-been we won't be able to get rid of for ages

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I think Arteta must be tired of us pubbing around on set pieces.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Citeh have signed Ake. :lol:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53672152

Sky say they want four more signings. :wacko:

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/12042856/man-city-nathan-ake-set-for-medical-city-want-to-sign-four-more

They've already signed Ferran(do) Torres from Valencia.

[I am invisible]

Reported that we can sign him for £9m plus Gunfloozi...
Actually, the ludicrous story on that one was that we’d buy Coutinho for £109m and then sell them Guendouzi for £100m, all to help them get around ffp rules?!! Seriously, why would we do Barcelona any favours? Let their DNA get them out of whatever mess they’re in.

[Gooner23]

Actually, the ludicrous story on that one was that we’d buy Coutinho for £109m and then sell them Guendouzi for £100m, all to help them get around ffp rules?!! Seriously, why would we do Barcelona any favours? Let their DNA get them out of whatever mess they’re in.

Hadn't seen that rumour, something we should be running a mile from if true. Sounds like we've cooled on Coutinho anyway now that Willian is on his way.

[I am invisible]

Coutinho is still a brilliant player on his day, but I tend to think there’s a reason that Klopp sanctioned that move (and why it hasn’t worked out at Barca or Bryan). He’s kind of tactically inflexible in that, if you play him, then you really have to build your side around him as a 10, and that’s something most top sides seem to be moving away from these days. And he also looks like he can let his head drop at times, when things aren’t going well, and I don’t think that fit with the relentless way that Klopp likes his teams to play.

From what I’ve seen of Arteta so far, I think he has similar demands in terms of work rate and tactical / positional flexibility. I think he’ll probably favour a similar 433 to Man City and Liverpool once he’s had a chance to go shopping (and especially once we have a couple of CB who can play in a two), with most of his players able to switch between at least 2 roles (e.g. inverted fullbacks that can cover CM, 6-8s and 8-10s in midfield, attackers that can play wide or central, wingers and fullbacks that can switch, etc).

[I am invisible]

Oddly enough, I’m actually warming to the idea of Willian, after an initial ‘WTF’. He’ll add more goals and creativity, he’s happy playing left, right or centre, and even if the game isn’t going his way he still generally works his arse off. Question marks over offering a 3 year deal to a 32yo, but then we do seem to be hitting a time where more and more players are playing for longer into their 30s as sport science gets better at managing recovery, so maybe he’ll be one of those guys like Auba that just keeps going? His fitness record is certainly encouraging.

And, of course, it’s a free transfer, so we don’t have to worry about finding money for big, upfront payments to Chelsea and resale values. When you look at our other wide options - Saka, Martinelli, Nelson, Pepe - there’s a lot of inexperience there, so this could buy us a year or two to develop some of these guys properly (ditto for our options behind the striker, where we only really have Willock and Smith Rowe).

If the idea is that we then have more money to go out and get a decent CM and CB, then I could be OK with this.

[Letters]

Actually, the ludicrous story on that one was that we’d buy Coutinho for £109m and then sell them Guendouzi for £100m, all to help them get around ffp rules?!! Seriously, why would we do Barcelona any favours? Let their DNA get them out of whatever mess they’re in.

Maybe I'm being stupid, but how does that help? The net difference is the same.
[When I was 6 my parents moved house and, unusually, the people they bought from moved into my parents' old place - they effectively swapped houses. So they both lowered the prices as the only thing that mattered was the difference. I guess that got around stamp duty, if that was a thing back then. Not sure how that applies here though?]

[Gooner23]

Oddly enough, I’m actually warming to the idea of Willian, after an initial ‘WTF’. He’ll add more goals and creativity, he’s happy playing left, right or centre, and even if the game isn’t going his way he still generally works his arse off. Question marks over offering a 3 year deal to a 32yo, but then we do seem to be hitting a time where more and more players are playing for longer into their 30s as sport science gets better at managing recovery, so maybe he’ll be one of those guys like Auba that just keeps going? His fitness record is certainly encouraging.

And, of course, it’s a free transfer, so we don’t have to worry about finding money for big, upfront payments to Chelsea and resale values. When you look at our other wide options - Saka, Martinelli, Nelson, Pepe - there’s a lot of inexperience there, so this could buy us a year or two to develop some of these guys properly (ditto for our options behind the striker, where we only really have Willock and Smith Rowe).

If the idea is that we then have more money to go out and get a decent CM and CB, then I could be OK with this.

Yeah I also think Willian is a solid, if not exciting, signing. As you say we have a lot of young players in the wide / forward areas so bringing in an experienced Prem proven player on a free could make sense. Age is the big issue with this one but his injury record is excellent and physically he is miles ahead of the likes of Mhiki and Ozil.

Can't help but be envious of Chelski shelling out on the likes of Werner and Havertz, but we're just not in their league financially. With money tight, centre back and centre mid have to be the priorities.

[I am invisible]

Hadn't seen that rumour, something we should be running a mile from if true. Sounds like we've cooled on Coutinho anyway now that Willian is on his way.
Good - there’s a few too many parties in that one that I just don’t trust (Barca, Kia, the player himself), and it’s not the best use of Guendouzi as our major saleable asset...

[I am invisible]

Maybe I'm being stupid, but how does that help? The net difference is the same.
[When I was 6 my parents moved house and, unusually, the people they bought from moved into my parents' old place - they effectively swapped houses. So they both lowered the prices as the only thing that mattered was the difference. I guess that got around stamp duty, if that was a thing back then. Not sure how that applies here though?]
Don’t ask me, man, I just work here!

Probably just deferring the problem for another day until the “Guendouzi deal” needs explaining?

[I am invisible]

Yeah I also think Willian is a solid, if not exciting, signing. As you say we have a lot of young players in the wide / forward areas so bringing in an experienced Prem proven player on a free could make sense. Age is the big issue with this one but his injury record is excellent and physically he is miles ahead of the likes of Mhiki and Ozil.

Can't help but be envious of Chelski shelling out on the likes of Werner and Havertz, but we're just not in their league financially. With money tight, centre back and centre mid have to be the priorities.
Yeah, exactly- I’m sure they were looking on enviously at everyone else last summer when they couldn’t spend, and a lot of what they’re doing now is simply replacing Hazard (and I guess Willian).

That’s just football, though - we don’t all have the same resources and the same needs at same times, so you can’t look at what anyone else is doing. As you say, most of our funds need to go on a CM , securing Dani, and maybe a CB (if funds will stretch)

[selassie]

I was disappointed that Holding didn't give a better impression of himself to Arteta. Not entirely his fault because Arteta threw him in at the deep end against Leeds, and then froze him out. But that little run of games he got was a really good opportunity to make the position his own, like Martinez has done at GK.

Both Holding and Chambers are at an age where they need to take their chances when they get them. Saliba is here now and hopefully we'll be signing a top quality CB this window too, so they might not get the game time they want.

Holding is a limited player IMO due to his lack of pace. He has put in decent performances the last few games but I never feel confident when he’s in the team and he never puts in 9/10 performances which is also kind of a flaw. That’s what sets him and Chambers apart IMO, Chambers has put in some top class performances for the club over the years.

Defence is the biggest area we need to look at for rebuild IMO. We need to get it right this time because we have wasted millions on defence over the past few years and our defence is now in worse shape.

The one thing I have hope with Arteta and those above is that they do genuinely seem to know what’s needed, it’s just about finding those players.

[I am invisible]

I don't think Holding is the answer to our defensive problems, but then again I think he's only on something like £40k/wk, so he's also nowhere near as much of a financial burden as other hangers-on in our defence.

I guess the difference between Holding and the likes of Sokratis and Kolasinac is that he's young and English, so if someone came in with a decent bid for him I think that might decide it (ditto for Chambers, who I think is at least fit enough now to pass a medical, even if he still needs another couple of months of rehab to get up to match-fitness)?

[I am invisible]

Holding is a limited player IMO due to his lack of pace. He has put in decent performances the last few games but I never feel confident when he’s in the team and he never puts in 9/10 performances which is also kind of a flaw. That’s what sets him and Chambers apart IMO, Chambers has put in some top class performances for the club over the years.

Defence is the biggest area we need to look at for rebuild IMO. We need to get it right this time because we have wasted millions on defence over the past few years and our defence is now in worse shape.

The one thing I have hope with Arteta and those above is that they do genuinely seem to know what’s needed, it’s just about finding those players.
Holding is a bit like Luiz in terms of consistency and reliability: occasionally brilliant, occasionally terrible, but mostly just OK.

Tbh, it's really difficult to properly assess our defence and attack right now, because we haven't had much in the way of protection in front of the CBs for years, and we don't have much in the way of supply for the forwards (we're also extremely thin on ball-carriers and line-breakers in midfield so there's not been much linking defence to attack). Some defenders obviously need to be moved on asap, but others might actually be OK if we sort the midfield out?

Ideally we invest in both areas this summer, but if funds are that tight then I think I'd prioritise CM over CB. We already have Saliba to add to the defence, and we've also seen very, very little of Tierney across a full season so far, and almost nothing of Mari, so we already have 3/4s of a new-look back 4 there - bring in someone like Partey to sit in front of them (and secure the post-lockdown Dani Ceballos) and that might be enough to buy us a bit more time to look at the defence?

[fakeyank]

Looks like Auba is going to sign a deal to stay till 2023 (as per telegraph)

[Letters]

Looks like Auba is going to sign a deal to stay till 2023 (as per telegraph)

It does sound that way, lots of people reporting this. Signing of the summer if so.
And another example of excellent comedy timing from Arsenal, presumably his wages will go up such that in a matter of weeks the extra salary we'll pay him will be more than the salaries of the 55 staff we're letting go.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Rio. :haha:

Said he was gone after the Cup Final.

[Globalgunner]

Those wobbly lips let a lot of garbage escape his mouth

[Letters]

Those wobbly lips let a lot of garbage escape his mouth

Racist :sulk:

:dance:

[Mac76]

Racist :sulk:

:dance:

Says the person using a banana emoji :haha:

...actually you're going to tell me that's the joke aren't you?

[dazthegooner]

Says the person using a banana emoji :haha:

:haha:

[Xhaka Can’t]

I’m actually eating a banana right now.

[Letters]

Says the person using a banana emoji :haha:

...actually you're going to tell me that's the joke aren't you?

:lol: It actually wasn’t.

Me :doh:

Also. Bananas are nice.

[Mac76]

:lol: It actually wasn’t.

Me :doh:

Also. Bananas are nice.

Very honest of you :lol:

I too like bananas but only when they're newly ripe, not so keen when they go a bit mushy

[fakeyank]

Looks like Willian is a done deal as well

[Mac76]

Looks like Willian is a done deal as well

I just hope Arteta knows what he's doing - and Lumplard doesn't - we've got to hope Honest Frank is offloading him because Willian's a mucj better player than he ever was ...

[Letters]

Looks like Willian is a done deal as well

We are talking about bananas.
Stay on topic please :angry:

[Mac76]

We are talking about bananas.
Stay on topic please :angry:

Oh dear, looks like GW's experiencing a banana split :rimshot:

[Letters]

:lol:

Nice.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I just hope Arteta knows what he's doing - and Lumplard doesn't - we've got to hope Honest Frank is offloading him because Willian's a mucj better player than he ever was ...

We finished 8th. We need any scraps we can get right now.

[Mac76]

We finished 8th. We need any scraps we can get right now.

Hmm, wasn't that the mindset that got us Mustafi, Luiz and Xhaka though?

[I am invisible]

I just hope Arteta knows what he's doing - and Lumplard doesn't - we've got to hope Honest Frank is offloading him because Willian's a mucj better player than he ever was ...
It sounds like Lumps wanted him to stay - we just offered him more years than Chelsea. Guess our need is more desperate?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hmm, wasn't that the mindset that got us Mustafi, Luiz and Xhaka though?

Think you're equating what does not go.

We spent £35 miillion on Mustafi and the same on Xhaka. It's not really comparable. David Luiz and Willian at least have been serial winners.

All I'm really is saying is that we have to adjust our expectations right now.

[Mac76]

Think you're equating what does not go.

We spent £35 miillion on Mustafi and the same on Xhaka. It's not really the same.

All I'm really is saying is that we have to adjust our expectations right now.

Yeah you're right - it was worse :(

[KSE Comedy Club]

I just hope Arteta knows what he's doing - and Lumplard doesn't - we've got to hope Honest Frank is offloading him because Willian's a mucj better player than he ever was ...

Frank isn't offloading him, by all accounts he wanted him to stay.

We just offered him what he wanted and they didn't :shrug:

[I am invisible]

Torreira saying he’s at an age where he needs to be playing. I think that’s fair enough - he’d be a very good player in the right league, but I’m not sure that’s the Prem. Feels like one of the obvious ‘outs’ this summer...

[LDG]

Torreira saying he’s at an age where he needs to be playing. I think that’s fair enough - he’d be a very good player in the right league, but I’m not sure that’s the Prem. Feels like one of the obvious ‘outs’ this summer...

It depends on what system they want to play. He’s a little wasp who will buzz about in front of the CBs

The main reason. Xhaka and Cabellos are playing, is because of the third CB, which gives us (loosely) more creativity.

If we go back four, and find more driving creativity, he becomes vital.

Who knows. Top little player IMO, he’s just unlucky because the people around him aren’t those who can let him play his natural game.

[I am invisible]

Stories going around that AMN has been told he’s being transfer listed. Unclear whether that’s with or without the manager’s blessing - I’ve seen conflicting reports on that - but I’d keep him, personally.

(*Unless we receive a silly offer, of course.)

[I am invisible]

It depends on what system they want to play. He’s a little wasp who will buzz about in front of the CBs

The main reason. Xhaka and Cabellos are playing, is because of the third CB, which gives us (loosely) more creativity.

If we go back four, and find more driving creativity, he becomes vital.

Who knows. Top little player IMO, he’s just unlucky because the people around him aren’t those who can let him play his natural game.
Yeah, exactly that. So many of our problems stem from the fact that we haven’t had CBs who are good enough in 1-on-1s to play in a back two - they all need the security of an extra man, which means we lose a midfielder.

Torreira’s problem is he’s just as one-dimensional as Xhaka in his own way: Xhaka mostly just passes well from deep; Torreira mostly just tackles well (albeit very well). And when you’re faced with a choice of 1D players, I think the best teams will generally pick the passers first, trying to control the game, and look to bring on someone like Torreira second, if / when they’re getting overrun.

We need an upgrade on both of them, tbh - players who offer more than just their main strength. Great, you can tackle / pass from deep really well... what else do you do? Can you carry the ball? Can you break lines? Do you add goals and creativity in the final 3rd? Are you strong on set pieces? Can you play another role if we need you to? I think you need to wear multiple hats to play at the top these days.

[Penguin]

Torreira's a good player but Arteta wants two CMs who can spray passes around everywhere. I don't think that's ever going to be Torreira's game so it makes sense to let him go and bring in someone that fit's the manager's system.

Personally I'd want to keep him around at least one more season because we're already short in CMs.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13230/production/_113848387_hi062583459.jpg

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53687870

Willian looks excited for the move.

[I am invisible]

Torreira's a good player but Arteta wants two CMs who can spray passes around everywhere. I don't think that's ever going to be Torreira's game so it makes sense to let him go and bring in someone that fit's the manager's system.

Personally I'd want to keep him around at least one more season because we're already short in CMs.
:good:

I like LT, but I don’t think we have the luxury of keeping him at the moment? We need to raise funds, fast, and he’s one of our few saleable assets who is a) good, b) young, c) on wages that would be affordable for other clubs, and d) generating plenty of interest.

Plus if we bring in any of the midfielders we’re being linked to then he probably doesn’t start for us, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll be happy with that. He’s good enough to start for someone.

[GP]

Partey
Willian
Coutinho
Gabriel


Good window?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Saliba able to play now, although we don't know what's going to happen with Ceballos.

Mostly would be alright given we're not in the most enviable of positions and the season starts in a month, well late August if you include the Community Sheild. :wacko:

[I am invisible]

Partey
Willian
Coutinho
Gabriel


Good window?
If we only brought in Partey and Gabriel, then that would still be a good window for me.

Willian would be a bonus, but I’d much rather put anything we’re looking at spending on Coutinho towards making Ceballos permanent - too many players in that Coutinho deal that I just don’t trust (inc. the player).

[LDG]

https://twitter.com/call_me_daniels/status/1292090710976606208?s=21

[I am invisible]

It’s so on!

Edit: and Kashmir’s just come on the radio too! This has been a good minute.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgKVGPJmtI

[GP]

It’s so on!

Edit: and Kashmir’s just come on the radio too! This has been a good minute.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgKVGPJmtI

FACT CHECK:


True

[Mac76]

Partey
Willian
Coutinho
Gabriel


Good window?

Yes
No
No
Yes

Willian's a pointless waste of money and the transfer is all about his agent being mates with Raul

This club has got rid of its scouts and has committed itself to a future of being stitched up by corrupt agents

[Master Splinter]

I'm more interested in seeing if Smith Rowe gets a proper chance this season. He looked just as comfortable and technically sound as Saka did when Emery gave him games last season. His skillset is something we haven't had at the club in a while. We desperately need someone who can play between the lines and can get some goals from midfield as well.

Despite all the lazy focus on just our defence, Arteta has shown that you can organise pubbers into a functioning, solid unit. Our attack however, has been lacking any spark for a long time. We barely put any concerted pressure on opponents any more. We need better technical players and more variety in the attacking third. It might be why Arteta wants Willian. He probably sees as him as someone who can be relied upon in an area where we have only Aubameyang who delivers consistently.

[I am invisible]

I'm more interested in seeing if Smith Rowe gets a proper chance this season. He looked just as comfortable and technically sound as Saka did when Emery gave him games last season. His skillset is something we haven't had at the club in a while. We desperately need someone who can play between the lines and can get some goals from midfield as well.

Despite all the lazy focus on just our defence, Arteta has shown that you can organise pubbers into a functioning, solid unit. Our attack however, has been lacking any spark for a long time. We barely put any concerted pressure on opponents any more. We need better technical players and more variety in the attacking third. It might be why Arteta wants Willian. He probably sees as him as someone who can be relied upon in an area where we have only Aubameyang who delivers consistently.
I think Arteta will be a big fan of Smith Rowe. Without claiming he’s anywhere near KDB’s level, he’s a similar type of player in that he drifts seamlessly between an 8 and a 10, can play down either flank, is comfortable using both feet so he passes and moves in 360°, and his first thought is generally to drive forward and do something positive.

The more I think about it, the more I think Willian makes sense (on the playing side, anyway) - outside of Auba and Laca (who might be sold), our most experienced attacker is Pepe, and he’s still finding his feet in this league. Willian gives us that bit of added experience anywhere across the attack, and he’s at an age where he won’t block the progress of anyone coming through.

Bringing those two in will add to the attack, but there’s also a lot of other things we haven’t been able to do under Arteta yet, e.g. Auba through the middle, having Martinelli available, playing Tierney as a proper LB, being able to play a 3rd midfielder. I’d like to see Willock used more as a 6-8 - I don’t think he’s a 10 - and we’ve only had the benefit of an in-form, post-lockdown Ceballos for a handful of games.

I don’t think the focus on defence is entirely lazy though - a lot of the above will depend on having CBs who are good enough and athletic enough to deal with 1-on1s so we can play with a back 2 and gain an extra midfielder. And if we want to commit more players forward then we probably need someone equally athletic and individually competent, like a Partey, sat in front of them. Like you, I’ve been really impressed with how Arteta has got this bunch of misfits organised and actually keeping clean sheets, but there’s currently way too many players there who need another player alongside them to fill in their gaps, and that’s really restricting how we can play.

[Mac76]

"Arsenal will sell France striker Alexandre Lacazette, 29, to Atletico Madrid for £30m as soon as Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 31, agrees a new deal"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/53708011

So Auba knows that if he signs, his best mate gets shipped out

Nice, he'll just love the club for putting him in that situation...

Havimg said that i'd be happy for us to get £30m for Laca

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Auba plays on the left though, why would it make any difference? :lol:

It could be Aubameyang has agreed to stay only if his starting position his central I suppose but then this is giving credence to what the Sunday Star is saying.

[Marc Overmars]

Willian has confirmed he is leaving Chelsea.

Just waiting for Arsenal.com now it seems.

[I am invisible]

"Arsenal will sell France striker Alexandre Lacazette, 29, to Atletico Madrid for £30m as soon as Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 31, agrees a new deal"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/53708011

So Auba knows that if he signs, his best mate gets shipped out

Nice, he'll just love the club for putting him in that situation...

Havimg said that i'd be happy for us to get £30m for Laca

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/FreshBackBlesbok-size_restricted.gif

I’m sure Auba will console himself with his fat, new, long-term contract, his guaranteed starting spot as CF, a stronger team around him and his statue going up outside the stadium.

[I am invisible]

Seriously though, it sounds like a win-win situation for everyone, right? Arsenal get an expensive player off our books and raise some funds to strengthen the team, Auba gets his CF spot back and a well-deserved pay rise, Atleti get a CF they’ve been after for years for a reasonable price, and Lacazette gets to live in Madrid and play CF for a CL team. In fact, Lacazette might actually end up doing better than anyone out of this!

[Mac76]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/FreshBackBlesbok-size_restricted.gif

I’m sure Auba will console himself with his fat, new, long-term contract, his guaranteed starting spot as CF, a stronger team around him and his statue going up outside the stadium.

Sure, but depending on how much Laca wanted to stay it might piss him off, but he'll probably be ok with the move

[Mac76]

Seriously though, it sounds like a win-win situation for everyone, right? Arsenal get an expensive player off our books and raise some funds to strengthen the team, Auba gets his CF spot back and a well-deserved pay rise, Atleti get a CF they’ve been after for years for a reasonable price, and Lacazette gets to live in Madrid and play CF for a CL team. In fact, Lacazette might actually end up doing better than anyone out of this!

Yeah i also think that if he stays, Auba will be in the middle next season - if reports are accurate it's where he wants to play and as he's being asked to give us his remaining best years, surely that would be a deal-breaker for him

[I am invisible]

Sure, but depending on how much Laca wanted to stay it might piss him off, but he'll probably be ok with the move
Honestly mate, I think he’ll just see it as a case of ‘not my problem’, no matter how much he might get on with him on a personal level. When you make demands over where you want to play then you’re not really thinking about the other players who also want to play the same role - you basically want those guys frozen out. And when you demand that the team is strengthened then you’re pretty much saying that a number of your team mates will need to be dropped or sold to fit the new guys in.

[Master Splinter]

I think Arteta will be a big fan of Smith Rowe. Without claiming he’s anywhere near KDB’s level, he’s a similar type of player in that he drifts seamlessly between an 8 and a 10, can play down either flank, is comfortable using both feet so he passes and moves in 360°, and his first thought is generally to drive forward and do something positive.

The more I think about it, the more I think Willian makes sense (on the playing side, anyway) - outside of Auba and Laca (who might be sold), our most experienced attacker is Pepe, and he’s still finding his feet in this league. Willian gives us that bit of added experience anywhere across the attack, and he’s at an age where he won’t block the progress of anyone coming through.

Bringing those two in will add to the attack, but there’s also a lot of other things we haven’t been able to do under Arteta yet, e.g. Auba through the middle, having Martinelli available, playing Tierney as a proper LB, being able to play a 3rd midfielder. I’d like to see Willock used more as a 6-8 - I don’t think he’s a 10 - and we’ve only had the benefit of an in-form, post-lockdown Ceballos for a handful of games.

I don’t think the focus on defence is entirely lazy though - a lot of the above will depend on having CBs who are good enough and athletic enough to deal with 1-on1s so we can play with a back 2 and gain an extra midfielder. And if we want to commit more players forward then we probably need someone equally athletic and individually competent, like a Partey, sat in front of them. Like you, I’ve been really impressed with how Arteta has got this bunch of misfits organised and actually keeping clean sheets, but there’s currently way too many players there who need another player alongside them to fill in their gaps, and that’s really restricting how we can play.

I think we're on the same page about the Willian transfer. I'm sure everyone would like a more exciting name. But, if Arteta sees him as a flexible and reliable player who can also have an influence on the younger players like Auba and Luiz clearly have, then both the player and manager deserve the benefit of the doubt at the moment. If you look at the squad, the only over-30s we've got who will play a big role next season are those three and even then, Auba is the only guaranteed starter. With the recent culling, our squad has become so much younger that guys like Laca, Xhaka and Mustafi are among the most experienced and only Xhaka is guaranteed to stay from those. So yeah, the Willian transfer makes sense and only becomes a problem if we buy more 30+ Kia clients.

On the 'lazy' defence thing, it was more a reference to the basic analysis we see all the time and over the seasons. I feel it's actually the midfield and attack that needs the most refining because we haven't had any consistency, flow or chemistry there for a long time now. Even on here we get comments about "tippy-tappy". I wish we could play tippy-tappy football. We barely put three passes together without a poor touch or an amateur hoof into nowhere. It's obviously why Arteta reverted to the back five and made us into a version of that Villa team with Agbonlahor and Young.

[Penguin]

You're right about our football, it really is tough to watch at times. The passing is slow and boring and we don't create many chances.

I still think we need a solid defense and midfield first and build on that. Doesn't matter how good our attacking play is if we're leaking easy goals at the other end. How many times have we worked hard to get a lead, only for us to give away a easy goal a minute later?

It also frees up some of the attacking players if they have confidence in our defence. They won't have that pressure of thinking they have to score a hat trick for us to win the game. And like invisible said, having better defenders/midfielders who can win 1v1s will let us switch up our formations and have an extra midfielder/attacker instead of playing 3 at the back to cover our defensive weaknesses.

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently Maitland-Niles is wanted by a few clubs. I’d be surprised if we were willing to let a young, English utility player like him go but then again, if we need to raise funds to spread around the squad and someone is willing to pay enough, then so be it.

[Xhaka Can’t]

If the price is right, we’ll fuck it up for sure.

But if the commish is right, he’ll be gone quicker than you can say “where’s my cut?”.

[fakeyank]

Frankly I'd let Nelson or Willock leave before AMN. They'd bring the same amount of money (I think).

[Mac76]

Frankly I'd let Nelson or Willock leave before AMN. They'd bring the same amount of money (I think).

Definitely Willock, also Nketiah

Not as certain as i used to be that Nelson's going to be a really great player, but i'd want to keep him round for another season or two, he's still learning.

Either way i think we'd be really silly to sell AMN right now unless it really is a high offer, though not sure even then - in termsof his attitude and application he's really come good,probably the best example of Arteta bringing someone into the fold

[Master Splinter]

Liverpool or Chelsea would get £40m for AMN, but we'd probably let him go for a fiver. It would be a shame to lose him.

Of all our young players, Nelson has so far been the least impressive. Especially as he was supposedly one of the most talented.

They're all getting a new start with a new coaching team now, though. Apart from the obviously outstanding Saka and Martinelli, we should wait and see until at least halfway through next season to make proper judgements. Most young players will always be up and down in terms of performance when they have no structure and consistency around them.

[Mac76]

Yeah, agree, and if you saw any of Nelson's performamces at u23 level you'll know he's worth hanging onto even if he's not always been great in the first team so far

[I am invisible]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bellerin weren’t in the same boat as AMN - might have floated both on the market with a view to selling one and keeping the other? See who we get the best offer for?

[I am invisible]

Definitely Willock, also Nketiah

Not as certain as i used to be that Nelson's going to be a really great player, but i'd want to keep him round for another season or two, he's still learning.

Either way i think we'd be really silly to sell AMN right now unless it really is a high offer, though not sure even then - in termsof his attitude and application he's really come good,probably the best example of Arteta bringing someone into the fold
I’d keep all of them here - don’t think we have the depth to be sending anyone out on loan right now, esp. if we’re going to be losing players to fund buys.

Willock was doing well the season before this one, but he’s gone off the boil this year. I think he was probably over-exposed to Emery’s shit-show in the first half of this season, and I think he’s generally been played out of position as a 10. Think he needs to play deeper in midfielder 3.

And at this point I think the biggest benefit to Eddie’s development will be working with Auba on a daily basis - he’s at his best when he gets in the box, and there’s no one better to teach him how to arrive in the right place at the right time.

I’ve gotta say, I’ve been a little disappointed with Nelson this year - I honestly thought we’d have the opposite problem with him where he’d be a bit of an infuriating show-off, but if anything he’s looked a little conservative and... safe, if you know what I mean? But maybe he’s just playing it smart and doing exactly what he’s been told to do? I think Nagelsmann had to rein him in a bit after his flying start to his loan, so maybe he’s just taken that on board?

We’ve got to be able to find a use for AMN! He’s got so much athletic potential and I think he’s been consistently good for Arteta, whenever (and wherever) he’s been played. I really thought that inverted fullback thing would be the clincher for him - looked absolutely tailor-made for his skill set and background.

[Marc Overmars]

Eddie and Nelson are the ones who I don’t have much hope for.

I would consider selling Nketiah if the right offer came in. I don’t think he’s shown anything to suggest he will score much at this level and we’ve got Martinelli anyway who is streets ahead. Kane was scoring plenty at his age and you have to look at the impact the likes of Rashford and now Greenwood are having.

Nelson has just seemed like a bit of a nothing player. Not shown any of the skill set he was touted to have from the youth team. I get the need to be a bit conservative at times but you want to see a bit of freedom and expression especially from a young player. He looks quite blunt to me as an attacking threat.

AMN has grown on me I must admit, so it would be a shame to see him sold considering he can cover a few positions.

These all have time on their side though to develop into more polished and well rounded players, but as a club if we need to raise money then selling young, English and probably overrated talent is an easy way to do so.

[I am invisible]

:good:

Before I looked at selling anyone else, I’d be looking to raise funds from any area where we have a clear excess of players (CB, RB), any players who are clearly unhappy and don’t want to be here (Guendouzi, Torreira), and any players who aren’t giving us value for the money they’re taking out of the club (Özil, Lacazette, and anyone else on north of £90k/wk).

But I appreciate it’s not that simple - if we don’t get any bites for the players we want to shift then we might have to start looking at some of the young English guys. I suspect the truth is there’s only 6 or 7 players in the whole squad who are genuinely off the table.

Hope it doesn’t come to that though - last season was a mess for so many reasons, and I’d like to have a proper look at some of these kids in a season where they’re playing under a competent coach from the start, and in a balanced side that isn’t on the verge of complete meltdown. And if we need to keep costs down then we’re not going to be able to recruit anyone cheaper than academy grads!

[Mac76]

Leaving the young players aside, the two players i want out above all are Mustafi and Xhaka - they point back to what i hope would be a previous era of overpaying for bad players and then not being able to get rid of them.

I don't buy into this supposed renaissance of either player, Arteta's done his best but neither are remotely good enough IMO and we should be working to use their recent relative upturn in form ( i.e they've actually been coming close to doing what they're paid to do) and get rid for whatever we can get, but on a free if necessary

We can't truly move on until they're gone, I for one hate seeing them in starting lineups or even on the bench

[Penguin]

I wonder if AMN is pushing for a move, or asking for one unless he gets more game time. If he is I would let him go as long as we get a decent fee for him. He's been on the fringes of the first team for a long time and hardly ever gets to play in his preferred position.

If he's not, I'd keep him here. Good utility player and usually puts in 7/10 performances wherever he plays.

[I am invisible]

Leaving the young players aside, the two players i want out above all are Mustafi and Xhaka - they point back to what i hope would be a previous era of overpaying for bad players and then not being able to get rid of them.

I don't buy into this supposed renaissance of either player, Arteta's done his best but neither are remotely good enough IMO and we should be working to use their recent relative upturn in form ( i.e they've actually been coming close to doing what they're paid to do) and get rid for whatever we can get, but on a free if necessary

We can't truly move on until they're gone, I for one hate seeing them in starting lineups or even on the bench
close the gap on the teams above us.

Renaissance is probably stretching it - basically, they've moved from 'calamity' status to 'not a critical problem', but that's about it. They're steady now, in the right set up, but even so we've been relying on them most weeks since the start of the year, and you can see that they're clearly not going to be enough to close the gap on the teams above us.

At the very least, I think Arteta will want some better options to choose from in those positions, even if he's not desperate to get rid of the two of them, but that in itself could force him into making a decision on them? If the new recruits end up relegating those two the bench, then he's probably going to really struggle to justify their wages.

And you never know - the players themselves might be thinking it's a good time to move on, while their stock is relatively high? It's probably not going to get much better than this for them if they fancy a move, and their Arsenal careers are only going to head one way now. Food for thought.

[I am invisible]

I wonder if AMN is pushing for a move, or asking for one unless he gets more game time. If he is I would let him go as long as we get a decent fee for him. He's been on the fringes of the first team for a long time and hardly ever gets to play in his preferred position.

If he's not, I'd keep him here. Good utility player and usually puts in 7/10 performances wherever he plays.
It's probably as simple as we've got 3 RBs and we only need 2, so they've been put on notice that one of them might be sold. Soares probably isn't going anywhere as he's just signed (and I reckon he's the most likely of the three to be content as the backup option), so it might come down to whoever we receive the best offer for: AMN or Hector?

[Mac76]

And you never know - the players themselves might be thinking it's a good time to move on, while their stock is relatively high? It's probably not going to get much better than this for them if they fancy a move, and their Arsenal careers are only going to head one way now. Food for thought.

Yeah, hope you're right, it would make sense though it needs Arteta to maybe hint to them that they won't be first choice, i've more hope he'll do that with Mustafi, he seems attached to Xhaka for the time being

as long as they're at the club they'll get played, i just don't want them to be an option for us at any point

[I am invisible]

Yeah, hope you're right, it would make sense though it needs Arteta to maybe hint to them that they won't be first choice, i've more hope he'll do that with Mustafi, he seems attached to Xhaka for the time being

as long as they're at the club they'll get played, i just don't want them to be an option for us at any point
You'd like to think the two of them could read between the lines here. Mari and Luiz have just signed new deals, so they're going nowhere soon, Saliba is finally joining up with the squad, and it's looking highly likely that we'll be signing Gabriel from Lille - I reckon Chambers is probably safe enough for now, if he's still on his way back from injury, but if I were Mustafi, Sokratis and Holding I'd be looking at it and wondering where I fit?

Likewise, Xhaka must be looking at the Partey links and wondering how much game time he's going to get if we sign the Ghanaian - that one might come down to whether we can secure Ceballos for another year.

Of course both players could easily just fold their arms and sit on their contracts, but I think it's a bit of a balancing act for them now - they're both young enough to have another chance at a decent move, and they've both repaired their reputations somewhat over the last 6 months, so this is probably the best chance they're ever going to get to move on.

I don't know... I think it makes sense for everyone if they move on, but at this point I'd settle for not having to pick them every damn week because we have no other options. We've got a lot of work to do, and it might take two or three summers, so we might have do deal with some of these things on a different day...

[Penguin]

It's probably as simple as we've got 3 RBs and we only need 2, so they've been put on notice that one of them might be sold. Soares probably isn't going anywhere as he's just signed (and I reckon he's the most likely of the three to be content as the backup option), so it might come down to whoever we receive the best offer for: AMN or Hector?

I'm pretty sure that the reason we loaned in Cedric in January was because AMN told Arteta he wants to play in CM. Surely there was no other reason to bring in another RB. He obviously hasn't been deemed good enough to play CM though because he's hardly been seen since, even though we've had other under-performers in midfield.

I don't think Bellerin's position is under threat, rightly or wrongly. He was thrown back in the first XI as soon as he was fit, even though AMN was doing well there at the time, and he's been a staple since.

I guess it makes sense that we cash in on AMN if Arteta doesn't see him as a long term option in CM. Use that money towards signing Thomas Partey or Ceballos again. I'd rather we clear out the deadwood first before we let a solid, versatile player like him go.

[Mac76]

Depends on what happens with Bellerin, i think he's slowed down a little and i thought it was interesting that his main contribution to the FAC final was driving through the middle to create the move for the second goal

Could he be a DM if his pace on the right isn't what it was?

[Marc Overmars]

Bellerin is a bit of stalwart now and our longest serving player, which shows how much upheaval there has been in 5 years! I would definitely look to keep hold of him because he’s a high value player with years ahead of him, and realistically how much better are we going to find at right back?

[I am invisible]

It's Bellerin's fitness record that concerns me - good player, but he doesn't actually play all that much (avg. 20 games/season across the last couple of seasons), and like Mac I think he might have lost a yard of pace. I'd be genuinely sorry to lose him, but at this point I'm not convinced we can really count on him, or base any serious plans around his availability either? I don't think there's actually a great deal between what Bellerin and AMN offer as players at the moment, but Bellerin is costing us 3x as much and only plays about half the games, and that's got to be a serious consideration in our current financial state.

[selassie]

It does sound that way, lots of people reporting this. Signing of the summer if so.
And another example of excellent comedy timing from Arsenal, presumably his wages will go up such that in a matter of weeks the extra salary we'll pay him will be more than the salaries of the 55 staff we're letting go.

Certainly sends out a positive statement. We ended up almost half way down the league this season yet Auba looks set to stay and we seemingly can still attract half decent players like Willian and the guys we are linked with such as Gabriel & Partey. Say what you like about the current regime but I genuinely think in Arteta, Raul & Edu we have a ambitious bunch. Money is being spent alrighty, they just need to get it right.

[Mac76]

It's Bellerin's fitness record that concerns me - good player, but he doesn't actually play all that much (avg. 20 games/season across the last couple of seasons), and like Mac I think he might have lost a yard of pace. I'd be genuinely sorry to lose him, but at this point I'm not convinced we can really count on him, or base any serious plans around his availability either? I don't think there's actually a great deal between what Bellerin and AMN offer as players at the moment, but Bellerin is costing us 3x as much and only plays about half the games, and that's got to be a serious consideration in our current financial state.

All good points, i'd never have believed i'd say this but right now i'd almost rather keep AMN if it was a choice between the two

[I am invisible]

Balls - it sounds like Madrid might want to keep Ceballos next year. More midfield headaches...

[dazthegooner]

Caballos and Zidane don't get on I don't think Madrid actually want to keep him it's just the terms Arsenal are offering are not good enough and with his performances twards the end of the season have probably alerted other clubs.

[Marc Overmars]

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1322282/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mesut-Ozil-contract-Mikel-Arteta-Premier-League

Ozil won’t go.

We’ll have to take a hit on his contract.

[Penguin]

Modric is 35 so it would make sense for them to keep Ceballos, unless they've got another replacement lined up.

I agree with daz though, everything I've read says that Zidane doesn't rate him and I doubt he'd change his opinion overnight. I think they'll let him go for the right fee, it's just a question of whether we're willing to pay it...

[Globalgunner]

Personally do not see what the big deal is with Ceballos. He is no game changer. Good but not great.

[Mac76]

I think he's made a huge difference in midfield, he can defend well and also attack with some nice creative work.

As for Madrid, they're probably making 'maybe we'll keep him' noises as a bargaining position

[KSE Comedy Club]

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1322282/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mesut-Ozil-contract-Mikel-Arteta-Premier-League

Ozil won’t go.

We’ll have to take a hit on his contract.

We could always just kill him :shrug:

[dazthegooner]

We could always just kill him :shrug:

:gp:

[Penguin]

Personally do not see what the big deal is with Ceballos. He is no game changer. Good but not great.

'Good but not great' is an upgrade on a lot of the players we've had in midfield in the last few years. :lol:

I like him, he improved a lot as the season went on. Good range of passing, tenacious off the ball and skillful enough to make space for himself when he's closely marked. There is a lot of room for improvement but unlike some other players, I think he's capable of making those improvements over time.

Also helps that he has already adapted to the PL and worked with Arteta so he can pick up where he left off and hit the ground running, whereas other players might need to be bedded in.

[Letters]

We could always just kill him :shrug:

:gp:

I staunchly defended him for a while but honestly, he can do one now.

[Mac76]

Also helps that he has already adapted to the PL and worked with Arteta so he can pick up where he left off and hit the ground running, whereas other players might need to be bedded in.

Three cliches in one sentence - well done :lol:

[I am invisible]

Three cliches in one sentence - well done :lol:

Mixed metaphors are the best! I remember an interview with Glenn Hoddle where he came out with some gem like "Sometimes, when your back's against the wall, all you can do is turn around and come out fighting..."

[I am invisible]

:gp:

I staunchly defended him for a while but honestly, he can do one now.

I haven't got the energy to get wound up by Özil any more. He's down to his last year, I've accepted it's going to cost us another £18.3m - just write it off and forget about him.

Seriously, I don't even want to hear about it when he leaves! Just ring-fence that money and then we never have to think about him ever again.

[dostoy]

I haven't got the energy to get wound up by Özil any more. He's down to his last year, I've accepted it's going to cost us another £18.3m - just write it off and forget about him.

Seriously, I don't even want to hear about it when he leaves! Just ring-fence that money and then we never have to think about him ever again.

He should never have been signed in the first place.

He should never have been allowed to run his contract down.

He should NEVER EVER have been given a massive new contract.

Absolutely diabolical by everyone who made those decisions.

A more gutless, soulless, abilityless, pathetic player I have never seen.

He must have cost at least 100 million if you add it all up.

How do you get rid of a player who is so useless that nobody wants him and he gets a ton of money every week ?

Its impossible.

It would not have happened at ANY other club in the world.

[Letters]

He should never have been signed in the first place.
Weeelll, that's very easy to say in retrospect but he was clearly a quality player, his stats before he came to us and even in his first season or two with us were outstanding.
To say he's useless is just obviously incorrect. He's just been badly mismanaged.


He should NEVER EVER have been given a massive new contract.

Correct.

[Penguin]

Three cliches in one sentence - well done :lol:

:lol:

[dostoy]

Weeelll, that's very easy to say in retrospect but he was clearly a quality player, his stats before he came to us and even in his first season or two with us were outstanding.
To say he's useless is just obviously incorrect. He's just been badly mismanaged.



Correct.

For the money that Arsenal have spent on him, the return has been pathetic.

He has not been any good for a long long time.

He should have been sold a year before his first contract ran out.

He IS useless now and has been for a few years.

[Penguin]

He should never have been signed in the first place.

Bet you weren't saying that at the time...

[dostoy]

Bet you weren't saying that at the time...

I was.

I didn't think Arsenal needed him.

[Marc Overmars]

Ozil definitely has ability, I don’t think it’s fair to say he doesn’t. He is a very gifted player but for one reason or another he doesn’t seem to have the application to match.

He was very good during his first few seasons with us but as things got tougher in Wenger’s final years it was obvious he wasn’t the kind of player you wanted around in times of adversity. Emery didn’t fancy him which he took a lot of stick for but now Arteta has done the same, so there has to be something more to it. I mean, being relegated to the bench is one thing but to not even be deemed worthy of a place in every match day squad since the restart, tells you everything you need to know. I think the role of a number 10 in general is becoming more and more redundant now, even a club like Barca who were stacked with them are now more direct.

Shame how things have worked out, I was genuinely very excited when we signed him, he was our first big money signing in the modern era and he was a ready made superstar, the kind of signing we hadn’t seen for years.

[Mac76]

Ozil definitely has ability, I don’t think it’s fair to say he doesn’t. He is a very gifted player but for one reason or another he doesn’t seem to have the application to match.

He was very good during his first few seasons with us but as things got tougher in Wenger’s final years it was obvious he wasn’t the kind of player you wanted around in times of adversity. Emery didn’t fancy him which he took a lot of stick for but now Arteta has done the same, so there has to be something more to it. I mean, being relegated to the bench is one thing but to not even be deemed worthy of a place in every match day squad since the restart, tells you everything you need to know. I think the role of a number 10 in general is becoming more and more redundant now, even a club like Barca who were stacked with them are now more direct.

Shame how things have worked out, I was genuinely very excited when we signed him, he was our first big money signing in the modern era and he was a ready made superstar, the kind of signing we hadn’t seen for years.

:gp:

Very well summed up, it's a real shame and others aren't blameless, least of all Gazidis et al for offering Ozil that ridiculous deal, but still it's hard not to think that the player really ought to have applied himself more

[Marc Overmars]

Juve are apparently interested in Lacazette.

Hopefully we can get a big fee out of them.

[I am invisible]

Juve are apparently interested in Lacazette.

Hopefully we can get a big fee out of them.

Money please - no swaps!

Bunch of cheapskates.

[Mac76]

According to this Mess might go to Citeh - Messi playing in Emgland :bow:

He'll love playing against Bumley I'm sure...

Also says we're close to agreeing terms with Auba

...and spuds are trying to sign Joe Hart :haha:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/53799945

[selassie]

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1322282/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mesut-Ozil-contract-Mikel-Arteta-Premier-League

Ozil won’t go.

We’ll have to take a hit on his contract.

350k per week to sit at home playing fortnite. He’s damaged goods now, he probably still has the quality to play in any of the top European leagues, but this sitting out his contract will have damaged his rep beyond belief.

[Penguin]

He'll get nowhere near £350k a week anywhere else and he knows it. I don't think he cares about his rep anymore. He'll see out his contract then sell himself to the highest bidder.

[dazthegooner]

Just break his leg and be done with it....

[fakeyank]

Not sure why we are going for that CB from Lille.. we have 250 CB's at our club and not one of them looks like they are going to be sold anytime soon!

[Mac76]

It's beginning to concern me that's there no news of our having moved anyone on yet, all there's been is the Mavropanos loan?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Spuds signed Joe Hart. :haha:

[fakeyank]

It's beginning to concern me that's there no news of our having moved anyone on yet, all there's been is the Mavropanos loan?

No one is interested in our crap

[dazthegooner]

Spuds signed Joe Hart. :haha:

That would make the spuds favorite's for the Quadruple next season :blink:

[I am invisible]

The window’s open until October - no need to panic just yet.

A lot of our players who are down to their final years will definitely have important decisions to make this summer - if I were someone like Sokratis, for example, I’d certainly be weighing up the pros and cons of seeing out my Arsenal contract from the bench / reserves and then trying to get a decent move next summer, after I’ve turned 33, vs maybe moving on from Arsenal now, while I’m a year younger and people still remember me?

I have a feeling the new currency for average footballers in the post-Covid world is going to be length of contract and long-term security, and they aren’t going to get that here - one more year and then you’re on your own. Plus who the fuck knows how much money anyone will have to spend next summer, after another year of overheads with no match day revenue? If they sit on their Arsenal contracts they might find there’s nothing out there for them in a year’s time? I reckon a lot of them will look to cut deals and will ask to leave early.

[selassie]

According to the Metro, United have hijacked our move for Gabriel and he may well have had his head turned. I don't think the Metro are reliable, but there is no smoke without fire I guess.

If we are honest, most players right now are going to choose United over us for obvious reasons...but lets just hope Gabriel chooses us because from the little i've seen of him he looks to have high potential if he continues to develop, he's had plenty of teams sniffing around him too so if we get this one over the line it's a decent signing IMO.

I'm not that confident anymore...and certainly not confident on Partey and Aouar. I get the feeling we are really keen on both but are trying to work out how to fund there moves, in Partey's case if we can get our bid accepted (release clause or whatever they want), then I'm confident he will be coming, Aouar I don't think we will sign, Lyon rightly want top dollar for him and I don't think we are a big enough pull considering the likes of Juve and City are looking at him too.

[dazthegooner]

Well if it's in the Metro the chance of it being true is bullshit like most of the contents of it's rag.

[Chippy]

According to the Metro, United have hijacked our move for Gabriel and he may well have had his head turned. I don't think the Metro are reliable, but there is no smoke without fire I guess.

If we are honest, most players right now are going to choose United over us for obvious reasons...but lets just hope Gabriel chooses us because from the little i've seen of him he looks to have high potential if he continues to develop, he's had plenty of teams sniffing around him too so if we get this one over the line it's a decent signing IMO.

I'm not that confident anymore...and certainly not confident on Partey and Aouar. I get the feeling we are really keen on both but are trying to work out how to fund there moves, in Partey's case if we can get our bid accepted (release clause or whatever they want), then I'm confident he will be coming, Aouar I don't think we will sign, Lyon rightly want top dollar for him and I don't think we are a big enough pull considering the likes of Juve and City are looking at him too.
PSG are also in the running!
That's that then :(

[I am invisible]

Sounds like the standard script that most papers follow on transfers - why just report a story when you can report a saga and get 10 days worth of clicks? Guess we’ve reached the ‘11th hour hijack‘ chapter.

[dazthegooner]

PSG are also in the running!
That's that then :(

Then again he might want to play in a superior league than the French... say the Scottish premiership :blink:

[I am invisible]

Fwiw, I think Gabriel basically ours at this point - I’d be surprised if he ended up somewhere else now, especially given how long it’s been common knowledge that he’s up for sale and that rival offers have been made and accepted. These other clubs could have got involved way before now if their interest was genuine...

[Gooner23]

There are so many conflicting reports from all the various newspapers and 'ITK' journos on Gabriel, it's almost like they are all making it up as they go along.

[I am invisible]

There are so many conflicting reports from all the various newspapers and 'ITK' journos on Gabriel, it's almost like they are all making it up as they go along.

:o

That's a horrible thing to say about journos and ITKs!

[I am invisible]

But yeah, they're a bunch of c--ts.

[I am invisible]

So, we've signed Willian, had an offer accepted for Gabriel, made offers for Aouar and Partey and are giving Auba a pay rise. Not sure what the plan is for Ceballos, but I'm guessing we'll at least be trying to get him on another loan. Regardless of how many of those things actually end up happening, I'm assuming there must be some kind of 'best case scenario' plan in place to finance it, if by some miracle they do all land? That's got to mean we're looking at some serious departures, right?

Right?

[Chippy]

So, we've signed Willian, had an offer accepted for Gabriel, made offers for Aouar and Partey and are giving Auba a pay rise. Not sure what the plan is for Ceballos, but I'm guessing we'll at least be trying to get him on another loan. Regardless of how many of those things actually end up happening, I'm assuming there must be some kind of 'best case scenario' plan in place to finance it, if by some miracle they do all land? That's got to mean we're looking at some serious departures, right?

Right?

Most certainly!

Torreira and Guendouzi should fetch some good cash!

Mustafi, Holding, Sokratis and the rest of our Championship defenders should also fetch a few shillings :)

Get them done already!

[I am invisible]

Most certainly!

Torreira and Guendouzi should fetch some good cash!

Mustafi, Holding, Sokratis and the rest of our Championship defenders should also fetch a few shillings :)

Get them done already!
Getting it done will be tough, but I think we can at least assume that there's intent there.

If we're serious about trying to get both Aouar and Partey then there's no way we don't sell / swap Lacazette - otherwise I don't see how else we fund everything.

And, yeah, Guendouzi and Torreira look like the other obvious money-makers / makeweights.

Easy, quick wins are surely Mkhitaryan, Elneny, Mavropanos, and anyone else I've forgotten about who's currently on loan (please tell me we've sold Ospina!).

Then, as you say, we've got to cut the surplus players we have in each area. If Gabriel does sign then we're going to have 8 CBs in the first team, which is mental! Half of those guys need to go and, assuming Gabriel, Saliba, Mari or Luiz are all safe, that means a P45 for Sokratis, Chambers, Holding and Mustafi.

Kolasinac needs to go to - they guy adds nothing but expense. Hopefully we'll have enough cover at LB with Tierney backed up by Saka (plus AMN and I believe Soares can both play LB if needed) to not need a replacement?

We probably don't need 3 RBs either, so I would guess either AMN or Bellerin might be sold IF a tempting enough offer comes in. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if we kept all 3, depending on how man CMs we lose / add and whether we ditch Kolasinac without replacing him.

I'm also wondering if there might be a surprise departure or two somewhere, if we really need the extra funds to get our main deals over the line? Maybe Nelson, if a decent bid comes in (I think we'll be pretty well covered on the wings with Pepe, Willian, Saka and Martinelli)? And maybe even one of the keepers? I love have two goalies of that quality fighting it out, but it may be a luxury we can't afford and don't really deserve, if the rest of the team still needs so much work?

I don't see Xhaka going anywhere this summer - if we're looking at losing Guendouzi and Torreira, and maybe Ceballos if we can't work something out with Madrid, then it will leave us way too light on midfield options. I think he'll be go eventually, but probably next summer, when there's less to think about.

Even without Xhaka, though, that's still a lot of potential outs...

Lacazette
Guendouzi
Torreira
Mkhitaryan
Elneny
Mavropanos
Sokratis
Chambers
Holding
Mustafi
Kolasinac

? AMN / Bellerin ?
? Nelson ?
? Leno / Martinez ?

The really crazy thing is we could afford to lose 11 or 12 players from that list, whilst only adding 5, and it would still leave us with plenty of depth in each area - just goes to show how much fat there is in this squad at the moment!

[Mac76]

Not sure about losing both Holding and Chambers, if i could only keep one it would be Chambo

Mavs is already out on loan again i think

Your question marks are exactly that, if we lose a goalie i'd prefer to keep Emi tbh even though Leno's very good

[GP]

In terms of the goalies, I'd sell whichever we get a decent offer for.

Not bothered which.

[selassie]

Fwiw, I think Gabriel basically ours at this point - I’d be surprised if he ended up somewhere else now, especially given how long it’s been common knowledge that he’s up for sale and that rival offers have been made and accepted. These other clubs could have got involved way before now if their interest was genuine...

Aye, me too. Been looking through the tabloids today online and most of the stories sound like bullsh*t to me. All things point to Gabriel signing for us.

[Chippy]

Getting it done will be tough, but I think we can at least assume that there's intent there.

If we're serious about trying to get both Aouar and Partey then there's no way we don't sell / swap Lacazette - otherwise I don't see how else we fund everything.

And, yeah, Guendouzi and Torreira look like the other obvious money-makers / makeweights.

Easy, quick wins are surely Mkhitaryan, Elneny, Mavropanos, and anyone else I've forgotten about who's currently on loan (please tell me we've sold Ospina!).

Then, as you say, we've got to cut the surplus players we have in each area. If Gabriel does sign then we're going to have 8 CBs in the first team, which is mental! Half of those guys need to go and, assuming Gabriel, Saliba, Mari or Luiz are all safe, that means a P45 for Sokratis, Chambers, Holding and Mustafi.

Kolasinac needs to go to - they guy adds nothing but expense. Hopefully we'll have enough cover at LB with Tierney backed up by Saka (plus AMN and I believe Soares can both play LB if needed) to not need a replacement?

We probably don't need 3 RBs either, so I would guess either AMN or Bellerin might be sold IF a tempting enough offer comes in. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if we kept all 3, depending on how man CMs we lose / add and whether we ditch Kolasinac without replacing him.

I'm also wondering if there might be a surprise departure or two somewhere, if we really need the extra funds to get our main deals over the line? Maybe Nelson, if a decent bid comes in (I think we'll be pretty well covered on the wings with Pepe, Willian, Saka and Martinelli)? And maybe even one of the keepers? I love have two goalies of that quality fighting it out, but it may be a luxury we can't afford and don't really deserve, if the rest of the team still needs so much work?

I don't see Xhaka going anywhere this summer - if we're looking at losing Guendouzi and Torreira, and maybe Ceballos if we can't work something out with Madrid, then it will leave us way too light on midfield options. I think he'll be go eventually, but probably next summer, when there's less to think about.

Even without Xhaka, though, that's still a lot of potential outs...

Lacazette
Guendouzi
Torreira
Mkhitaryan
Elneny
Mavropanos
Sokratis
Chambers
Holding
Mustafi
Kolasinac

? AMN / Bellerin ?
? Nelson ?
? Leno / Martinez ?

The really crazy thing is we could afford to lose 11 or 12 players from that list, whilst only adding 5, and it would still leave us with plenty of depth in each area - just goes to show how much fat there is in this squad at the moment!

Blimey! You are so right! I had actually forgotten about Mkhitaryan, Elneny and Mavropanos.

We have so many surplus players :faint: What the hell have the club been doing stock piling all of these average players?

I would blame Wenger, but I wont because Letters will probably ban me :getcoat:

[I am invisible]

Aye, me too. Been looking through the tabloids today online and most of the stories sound like bullsh*t to me. All things point to Gabriel signing for us.

Plus I kind of think that your PSGs and Man Us will probably be shopping at the Upamecano end of the market - they don't need to piss around with data and scouting, and can just wade in with 90m for whoever they want.

[I am invisible]

Not sure about losing both Holding and Chambers, if i could only keep one it would be Chambo

Mavs is already out on loan again i think

I'm not really fussed about Mavs, tbh - he's a loose end, and the designer in me likes thinks to be neat and orderly, but he's also relatively inexpensive, and he probably won't bring in much money, so I guess we can afford to wait and see if Germany can turn him into a serious player for us.

The one thing that's making me think that we should maybe keep one of those CBs is Luiz: he's only on a one year extension, and he's also only really useful in a back 3. And if we're still going to be playing a back 3 every now and then, then we might night need more than 4 CBs across the season?

Careful what you wish for though, because we might not end up with the option that you want! If I were Holding or Chambers, I'd be looking at the players coming in and thinking that I'm basically going to be fighting to be 4th or 5th choice at Arsenal? If they were on £100k/wk+ contracts then they might be happy with that (in which case you wouldn't really want them anyway), but I think the two of them are actually on relatively low contracts, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if they both requested moves? If any one of them ended up staying, there's a fair chance it could end up being Mustafi!

[I am invisible]

...Your question marks are exactly that, if we lose a goalie i'd prefer to keep Emi tbh even though Leno's very good


In terms of the goalies, I'd sell whichever we get a decent offer for.

Not bothered which.

Unless we absolutely, desperately need the cash to get a really important deal done I think I'd fight to keep both, for at least another season.

When both are at the top of their games I think I'd prefer Emi because of his catching and his footwork, even if Leno might shade it as a shot-stopper. BUT... let's not forget Emi has only been in the side since Brighton, after the restart, so I'd hate to bin-off Leno and then find out that it was just a purple patch of form. I remember back in '98, Alex Manninger went on the most incredible run between the sticks to see us through the second half of the season, and we all thought he was going to be the long-term successor to Seaman. But then he just kind of fizzled out and never looked anything that special again.

[I am invisible]

Blimey! You are so right! I had actually forgotten about Mkhitaryan, Elneny and Mavropanos.

We have so many surplus players :faint: What the hell have the club been doing stock piling all of these average players?

I would blame Wenger, but I wont because Letters will probably ban me :getcoat:

Feels more like an out-of-control case of flinging shit at the wall and seeing what sticks - unfortunately the only thing these players stuck to was their fat contracts.

[GP]

Blimey! You are so right! I had actually forgotten about Mkhitaryan, Elneny and Mavropanos.

We have so many surplus players :faint: What the hell have the club been doing stock piling all of these average players?

I would blame Wenger, but I wont because Letters will probably ban me :getcoat:

Mkhi has gone to Roma.

[I am invisible]

Mkhi has gone to Roma.

Cool - that's £10m/yr saved straightaway

[Marc Overmars]

Wolves are interested in AMN.

I reckon he’ll be sold further down the line, maybe close to deadline day. Bit like Iwobi was when Everton got desperate and stumped up the cash.

[Letters]

I would blame Wenger, but I wont because Letters will probably ban me :getcoat:
Damn straight! :threaten:

[Mac76]

If any one of them ended up staying, there's a fair chance it could end up being Mustafi!

:ilt:

[Chippy]

Damn straight! :threaten:

:d

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Gabriel will be on his way tomorrow apparently.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/23/gabriel-magalhaes-five-year-deal-arsenal-27m-lille-transfer-window

Link from the Guardian but is being widely reported.

Not exactly sure how he gets to complete the move tomorrow when he'll have to self-isolate for 14 days. :lol:

[GP]

Gabriel will be on his way tomorrow apparently.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/23/gabriel-magalhaes-five-year-deal-arsenal-27m-lille-transfer-window

Link from the Guardian but is being widely reported.

Not exactly sure how he gets to complete the move tomorrow when he'll have to self-isolate for 14 days. :lol:

He doesn't need to as he's testing his eyesight.

[Slacker]

Is Mavropanos that bad? Only seen him a couple of times but he can run and head a ball and tackle. Can't say I've been used to that lately...

[Marc Overmars]

He’s had some injuries but it’s strange how he hasn’t really ever had a shot given our issues in defence. Maybe he’s just a bit shit and not as good a prospect as we thought.

[GP]

Well the CB partnership won't be Mustafi/Luiz probably ever again.

Mari and Saliba have already come in and Gabriel is on the verge. Mavropanos out on loan seems like the right thing to do.

[Marc Overmars]

We have like 8 centre backs on the books so that will definitely need trimming. Sokratis and Chambers will surely be moved on. Maybe Mustafi as well if we can get the right price.

[I am invisible]

Is Mavropanos that bad? Only seen him a couple of times but he can run and head a ball and tackle. Can't say I've been used to that lately...
Honestly? I have no idea. But if he’s basically been exiled to Germany, and we don’t intend to actually use him, then I’m not really sure what we’re doing with him?

[I am invisible]

I guess we can afford to wait another year with Mavs - see what we’re looking at next summer, after Luiz’s one year extension expires, but that would be my deadline for making a call on him.

[Mac76]

We have like 8 centre backs on the books so that will definitely need trimming. Sokratis and Chambers will surely be moved on. Maybe Mustafi as well if we can get the right price.

I'd just give him away if we could, he's still massivaly flawed and belongs to the banter period that arteta is hopefully just moving us on from, i don't want him at the club

[Marc Overmars]

Sounds like we’re just waiting on official confirmation for Gabriel now. :popcorn:

Apparently he’s quite dominant in the air. Definitely something we’ve needed for a while. Hopefully he’s better than the last Gabriel we had...

[I am invisible]

There's a good write-up on Gabriel here, if anyone's interested...

https://talksport.com/football/704438/kalidou-koulibaly-arsenal-lille-gabriel-transfer/

[Marc Overmars]

Chelsea on the verge of signing Havertz, Chilwell and Thiago Silva. Really good window for them really considering they’ve already secured Werner and Ziyech.

No excuses for Fat Frank not to have a go at the title.

[GP]

Arsenal have today signed TWO defenders on permanent deals!!!!!


https://www.arsenal.com/news/mari-and-soares-make-loan-moves-permanent

[dazthegooner]

Thought they already had...

[Mac76]

No excuse not to let Mustafi go now, c'mon Arsenal get 'im out the door

[Marc Overmars]

In talks with Wolves over AMN.

:wave:

[fakeyank]

In talks with Wolves over AMN.

:wave:

Should put in a buy back clause in the contract

[Mac76]

Should put in a buy back clause in the contract

And a sell-on clause for when he goes to Citeh...

[Globalgunner]

Citeh will buy anything, true. They bought Clichy FFS

[Marc Overmars]

And a sell-on clause for when he goes to Citeh...

Definitely worth a sell on clause. I would prefer to keep him but money has got to come from somewhere I guess.

Only 22 so this is possibly a sale that could come back to haunt us one day.

[Unai Tea]

Rumours of Bellerin to PSG. I'd rather keep AMN.

[Mac76]

Rumours of Bellerin to PSG. I'd rather keep AMN.

I think i would too, no doubt they were impressed by his run in the final, but AMN's more of a future prospect

[selassie]

Should put in a buy back clause in the contract

Aye, I think this one might come back to haunt us. AMN is actually a very decent squad player for us and if he continues to develop I can see one of the Oil clubs picking him up in a few years time and for big money.

[selassie]

So Willian and Gabriel M are done.

It looks like our CM targets are Ceballos (loan again, hopefully with an obligation to buy), Aouar of Lyon (City chasing him too apparently) and /or Partey. We are certainly aiming big and targeting players with CL experience who are currently at CL clubs, can't really ask for more and it seems at least these players in the case of Aouar and Partey must be keen.

Can't really fault this rebuild project if we do manage to pull off even signing 2 of the 3 targets we are currently chasing.

[I am invisible]

Definitely need an obligation to buy on Dani boy, if we’re looking at another loan - can see him turning into one of Arteta’s generals next season.

Hope we have some smart alternatives lined up for Partey and Aouar - really applaud the ambition there, but those are going to be tough deals to get done!

[Mac76]

we need to get the Auba deal over the line and then these players will know they have a top striker to work with

[GP]

So Willian and Gabriel M are done.

It looks like our CM targets are Ceballos (loan again, hopefully with an obligation to buy), Aouar of Lyon (City chasing him too apparently) and /or Partey. We are certainly aiming big and targeting players with CL experience who are currently at CL clubs, can't really ask for more and it seems at least these players in the case of Aouar and Partey must be keen.

Can't really fault this rebuild project if we do manage to pull off even signing 2 of the 3 targets we are currently chasing.

I thought we'd have no chance for Aouar but Juninho Pernambucano is the DoF at Lyon and good mates with Edu, so you never know.

[Ralpheroo72]

The Aubameyang thing is dragging on too long, just sign the fucker

[selassie]

Definitely need an obligation to buy on Dani boy, if we’re looking at another loan - can see him turning into one of Arteta’s generals next season.

Hope we have some smart alternatives lined up for Partey and Aouar - really applaud the ambition there, but those are going to be tough deals to get done!

Yep Dani boy should be a priority buy for us. He was superb at the end of last season.

I agree re: Partey and Aouar.

[selassie]

I thought we'd have no chance for Aouar but Juninho Pernambucano is the DoF at Lyon and good mates with Edu, so you never know.

I think Aouar is only obtainable if no other club is after him that can offer CL. If City and the likes of Juve are really after him then forget it, he won't be coming here.

[Mac76]

The Aubameyang thing is dragging on too long, just sign the fucker

trouble is he might be waiting to see who else we sign first - a bit chicken and egg...

[selassie]

trouble is he might be waiting to see who else we sign first - a bit chicken and egg...

Yeah I think that is what's happening.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Old Man Messi hands in a transfer request!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53911105

:wacko:

[Letters]

Messi IN!

[Globalgunner]

Old Man Messi hands in a transfer request!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53911105

:wacko:

In truth this has implications for Arsenal. Who could Barca sign right now that would either replace Messi or be big enough to placate him to stay especially as they have given Suarez the heave ho. It is Auba of course. I think we should be in for Suarez too. He is at least a short term solution if Auba leaves.

The plot thickens. Cannot believe Messi wants to leave. Its probably the Suarez thing that broke him. Brace problems are not with the forwards. It's the aging g midfield and dufus defending that's the problem.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It could have other implications for us too.

https://sportwitness.co.uk/argentina-arsenal-named-among-clubs-land-lionel-messi/

It's on!


But there’s one more English side included in the story, and that’s Arsenal. They write that the Gunners ‘are another great of the Premier League that could open the wallet and Messi would be a luxury reinforcement’.

:haha:

Auba will be signing a new contract so even if he did the ultimate dick move and left in the same summer, we'd get a decent amount for him. Auba is definitely staying though.

[Marc Overmars]

Neverton could be close to signing James Rodriguez. :lol:

[I am invisible]

Not a great time to be joining Barca right now - think they could be in for a rocky couple of years. Aren’t they in a similar boat to us, where they’ve crippled themselves with the contracts they’ve been dishing out to older players? I wouldn’t be surprised if they struggled to match our offer to Auba...

[I am invisible]

https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/26/arsenal-transfer-news-mikel-arteta-alexandre-lacazette-13179061/?ito=newsnow-feed

LOL, nice try Atletico - for you, Lacazette's price is the same as Partey's release clause.

Paid in full, please.

[Mac76]

I hadn't realised Saliba is a genuine gooner :bow:

https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/24/why-william-saliba-rejected-manchester-united-join-arsenal-13172484/?ico=more_text_links

"Tottenham’s interest in Saliba was well known and the Frenchman had a clear choice between Spurs and Arsenal last summer, only to opt for the red half of north London."

Spuds :pal:

[Marc Overmars]

Chelsea sign Chilwell for 50m.

Seems like Abramovich is showing an interest again.

[Mac76]

Chelsea sign Chilwell for 50m.

Seems like Abramovich is showing an interest again.

Looks like no-one told Vardy - "We've a fantastic team that I believe is capable of getting even better and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together in the next few years." :haha:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53916168

[Chippy]

Chelsea sign Chilwell for 50m.

Seems like Abramovich is showing an interest again.
Chelsea are nothing but filthy whores.
There, I have said it!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Chelsea sign Chilwell for 50m.

Seems like Abramovich is showing an interest again.

Since Citeh shat all over FFP.

[selassie]

Chelsea sign Chilwell for 50m.

Seems like Abramovich is showing an interest again.

Think this kid is massively overrated. I watched Mahrez rip him to shreads for the entire game when City played Leicester last season at the Etihad. Chilwell to Chelsea, is similar to the Maguire to Man United, massively over-inflated prices for homegrown talents.

FWIW I think Tierney is better than Chilwell, by a distance too.

[Chippy]

https://dailycannon.com/2020/08/middlesbrough-in-advanced-negotiations-for-yaya-sanogo/

:haha:

[Mac76]

Ceballos wants to go to Betis apparently, disappointing if true.

https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/dani-ceballos-asks-real-madrid-for-real-betis-return_411924.html

[Gooner23]

Our central midfield could be threadbare by the start of the season if we sell Torreira, AMN and Guendouzi as well.

It's a tricky position, we need to sell players to generate funds in order to bring in replacements.

[Chippy]

Our central midfield could be threadbare by the start of the season if we sell Torreira, AMN and Guendouzi as well.

It's a tricky position, we need to sell players to generate funds in order to bring in replacements.

We just need to get to the magic 40 points :whistle:

[WMUG]

Our central midfield could be threadbare by the start of the season if we sell Torreira, AMN and Guendouzi as well.

It's a tricky position, we need to sell players to generate funds in order to bring in replacements.

If we're selling those players, it's because we're doing it to generate the funds for an upgrade.

[I am invisible]

Just for once, can we go into a season without a whole section of the fucking team missing?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ceballos wants to go to Betis apparently, disappointing if true.

https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/dani-ceballos-asks-real-madrid-for-real-betis-return_411924.html

Arteta says he wants to say. Good enough for me.

Also, Chelsea sign old Man Thiago Silva. :lol:

[GP]

Isn't he like 34?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No, 35.

36 next month. :wacko:

[dazthegooner]

You can see why Lumplard didn't want to give Willian a 3 year deal with him being 32 to all....

[I am invisible]

Just listening to Arteta’s latest prezzer, and it sounded a lot like he was trying to convince Ainsley of his trust in him and his value to the side - possible sign that the player might be driving that (potential) move and not the club?

[I am invisible]

It’s also starting to look like Emi could be off (with Brentford’s keeper lined up as Leno’s backup). Again, sounds like it’s the player driving the move.

I’d be sorry to see him go, but I also totally get it - if he gambles on challenging Leno for the no.1 jersey, and he doesn’t come out on top, then he’s destined for a career of 2nd choice obscurity, and may never get another run like this that will draw as much interest. Could be his best chance to secure guaranteed football at a good club, and secure the no.1 status (and wage) that he’s clearly good enough command. He’s come from a poor background, so you can understand him wanting to make the most of his big chance, if this is it.

I just hope we either hold out for at least £20m, or insist on all sorts of buy-back and sell-on clauses, if it’s a lower fee.

[Mac76]

i'd say he's worth more than £20m though i don't really know the going rate for a GK

i'd rather let Leno go personally, Emi's a better all-round goalie IMO

[I am invisible]

If he plays like that across a whole season then, yeah, he’s worth way more than 20. As it is though, I think 20 is about as much as we can hope for, given the current financial crisis, and that fact that his value is based on about 10 games. Guess a lot will depend on the resources of the buying club.

I dunno... I think I prefer Emi over Leno, but it’s really marginal. I like that he catches, but beyond that I think they’re pretty even, and a lot of my preference is probably just sentimentality: I like Emi’s story, and I want to see him do well.

I have to say, though, I think Leno is a top-class keeper too, and I’d be just as delighted with him as our #1. Emi was amazing when he came in, but let’s not forget that Leno was probably one half of the reason that we weren’t already relegated by Christmas, and we shouldn’t forget just how good he is in his own right.

[Master Splinter]

If we sell AMN for less than £40m: :doh:.

Daft twit should stay and be a part of this. He's still young enough to get a good move if things don't work out fully for him this season.

[Niall_Quinn]

The transfer fees aren't really based on talent any more. It's all about merchandising and marketability. That's why 631mill for Messi is not necessarily as insane as it seems, from a greedy, corporate vampire perspective. Can they shift 631 mill worth of Messi BS during a 3 year contract? Maybe. What can AMN sell? Not much at this stage. Then again, that doesn't explain the mystery of Harry McGuire. Maybe that's an unsolvable one.

[I am invisible]

Sack this move business off, Ainsley, and have a bit of faith in yourself - you keep playing this well and we’ll make a space in the side for you

[I am invisible]

The transfer fees aren't really based on talent any more. It's all about merchandising and marketability. That's why 631mill for Messi is not necessarily as insane as it seems, from a greedy, corporate vampire perspective. Can they shift 631 mill worth of Messi BS during a 3 year contract? Maybe. What can AMN sell? Not much at this stage. Then again, that doesn't explain the mystery of Harry McGuire. Maybe that's an unsolvable one.
That’s because they let Ole sign cheques with a stamp.

[I am invisible]

Anyone else starting to feel like this AMN and Martinez stuff might all be staged so we have some “good news” to announce on the final day of the window when it turns out our CM for the season is Xhaka and Elneny?

[Niall_Quinn]

Anyone else starting to feel like this AMN and Martinez stuff might all be staged so we have some “good news” to announce on the final day of the window when it turns out our CM for the season is Xhaka and Elneny?

In the grand scheme of things, I just can't get that excited about it. These players live in a different world to us now. I used to drink down at the pub with half the Arsenal team, a long time ago. It's all changed, some say for the better - I'm not so sure. I was invested back then because I felt part of it, in a small way. But still connected. Now, it's just stuff that gets reported in the fake news media. We have no way of knowing the reality, one way or the other. But it does seem, in the absence of hard information, guessing is our best bet.

And even when it all pans out, whatever players are on the pitch, it's not entertaining. Back, back, sideways, back. The odd moment when one of the tiny number of genuine players like Auba sweeps it into the net. I'll admit, I jumped up and was engaged again when he did that. But it's so rare now. Scraps.

If they stay, if they go. I don't think it really makes much of a difference.

[Niall_Quinn]

Auba has signed. Apparently.

[Letters]

700m Euro release clause for Messi :lol:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53967083

Starting to think we may not sign him after all <_<

[Letters]

Auba has signed. Apparently.

Won't believe it till it's on the BBC :sulk:

[Globalgunner]

Funniest headline ive yet seen this season. "United beat off Spurs to land Van den Beek" What shit are they smoking at the toilet bowl?

[GP]

Dawson's Creek was shit.

[Marc Overmars]

Auba has signed. Apparently.

I think it is done too, otherwise he surely would have been sold to raise money.

Best signing we could make this summer quite frankly. Without him there’s no chance we can even think about moving forward.

[WMUG]

In the grand scheme of things, I just can't get that excited about it. These players live in a different world to us now. I used to drink down at the pub with half the Arsenal team, a long time ago. It's all changed, some say for the better - I'm not so sure. I was invested back then because I felt part of it, in a small way. But still connected. Now, it's just stuff that gets reported in the fake news media. We have no way of knowing the reality, one way or the other. But it does seem, in the absence of hard information, guessing is our best bet.

And even when it all pans out, whatever players are on the pitch, it's not entertaining. Back, back, sideways, back. The odd moment when one of the tiny number of genuine players like Auba sweeps it into the net. I'll admit, I jumped up and was engaged again when he did that. But it's so rare now. Scraps.

If they stay, if they go. I don't think it really makes much of a difference.

What you're missing is still around, you've just gotta go down the leagues to get it.

[Marc Overmars]

Messi hasn’t reported for training because he doesn’t consider himself part of the squad anymore. :lol:

Burning his bridges, just let him go tbf.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Most acrimonious falling out of a club legend ever? :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://www.arsenal.com/news/mkhitaryan-joins-roma

Mkhi joins Roma permanently.

[Marc Overmars]

Huge chunk of wages off the bill there.

What an awful swap deal that turned out to be with Alexis. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Swap deals rarely happen.

Us and Man Utd proved why. :lol:

[I am invisible]

Excellent.

So krates possibly off to Napoli for €4.5, and Shalke and Roma sniffing around Kola - deal, deal and deal.

We can sell Kolasinac twice, right?

[Mac76]

Excellent.

So krates possibly off to Napoli for €4.5, and Shalke and Roma sniffing around Kola - deal, deal and deal.

We can sell Kolasinac twice, right?

Sure, we just get mustafi to change his name by deed poll, no-one will notice the difference

[Letters]

Sure, we just get mustafi to change his name by deed poll, no-one will notice the difference

:haha:

[I am invisible]

Sure, we just get mustafi to change his name by deed poll, no-one will notice the difference
I’m listening...

[I am invisible]

Deal (supposedly) agreed to bring Dani back for another year - one less thing to worry about, if true

[dazthegooner]

Been reported by both Spanish and Italian journalists.