Morning all.
I suggested yesterday that when it came to Arsenal’s chase for Viktor Gyokeres, someone or something had to give. Well, that’s exactly what seems to have happened because now, Arsenal are in the process of completing a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres after taking final steps in negotiations with Sporting CP for the striker.
A deal in principle is in place, with an agreement of a €63.5million (£54.8m, $74.2m) fixed upfront fee plus €10m (£8.6m, $11.7m) in add-ons, while the striker’s agent has waived his fee to help facilitate the deal. (David Ornstein)
So, Arsenal didn’t buckle under pressure but the players side did. Honestly, I admire that because between the player and his agent, Gyokeres looks like he’s going to get the move he’s wanted all summer.
Another thing I suggested the other day is that not all fans will agree with what Arsenal do this summer. The expected arrival of Noni Maduke has already caused a bit of a stir and when it comes to a goal scorer, fans have been divided between Sesko and the big Swede.
There’s little doubt Arsenal believe that out of the two, Gyokeres is more likely to deliver now, this coming season rather than in a season or two’s time. I’m excited to see how he fits into this Arsenal team.
Actually, I’m really looking forward to seeing how all our new signings fit into this team and how Mikel Arteta juggles his squad over the ten month season. I know saying “all” makes it sound like we’ve signed half a dozen players or more but by the time the transfer window closes, I don’t think we’ll be far off that number.
It seems we have the new winger virtually through the door, the striker too and we’ve already signed to midfielders to “replace” the outgone Partey and Jorginho. We’ve even bagged a fine goalkeeper too and I say that based on performances for Bournemouth last season.
In other news, again from David Ornstein, Arsenal are working to complete a deal to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. Personal terms are in place with the 21-year-old and the two clubs are close to reaching an agreement. This is a player who made 41 appearances last season, featuring in 37 of Valencia’s 38 La Liga games, and also featured in three of Spain’s four games at the under-21 European Championship this summer. He’s certainly not coming to just make up the numbers.
The news about Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract seems a lot more positive than it was a week ago when the media tried to stir up a frenzy about a potential move to Chelsea. Idiots. They tried the same with Max Dowman too but hey, they need to earn a living I guess. Nothing like a negative headline to grab attention eh…
Lastly, an excellent result for England last night as they defeated Wales 6-1 in their final Euros group game. Russo and Mead were amongst the England goal scorers. Next up for them is Sweden.
Have a good Monday guys…
Eze next!
What a “cracking” team we will have. No excuses now for not getting that much awaited for silverware. May even get two pieces!
Hi Rico,
If you believe Mosquera “certainly not coming to just make up the numbers”, then what is your interpretation?
– Will he challenge William Saliba for the starting RCB?
– He might not yet challenge/usurp Saliba, but he will be rotated more frequently, not only when Will is injured or suspended?
– Will somebody else leave, and Mosquera could deputize both Saliba and Gabriel (if Kiwior leaves) or Timber (if White leaves)?
– Any other scenario that I have missed to list here?
How many minutes would you expect the young talent to play in his maiden season?
Do you see Mosquera getting U21 or senior Spain callups this season?
Good morning Rico and all
Continue with the positive posts Rico. And get ready to write more (at least that is my feeling) since we will buy more.
I don’t think Gyokeres will take No9. That is Jesus’ shirt number. And since the latter is still with us I can’t see VK taking it. At least not until Jesus leaves.
I am not holding my breath about anything anyway. Stranger things have happened.
Christhian Mosquera seems to be coming to Arsenal for £15.5m plus £3.5m in add-ons. Just read that the medical has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Arsenal’s notable available kit numbers. 3, 5,10,14,18, 20, 26, 27. Fingers crossed Mosquera takes number 5.
pbarany….if Arteta gets it into his stubborn head to rotate then Mosquera will simply do that….rotate both Gaby and Willy. Not to replace or whatever else but simply to rotate. That Mosquera is just 20 is unbelievable. I hope Kiwior does not leave because that would give us a very very strong defence……Raya, Kepa……White, Timber, Calafiori, MLS, Saliba, Gaby, Mosquera, Kiwior.
Morning Devil, Pbarany.
I think he’s coming in to challenge Saliba’s place in the side which imo, can only be a good thing..
You missed my point re the no 9 Devil. 😂
Exactly Devil, it’s about more rotation next season without dropping in quality. Kiwior and Mosquera need to play more out of choice/tactics rather than injuries forcing the issue. Same with the entire group of players imo.
Morning Rico and all.
Have sold Lakonga yet.
Maduake in for Sterling/Nelson
Mosquera in for Tomiyasu
Zubi in for Partey
Norgaard in for Jorginho
Eze in for Trossard
Kepa in for Ramsdale
There are only two of those where you could argue our position has not been strengthened (Kepa and Norgaard, but who knows how much longer Jorginho could be effective?). All the others are clear improvements.
Add in Gyokores, and the season is looking promising (although not as promising as if we’d signed Isak, Sesko, Watkins or Etikete)
Morning Geoff. Not yet as far as I’ve seen.
NB, I think Norgaard and Kepa are upgrades, especially Kepa as he’s replaced Neto rather than Ramsdale and Norgaard has been excellent for Brentford.
A great morning for England, so far, India 101/7. Need 90 to win. Archer and Stokes have been brilliant
Need to break these two up though Cicero. Fast.
thanks for the videos.
He is a solid unit it seems, having the same height as PV04. makes good interceptions.
He passes the ball well, infact he is so altruistic that he even found time to pass to the ref (in the 2nd video).
Just one more wicket, just one more… 😬
GOT IT!!!!
A remarkable end to a remarkable test match.
Fantastic!
Never mind t20, never mind The Hundred, in fact never mind white ball cricket, if you want the best entertainment watch Test Cricket.
I could never understand the game of cricket.
Rugby yes but never cricket
Five fiercely contested days where the match swayed one way and then the other and at the very end only 22 runs separated the two teams…
What a classic.
D G, in days long past Rugger (now Rugby) was played by muddied oafs and cricket by flannelled fools. 😉
There’s really no need to understand either game, just enjoy the mysterious goings on.
Cam’ron Ismael has signed his first professional contract. A local boy, he grew in ten minutes from The Emirates.