Well, hello there ladies and gentlemen. I know you aren’t really happy with the sun in London for now but I’m sure an evening in Brighton or at Leigh would be a good thing. Are you bored even with no football around? Well I’m here to spice things up for ya with Zinchenko and Saka’s news.
Rumours suggest we are persuing Zinchenko after missing out on Martinez to Man United. I have no problem with him, he looks a very decent signing and in need of regular game time which we can afford to provide with Europa and Tierney’s injury record. That will also mean we will ship out Nuno Tavares and we might get a buyer for a change for him.
Fab Romano has dropped a tweet confirming Saka’s extension is in progress and that the young lad is happy with the project. It’s the money which is holding him to sign da ting but he is not the one we would let go for few quids. He is one of our own.
The club ran an interview of William Saliba, where the player has nicer things to say –
“When I was on loan I watched every single [Arsenal] game because when I was there some players weren’t. I watched the games to see how they played, so when I was back it would be easier to play with those I hadn’t met before.
Source: Arsenal.com
“It’s important that the fans are behind you, and I like it very much. I can’t wait to give back to them.”
Take what you want of this, but I’m positive (and hopeful) the young player of the season extends his contract. We spend a whooping 28million pounds for a youngster so that we won’t have to pay 70m when the time comes. There is no point letting him go on a no profit, no loss case. Moreover, we need him this season when we are fighting on two blocks and I genuinely believe he could be a starter in our playing XI.
In a sad affair, one of our bright academy prospect in Omari Hutchinson has decided to join the London rivals Chelsea. Again, this could mean a dozen things but I have a feeling it’s monetary. Our hale end is in good hands of Per Mertesacker and we have been able to tie up all our good players from academy recently; no complaints from me on this one.
Another sad affair is, there is no news (or even rumours) for a midfielder. What are we going to do if Partey breaks down again this season? Are we going to stick to Xhaka again when everyone knows we need an upgrade on him? Arteta isn’t really done much in giving game time to Patino/Azeez and Sambi has looked raw till now. Are we going to low ball Leicester for Tielemans and put a bid for Savic when the time comes? So much to ask with no answer yet for the midfield. I’m not sure if we will try to leave it unattended giving an excuse for Arteta and Edu for another season of mediocrity, afterall they can’t fix everything at once (Yep, I am sarcastic here).
Right, that’s all for today. Hang tight, mercury will drop down soon to a bearable state.
Arteta loves Xhaka it’s pretty clear to see – we’ve had Xhaka try to leave twice and both times Arteta has stopped it happening.
He’ll be here next season and first name on the team sheet whenever Arteta can get him on the pitch.
The news I am ready regarding Saliba is exactly what I have been saying for months. He wants to go to Qatar with the French WC squad BUT that will only happen if he is a regular starter / player from now until November. If Arteta doesn’t guarantee this, he will not sign an extension. Without an extension to the contract which runs until 2024 it will be stupid not to sell him but than that is the Arsenal way under present management “Failure is an option”.
The media reports that Arsenal is turning their attention to a Chelsea prospect if Saliba doesn’t sign an extension. Think about the height of Arteta’s stubbornness and arrogance. He is considering replacing Ligue 1 “Young Player of the Year”, starting 11 of the Ligue 1 squad, French WC player win a Chelsea PROSPECT!!!
There you have it gents Dumb & Dumber ruling supremely at AFC.
win/with
Marc, so many have died on that hill…
Killroy
It woukd be interesting to see who wins – face saving by integrating Saliba in playing XI or stubbornness. Second option won’t go down well with fans I guess.
I remember the discussions on Le Groan “Saliba is Back” many of us said he is professional and saying things that will not close doors or commit himself until the issue is settled will I be a regular starter or not? Since he is in demand and I can see him leave for a few other clubs that are loosing CBs like Napoli, Juve or stay at OLM. All the negotiating power is with him and his agent.
There is no face saving for Arteta this will come down to either accept Saliba’s conditions or not. If he doesn’t accept those conditions and Saliba turns in a few years to the new VVD and becomes a 100m player, AFC has again blown an opportunity for either elite defense or mega selling price. However neither of those outcomes is the MO of the three stooges in charge of AFC.
Ambarish
And yet Xhaka lives – I’m beginning to think the fucking guys immortal!
Killroy
We’re going to lose Saliba for very likely what we paid for him (assuming the PRATS have a good day) and then in a couple of years watch him lift the CL for another club.
Unless we stumble onto a messiah as the next manager it’ll take a decade to repair the damage Arteta will have done to the club.
Story in the Independent this morning:
“Atletico Madrid and Marseille are looking to sign William Saliba, with the 21-year-old France defender set to ask for a permanent transfer this summer if he is not guaranteed a starting place at Arsenal.”
Arteta really is going to blow this just because he didn’t sign the player. It really does look like Arteta can’t accept any players outside of Xhaka and Saka unless he signed them.
We’ll see ESR and Martinelli leave the club in the next year or so.
KP
The 3rd most excellent weekend this month. Watching on 9NOW Australia vs England the deciding test match in front of a sold out crowd of 47’000 in the SGC Sydney grounds super atmosphere helps with the lull until season starts.
The Saliba story is a sorry state of affairs and he will leave because the last person that wanted guaranteed playing time, Emi, left.
Killroy
2 forward passes for that Australian try I think. Wtf was Jones doing replacing Poortvliet with Care?
Killroy
If Saliba had been handled better earlier on he wouldn’t now be putting down ultimatums.
I genuinely hate Arteta.
Thought myself that perhaps there was some forward passing in that try. But what an atmosphere worth getting up at 6:00am
I had argued the terrible treatment by Arteta, he didn’t address him by first name in an interview showing no relationship. If Juve is successful in their bid for Gabrielle we will be needing to look for an additional position to fix on top of the mid field.
Killroy
Part of me thinks it’s deliberate – keeps giving Arteta an excuse to fail.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/gabriel-martinelli-arsenal-teammate-potential-27495769
Arsehole ray from Arsehole. Every player has his style and USP.
When Martineli was unleashed by Emery he created ripples playing to his strengths. Now comes the Don Quixote with his straight jacket. Even Messi will falter playing with his hands tied behind his back
#WhenArtetaOut
Arseholery from Arsehole
Watched the friendly against Everton on a twitter broadcast stream that showed the £6 Arsenal stream and besides having a dull opponent who doesn’t know where the goals will come from, Jesus looked excellent but so did Elneny in the 2nd half everything attack wise went through him.
The ball distribution, passing and fluidity did look good, but then it was Everton 😆
Killroy
Hi mate. First two games yesterday well worth watching – the other 2 not so much. Could Ireland and France be the 2 favourites for the WC? South Africa did not look that good beating a poor Wales team. Massive inquest in NZ with ABs having lost 4 of last 5 games.
Saw the goals this morning from Bawl’more. Did you consider going. When I lived in DC, I used to like going up there as it was much more like I think a US city ought to be like. That first Jesus goal, neither EN, nor Auba/Laca score that because they wouldn’t have the skill nor audacity to trap a ball direct from a corner. So maybe he is an uptick insofar as quality is concerned. Everton could well struggle again this season – Oh dear! What a shame!
I saw one of those computer-generated league predictor bullshit things yesterday. It had us finishing 6th!
Even the Computer says…
Arteta out.
Still concerned that we’ve got less than 3 weeks to the start of the season and our midfield is not sorted.
Add the stories about Saliba and Gabriel and we could find our defence is undergoing a major reset before the TW closes.
Everton game foremost take is they have Lampard the worst coach in terms of results. Lampard makes Arteta look better . ESR guess is being broken into like a bull to yoke. But in football it usually means breaking down. Mean after Odegard performance
Hoopah
Fat Frank’s got to be among the favourites for first manager to get the bullet this coming season.
Marc
That’s when I knew that predictor thing was utter bollox – it suggested Everton would finish mid table…
I experienced a vicarious thrill last season hoping for their relegation but alas…Almunia told me at the time no to get too excited and he was right.
That said, I much prefer going to Goodison than Anfield. A, there’s much more chance of winning, and B, there’s no question of being able to out sing Toffees fans. I think if Forest and Fulham can show a modicum of backbone next term, Everton and Leeds could struggle.
KP
No I didn’t consider going to Bawlmore (The local pronunciation) too hot and don’t like the area plus 75 minute minimum ride for me. The Twitter stream was actually quite good. Would have gone to DC FedX stadium.
Loved the first two Saturday games and no shit the press conference after the AB’s loss was cancel. I think there may be a manager/coach change in the making so close to the RWC.
I am positive about the team ingredients and I am sure they will make an excellent concoction when in the hands of a proper chef. But we have Bumteta and I am sure he will burn it, it is his nature.
Hope I will find a decent stream for the game on July 23rd against the Chavs.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-mikel-arteta-smith-rowe-27509569
Ominous. Has ESR the docile guy finally has had enough of Mikel’s politics ?
Fabio Vieira is a guy people are now having second thoughts about. He is apparently bought as part of Arteta’s apartichick politics to obtain complete domination over ESR , although considering Emile’s mild nature this is akin to Don Quixote Mikel charging at windmills.
It is strange ESR is bugging one brought to bench him, as if he is plotting his own sale.
Let’s wait and watch.
Off topic but fuck me it’s hot.
Took a little posting break as a result of some emergency dental surgery…nasty infection due to a couple hairline fractures in a 6 & 7, which led to half my face swelling up like a motherfucker…unfortunately I’m on blood thinners so I had to endure a nasty double removal without the aid of any anesthetics…the next two days were like a series of bloody outtakes from the Exorcist…thankfully that chapter’s in the rearview now
on to football-related matters:
When I look around the PL landscape it appears as if this is going to be one of the most hotly contested campaigns ever…of course, outside of the top two, as I can’t imagine anyone competing with the clear favourite, City, minus the most logical runner-ups, Pool…as for 3 through 8, it could be a real crapshoot, as there’s a whole host of clubs who could challenge for European positions…some have made some rather savvy off-season maneuverings, whereas others remain in the mix as a result of continuity, both managerially-speaking and from a squad perspective, and a few, who have either embarked on a new mandate, like United, or received considerable backing for a clear and definitive plan, like the Spurs under Conte, will make life difficult for those hoping to crack the top 4…so where do we fit in this top-half clusterfuck? to be frank, I’m not quite sure, except to say that we currently employ the most tactical inept/stunted manager, who hasn’t properly redressed our most pressing needs and has barely scratched the surface when it comes to outgoing players ”
here’s an interesting little LG posting from the always brownnosing clown, Nigel:
Those posts by Tony (Kroenkephobe, Veira Lynn, Junior) were not really funny. I saw them as a cry for help. Anyone who has to take on multiple personalities, personas, just to get recognition on a blog is in a lonely place. If he wasn’t so hateful to the club, I’d feel sorry for him. His pessimism is disgusting.. Dark soul in there.
“cry for help”, how fucking ironic
take care one and all
Read that post also and Le Groan has really been homogenized with only a few daring to speak up, but still some very sound reasoning by few to keep the clueless and clowns in check.
The signings so far look decent for me and I also agree the hole in the center has yet to be fixed. Since the players on paper and judging by past performance seem decent it is up now to the MIT what to do with them. The pieces are on the pitch will the hand that moves them to be a Chess Master or Novice, you all know where I am standing.
Lets see what happens Wednesday night and Saturday, there should be some decent streams available that carry the games.
Marc
Off topic but fuck me it’s hot.
Typically understated as ever! You’re in London right? Hot buildings, hot pavements and no breeze. It was hot enough here and we’re 40 metres from the Irish Sea. I’m just coming out of what I think was a reasonably mild strain of covid so the heat didn’t help. I felt sorry for those men and women playing intl cricket this week too. Really cold booze helps! You lads in India must be wondering why were struggling with (only!) 40 degree temperatures.
TRVL
Ouch! Hope you’re on the mend mate. That sounds about as painful as it could be. I’ve got a mate with Parkinsons who 8 removed in one sitting but he was dosed up. Take it easy mate. Same prescription as fir the heat sufferers – drink heavily and alcoholically!
It’s a canter for city next year if you ask me. I think Pool and Spuds will drop off slightly while we and Chelsea will be a little improved. Not much change for Manure I hope. I genuinely believe we’ll be top three by end September. Nurse! Where’s my Kool Aid?
Killroy
I assume its all still very much sub judice, but what’s your understanding of the player whose name ought not be mentioned and whether he’s likely to play while justice takes its course? If it’s who we all think it might be, is he expected to start the season?
Kroenke
I work in North London but live in Hertfordshire – Monday was bloody hot yesterday was just horrible.
I agree on City next season I think Haaland’s going to be an absolute beast and City haven’t played with a proper striker since Aguero left. Outside of that it’s going to be tight – I disagree on the Spud’s Conte only had half a season in charge if he’d had the whole season they’d have finished with another 4 – 8 points. The wheels will come off they always do with Conte but I think he might just make it through this season before the toys get thrown out of the pram.
Ultimately I think the managers who can rotate and deal with the World Cup interruption the best will come out on top – I’m not expecting anything from Arteta.
Kroenke
On the player accused of rape – a PL club (club wasn’t named) came out and made a statement last week along the lines of the player will continue to be included and play yada yada yada.
The problem is if a player is suddenly dropped etc it will out him, if he’s played and on trial in 3 – 6 months a team’s been promoting and playing someone who will be seen as a major liability and a major embarrassment.
Over on Le Gohead they’ve been tying themselves up in knots talking about Xhaka playing in a more advanced role – they know Arteta just won’t drop him but just can’t come to call him out for doing something they know is madness.
Marc
agree with you on two accounts, firstly, I think Conte’s going old school with the Spuds on the training pitch and with their full “buy in” additions, they will be a tough match-up week-in and week-out…secondly,, how each individual manager handles the most unusual of mid-season breaks, will go a long way in determining the final standings…I would suspect that unless MA gets over his aversion to squad rotation and starts to display some much-needed tactical flexibility, he could find himself facing considerable pressure should results not match expectations prior to the WC break
“Over on Le Gohead they’ve been tying themselves up in knots talking about Xhaka playing in a more advanced role – they know Arteta just won’t drop him but just can’t come to call him out for doing something they know is madness”
when will this Xhaka malady ever end??? Granit, for the love of God give us a sampling of the “dirt” you’ve collected over the years so we can at least better comprehend your inexplicable Teflon gig
TRVL
Arteta’s not only going to have to start managing properly – using a squad etc he’s got to start playing in a way that suits the players he’s bought. He won’t get away with the bullshit anymore that squad is his, pinging 30 plus crosses into the box at a player who’s not that type of striker was a demonstration of a lack of ideas and or ability. He’s now spent hundreds of millions, finishing in the same position as Emery in his first season or worse will not be good enough.
I’m struggling to get my head round our transfer business this summer.
THIS IS NOT A CRITICISM OF THE PLAYERS BOUGHT!
Zinchenko has not joined us to be either back up or a utility player and I can’t see the Kroenke’s signing off a deal for a backup player that costs £30 million plus. Will Tierney drop to the bench? Can’t see it, if we think that there’s interest for Newcastle or similar and the offers good then fine but we’ll be back to last season with questionable backup or if Tav goes on loan we’ll need another fullback.
We still have at least 1 huge hole in CM – possibly 2 and Jesus was not on anyone’s list as the type of striker that Artetalackofball needed.
It looks on paper like a great summer and none of the players signed look at face value like bad players but I struggle to see how they’ll fit in unless ESR etc get dropped down the pecking order.
Marc
I concur with your squad assessment, in that I don’t quite see how the puzzle pieces fit into the tactical script, unless major changes are forthcoming…of course, like yourself, I’m not slagging the players in question, as I can see various up-sides, both present and future, for several of our new acquisitions
I like what Jesus brings to the table, albeit I’m not sure exactly how he could be perceived as a perfect fit for a cross heavy approach, but maybe, just maybe, the tactical reigns will be considerably loosened…whereas with both Marq and Vieira, I do see their future potential in the coming years…that said, I’m not sure if we should be investing so heavily in coin toss propositions and those with aspirations to play “out of position”, like Zinch, Vieira and even Jesus, to some degree, when there’s clearly better positional options out there
the fact that we still have Xhaka on our roster and we haven’t pursued a true-blue DM and/or a pacey Striker with height, even if just for plan B purposes, is rather disconcerting, especially if the investments of this year and last are functional anomalies…as such, just not convinced that we’re putting our eggs in the right basket…sure hope I’m wrong, but nothing that has happened thus far, under this manager, fills me with the utmost confidence that he can get the best out of this rather eclectic and somewhat injury-prone bunch
https://www.football365.com/news/william-saliba-weapon-against-mikel-arteta-but-might-become-arsenal-legacy-opinion
Do also watch highlights specific to Saliba in last 2 friendliest. Against Orlando 100% pass accuracy, 100% pass completion naturally. Unflustered but firm tackling.
Le Groiners are debating that it proves sending Saliba scumpering into loans was a brainwave of Don Quixote. If it was, it only proves Arteta cannot coach tactics , no matter the oft repeated and only one at that of Sterling improvement. Likely a PR by Pep to slowly get Coleman out from the Man City.
And what about the perennial ESR fitness issue , although he has been looking fit and getting goals in most cameo appearances.
AFC is run like a dictatorship , even during Wenger days. Now it is Putin and Modi level. Fitness are props to hide stars the Manager has his nefarious agenda on