We have made Piero Hincapie a permanent transfer. He was solid last season, and I don’t think any Arsenal fan will question this decision. We then went ahead and brought a left winger in Christos Tzolis, who has some brilliant numbers to his name. For 35m, we have replaced Trossard with a 24 year, who had 17 goals and 23 assists in 36 appearances last season in Belgian League. And, we have taken away the Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for 75m GBP.
Bruno G was a leader for Newcastle. He was a cunt, sure, but he did well for them. Mikel brought him to Emirates because Granit Xhaka (remember?) is too old to start for us and is rejecting Chelsea these days. I don’t mind him at Arsenal because we need some toughness and deterrents among those technical boys. The only concern for me was the fees we paid for a 28 year old who is most likely in his last contract before leaving for Türkiye. I would be furious if we stop here, because there are some very pressing needs in the attack that needs addressing.
In defence, Saliba is out for an extended period due to his back injury. Mosquera can cover him up but then Jurrien Timber is out for few more weeks and we are left with Mosquera and White for RB and RCB positions. That’s not an ideal scenario and you know it very well that Ben White hasn’t been well ever since his last injury. We need someone to cover one of the positions, or I am afraid we will have to see Declan Rice at RB position, who needs his own ‘rest’ days.
Midfield looks OK, with Bruno G addition. Ethan Nwaneri is back and I seriously hope more game time for that lad, he has the potential but Arteta’s insistence on playing Odegaard every game is costing his development. Look, I am not saying to start him against Man City and Liverpool, but if you are 3-0 up, he should be the one on the pitch. If it’s a game against Ipswich Town, he should be starting.
The front 3 is another problem we need to sort. Martinelli has been a loyal servant and a great player so far, but we lacked that killer instinct last season. We have got Tzolis for Trossard but I am afraid we need another upgrade, as talented as Bukayo. I also wanted much more from Gyokeres than a 20+ goals last season, when we played in 4 competitions and reached to semi finals at the very least. I am okay to give him another year but if it’s a Merino or Havertz who you prefer more than him in the starting line up, there’s something wrong.
10 more days before we begin our season against Coventry. Saliba and Timber are the only ones injured, but Declan Rice needs some rest. That’s 3 starting players out for weeks / months.
After the Vinicious’s drama, we don’t even have any rumours going on for us. Some journalist with a 1000 follower floated the news that we are offering MLS to Chelsea and United for a fee of 45m. Firstly, you are talking about a 19-year old who start the Champions League final and has a Premier League Winner medal in his drawing room, so “if” that’s true, the fee must be at least 75m. Secondly, he is Arsenal till I die, and told both clubs and others to fuck off if they thing he wants to go.
Right, that’s me done for today. There is a useless FA Community Shield coming up on Sunday which will clear up more things about injuries and our preparedness about the coming season.
Onwards and Upwards.
