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.
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.