Morning all.
When William Saliba went to ground, with the words “My backs gone” coming out of his mouth, I’m sure everyone who has an interest in Arsenal hearts sank. One of our worst fears had become a reality. Rumours had been rife about him needing surgery, well perhaps the date for that surgery will be a lot sooner than he’d hoped. Nothing official has been announced but one doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to know something is clearly not right with his back that needs more than a chiropractor to fix. Whatever William Saliba goes through next, I wish him a full recovery. I would say speedy but healing takes time, a lot of time.
England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina last night in what was a horrid match. Argentina lived up to their reputation of playing dark arts football. They weren’t interested in playing in the first half, not really as kicking, fouling and pushing England players appeared top of their agenda. Anthony Gordon struck, Argentina knew they needed to play and they did. Thomas Tuchel had a moment of madness, actually, he had several starting with taking off Gordon and replacing him with a defender. Only when Argentina went 2-1 did he think about attacking players but by then it was far too late. I know I’m not a football coach or manager but one doesn’t need to be to know what message he sent out with his substitutions. Tuchel doesn’t deserve to still be England’s manager this morning because he and he alone probably cost England that game.
The best thing the FA could do this morning, France too, is to tell FIFA to stick their third place playoff match where the sun doesn’t shine and get on the first flight home. Spain, I’m sure will have every England fans support on Sunday. I for one hope they batter the ghastly, cheating and dirty Argentinians. Please Arsenal, don’t let Alvarez anywhere near our great club!
Back to domestic football which matters more to me than FIFA’s money making World Cup which has had a whiff of being rigged from the start.
Leandro Trossard’s move away has now been confirmed which is kind of sad. He’s been great for Arsenal and played a big part in helping the club lift the Premier League. I can only wish him well and say thank you. Watching him really has been a pleasure. Even if he always looks grumpy. lol
Finding a player who can match his goals, assists and attitude won’t be easy but I certainly hope it’s something the club manages to do. Christos Tzolis is the name consistently linked to us this summer so if true I hope Arsenal can soon complete the deal as well as any others which are in the pipeline.
It’s obvious Mikel Arteta will have a reduced squad at the beginning of the season after the World Cup but the players who didn’t partake in the competition along with those who have played little part in it like Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and even Mikel Merino, shouldn’t be missing for too long. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli have another month before the season starts too, as does Gabriel. Plus, let’s not forget we’re not the only club who has players still involved in the World Cup but at least our numbers have come down a bit. I write with great optimism…
Catch up in the comments.
We dodge a bullet. Morgan Roger’s is not 100m player much more 117m.
New post up.
Me too re Rogers, having someone like him who can play in any attacking role would imo be a huge asset.
Re Rice, I’ve a feeling that with MLS, Zubimendi, Merino and right now, Norgaard, the club will stick with what we have.
Morning all.
I’m watching the New Zealand – Ireland rugby,the straight talking way the ref talks to the players is impressive( no backchat either) Football could learn a lot.
The club is having to alter it’s transfer targets following the world Cup , chances are we will have to buy in replacements for Saliba and Rice which would not have been on the agenda. The farce against France is making thins worse by delaying the players return and as both teams have come out against the match and are likely to play the fringe players we run the risk of injury to Eze , Madueke and possibly Saka .
I have no doubt that Berta will be watching with baited breath and like the rest of us watching every tackle.
I would be happy to sign Rogers, but not to play on the right wing, one of Tuchel’s more left field decisions.
Ha ha, All youngsters though.
Apparently we ready to bid for Rogers..
Well with all that going we won’t be hearing the old, old question “Have we signed anyone yet”.
Arsenal interested in Wales youth international wingerLatest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Arsenal are interested in signing Cardiff City‘s 16-year-old winger Axel Donczew.
The Wales Under 19 international became the youngest player in Cardiff’s history last season, appearing off the bench in a 1-0 EFL Trophy loss to Newport County in October 2025.
This is the latest example of Arsenal targeting the best young players in the UK under new academy director Pascal De Maesschalc
Nwaneri’s brother signs academy contract at ArsenalLatest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Emerson Nwaneri, the younger brother of Ethan, has agreed a scholarship contract with Arsenal.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has also committed to signing a professional contract with Arsenal when he turns 17 in August 2027.
Arsenal sign Upson’s son from TottenhamLatest from Sky in Italy’s Luca Bendoni and Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Matthew Upson’s 18-year-old son – Elijah – has signed a contract with Arsenal after leaving Tottenham.
A central defender like his father, the teenager has moved across north London on a free transfer following the expiry of his Spurs contract.
Elijah will now play for Arsenal just like his father, Matthew, who spent nearly six years as a Gunner from 1997 to 2003.
The former England international played 35 games for Arsenal and had three loan spells before joining Birmingham City in January 2003.
Let’s hope Spain but an end to that idea…
I don’t think it mattered how England played, it sounds and looks like FIFA wants Messi to retire on a winning note and several records to his name. Most of the reports in OZ mainly rubbish the referring, and how nothing seems to be done about the political banners the Argentine players held up. I will be glad when all our players are back from the crap and stupid match for 3rd place that no one gives too hoots about.
All money to FIFA or Trump?
Tuchel is trying to take the focus off of his shoddy tactics. I’m with Cicero, sack him..
Afternoon guys.
Roll up ,Roll up, get your world cup ” superbowl ” lokalike souvenir ring . They have minted 2026 items of which 30 go to the squad . The rest can be purchased by the “”Fans “” however they have not released the price yet.
Interesting that Thomas Tuchel whilst defending his tactics against Argentina seemed to blame a kind of ‘England DNA’ for the way the game went, or maybe a lack of belief perhaps?
Well psychology plays a big part in football and if you are a team that has just conceded a goal and then see your opponents take off two offensive players and put on two defensive players it kind of sends you a message of intent about how they intend to play.
This should encourage the team trying to equalise to go for it (as the Argies did) as the other team is showing its intent on defending (or that’s the message its manager is sending) it also sends a message to the actual team defending the lead, it doesn’t say go for a second goal and kill the tie it says defend for your life because your manager lacks confidence in you contain and attack.
Or maybe it’s a Tuchel DNA?
If we have signed Tzolis to play on the wing, then hopefully Arteta might let Martinelli have a free range to quickly get the ball to Gyokeres. as others have said the less time Martinelli has to think the better player he is.
Anytime I peruse YouTube, which is every day, I occasionally get these sites come up, AFTV ‘knock offs’ full of so-called fans who probably never go to games but always have a lot to say even if what they say isn’t worth a toss. Now I know that everyone is entitled to to an opinion but it doesn’t necessarily follow that we have to listen to it and I often pass them by. It’s all a way to earn dough through advertising and not get a proper job.
Well said..
Since the advent of social media there are so many Arsenal sites inhabited by people that would not be satisfied if we signed a hybrid of Messi , Ronaldo , Cruyff, and Pele unless he came with a massive price tag and a gold plated Ferrari.
They are best ignored . They probably posted the same things when we bought in Trossard and cheered from the rafters when he scored his goals.
I won’t name where but Arsenal fans are already moaning about the Tzolis signing. Poor bloke isn’t even through the door yet..
I wish the entire England camp had left already.
I doubt it , I bet both managers will want to keep the squads together for team spirit and Deschamps has no love for Arsenal .
Thanks Cicero, I hope they are, no way should they be involved on Saturday but after yesterday, nothing Tuchel does will surprise me. If Saliba needs surgery, I’m hoping he’s already had it.
That’s them Kev. I see Liverpool are after the Georgian too..
£130 million? No thanks.
Rice and Saka should already be on their way home, unless Saliba is having his treatment in the States he should already be home.
Another good un Rico, thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slFjlMaOxb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o64zZeBFFzE
Quintero twins Rico and not until next August, we can’t sign any foreign youngster until they’re 18 so the Georgian lad would need to go on loan for a year.
We have twins arriving in January too don’t we? Can’t recall their names.
Our academy definitely needs a boost Kev, although I’d imagine 17 year olds aren’t far off the first team these days if they’re up to it..
I guessed Henny…
I really really think that Arsenal missed the boat in not signing Quinton Timber from Feyenoord when we had the chance.
Seems that we’re close to signing Upson junior from Tottenham and we’re also close in signing a 17 year old Georgian winger who Juventus are in for. 🤞
A bit of emotion getting in there Henny, yes you Dutch guys know all about that Argie dark arts don’t you…
I can see Joe Willock ending up at Fulham or maybe Palace?
Little mistake in my comment: do NOT want…
Amen to that Henny…
Nice of you to join us. 😂
After their behavior and antics last night. Concluded with their provocatice banner. I do want any Argentine in an Arsenal shirt. Let Alvarez stay in Spain or p### off to Argentina. Henny from Holland, over 50 years an Arsenal fan.
David Ornstein:
Arsenal have reached a €40million (£34m) agreement with Club Brugge for the signing of winger Christos Tzolis.
The north London club are in the process of finalising a move for the 24-year-old.
The Athletic reported on June 12 that the Premier League club were exploring a deal for the Tzolis, with sources saying that they believed a deal could be possible for around €40m.
Potter I’ve just seen that we have agreed to pay the £34 Million asking price for Tzolis and as it’s been stated he only wants to come to us hopefully it will be all done and dusted before pre season
Agree Rob, let’s focus on improving the supply to Viktor.
Afternoon guys, Kev, Geoff.
I wouldn’t want any Argentinian player near our club after yesterday Kev.
Potter, agree about Martinelli. He’s an instinctive player who with too much time to think, can muck up but without thought, he can be brilliant. He’s wasted out on the wing I think.
Afternoon Rico and yes I totally agree, I don’t want Alvarez anywhere near an Arsenal shirt, bugger off to the Camp Nou.
I was curious about the way that Brazil gave Martinelli the freedom to play across the forward line instead of glueing him to the touchline.For years many of us have believed that he could make an effective second striker and it seems that Ancellotti thought so too.
If Tzolis does join Trossard will be replaced and perhaps we could play with more freedom on the left.and provide quicker ball to Gyokeres.
Hi all
I agree with Geoff. Alverez, states he only wants Barca and Atheltico do not want to sell him to a rival so if he came to us it would probably him using us as a stepping stone to get to Barca. Thanks but no thanks. as long as we get a couple of forwards willing to actually pass the ball to Gyokeres I’m sure he will score even more goals
Morning Rico and all.
Bad news about Saliba, however if he needs surgery the only positive thing to come out of it, is that it has happened before the season starts and still gives Arteta a chance to either promote a younger player or buy one before the transfer season closes.
Why would we go for Alverez, when he said more than once that he does not want to come to us and is only interested in Barcelona, at least Gyokeres is happy at Arsenal and I for one hope we don’t let him go.
Good luck to Trossard, personally I would have offered him another year, but I can only guess he wanted more game time.