Morning all.
According to The Times, VAR officials are set to be told to intervene in Premier League matches only when a referee is “clearly wrong” next season among a number of changes intended to speed up the controversial system and ensure interference only for unarguable errors.
I thought that’s what they were already meant to be doing, watching the game and picking up the “clear and obvious” mistakes? Other than the offside/penalty/red card incidents of course. Anyway, it sounds like more tweaks are set to come in which if they improve the way VAR is operated, should only be a good thing.
Unless you’re looking forward to watching two Manchester clubs go head to head for the FA Cup trophy or Dortmund try to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League, club football is over for another season. Me, well I’m more interested in what Arsenal do this summer in terms of exits and signings, especially the latter.
Between now and the 30th August, we’re going to be linked with all sorts of players from Jadon Sancho to Bruno Guimaraes and hundreds in between.
Whilst commentating on Dortmund’s win over PSG, our old midfielder Manu Petit was talking about Sancho. The Metro quote his as saying:
He looks like a new player, so fit, thin and explosive. He’s like dynamite on the pitch, so explosive on the ball with [Karim] Adeyemi on the left flank, so hard to catch. He’s back to his best and Man United look so far away from them, so if Arsenal want him, why not?
But do Arsenal want him? Who knows….
I haven’t a clue what Arsenal might do this summer. I didn’t expect us to replace Aaron Ramsdale as soon as we did, I didn’t see Kai Havertz switching from Chelsea to Arsenal and I certainly didn’t see Fabio Vieira slipping through the doors when he did. When Man City tried to steal Declan Rice from under our noses, what a fantastic moment it was when he turned them down to sign for us… Doesn’t that alone tell everyone how far this club we all love has come?
Last summer, after our best season for years, I thought better players would find Arsenal an attractive club to join but boy, this summer I think it’ll be even easier for Edu and co to get players through the door. I know I’m biased but if I was a player looking to move to the Premier League, I know where I’d want to be going and that would to a club on the way up and one which doesn’t look like its constantly going through changes.
One player who could be on his way to Arsenal is Fenebache left-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu. That is according to Turkish journalist Devrim Zengi who goes as far to suggest Arsenal are already engaged in negotiations with the player’s representatives. (Daily Cannon)
I say left-back but Kadıoğlu can play in defence, midfield or on the wing. He’s 24 years old, 5’ 9” and having represented Holland through to under 21 stages, he switched his allegiance to Turkey.
I know YouTube can make many players look good but this guy looks very good.
Apparently Dortmund are interested in him too and I suspect Chelsea will be as well, especially once they get wind of Arsenal’s interest. If indeed Arsenal are interested in signing him.
I know many of us have mentioned the need for a player who can rotate with Bukayo Saka and I think we’d pretty much all agree on the need for a central defence minded midfielder before any players leaving are replaced but other than that, in which positions do you think Arsenal need to strengthen this summer?
Catch up in the comments.
It’s football manager / fantasy football time again . Who knows who we will end up with ? Certainly not me and more than likely newspapers , news now , or any other organisation that peddle as many suggestions that they can pick up on .It’s old hat to say that You should not believe anything until it comes out on .Com but I bet we will keep reading them .
Ha ha, I’ll read each and every one of the rumours knowing that if they’re in the papers, they’re untrue…
Morning Rico
Just about recovered from the weekend entertainment.
I haven’t seen the Highbury/Finsbury Park areas so busy in a long time. A real carnival atmosphere with thousands turning up without tickets and queuing to get into pubs to watch the game. That tells you how far we have come in the past few seasons.
I expect Mikel to go shopping in the Premier League. That is where he has been having most success. It is more expensive, but the players are ‘oven ready’ (as a fool once said).
Next season will be fun!
Time to switch off, recharge the batteries and watch some more leisurely pursuits. Starting with the cricket next week…
Morning Pete
I’ve been watching the England women v Pakistan and very much looking forward to the men’s game. Love the game and a perfect move away from football for the summer.
The Emirates looked pretty special on Sunday, imagine what it’ll be like on the last day when the title is in the bag. Next season hopefully.
Good afternoon Rico and all
I found the following on a facebook post……
Arsenal is expected to earn £253.7 million from the Premier League and Champions League!!!
🔸️Of which, £174.7 million is the amount earned from Arsenal’s second place in the Premier League – only £200,000 less than champion Man City. We are also said to be the team with the highest number of viewers and earn the largest amount of money from television rights.
🔸️In addition, going to the quarter-finals of C1 also helped Arsenal pocket £79 million.
🔸️This season is also the year that Arsenal signed a record number of sponsors, up to 25 different large and small sponsors to ensure a stable source of income from commercial activities for the club.
🔸️With a healthy financial situation, the salary frame is in a better state than ever and the pillars have all committed to their future, Arsenal will focus all its efforts on upgrading the squad in the next summer transfer period
Off to read the post
Afternoon Devil.
Interesting figures.,
afternoon Rico and all.
A dedicated striker.
we have a better than average chance of signing Top players as they may not want to join or may want to leave City just incase they get found guilty and get relegated and if they do will Pep want to stick around.
I got this feeling that Tottenham could be our biggest threat if another club want the same player as us.
Afternoon Geoff, Totts? 😂
Certainly the figures should help the Ffp stats . Who and what we buy has to be an upgrade on what we have in the squad . We already know Elneny is leaving so another central midfielder would seem to be on the list . The rest is in the lap of the gods
Rico, going by reports in oz, toots are looking for 6 new players
G’day Rico and all.
Who we buy, and for which position, depends on who we sell.
Priority one for me is Partey’s departure and therefore his replacement.
Priority two is a genuine central striker, Jesus going will free up the number nine shirt.
Priority three, should be a goalkeeper once the Raya / Ramsdale conundrum has been solved.
I read, religiously, the BBC Football gossip column every morning. I believe little of what I see there though.
So they might Geoff but it’s not about numbers, it’s about quality.
CDM, striker and winger for me Potter and then look at who leaves.
Afternoon Cicero, we’re on a similar page.
I’m not sure we’ll get away with Saka, Rice, Gabriel and Saliba staying fit all season next time.
I’m not sure we’ll get away with Saka, Rice, Gabriel and Saliba staying fit all season next time.
Which is why we don’t want to buy squad top ups they have to be first team quality.
Good Afternoon
I think who comes in depends on who goes.
Personally I would love to see both Raya and Ramsdale stay at the club but Arteta needs to rotate both of them more. The more Ramsdale plays the better he becomes. However I feel that that is my heart speaking. So we need a KEEPER.
Ben White has made the RB position his own. Saliba and Gabriel likewise at CB. However LB, while Tomiyasu played well, Kiwior played well and Timber (in two appearances) played well we need a proper leftfooted LB. It seems Zimchenko might make way…but in my opinion he should be played on the left wing. or even as a defensive midfielder or left sided CM. So as defenders we need a new LEFT BACK because Tomiyasu and Timber can play as RB, LB, CB cover.
In midfield Rice and Odegaard are certainties. Jorginho is staying but he will only play when the need arises since he cannot play every game. but he offers experience which we need. Partey, like Elneny, might be a gonner rather than a Gunner. With regards Smith Rowe it depends how much Arteta trusts him in a 4-3-3. So we need at least another CM who can cover for all of them. And please dont get me with Havertz playing there.
So up till now we need at least a KEEPER, a LB, and CM
For the attack laters.
Agree though, to improve, we need players who are at least as good as our best.
Elneny has gone Devil.
Rice needs a top class partner, someone like Jorginho/Partey etc who is fit and strong. Lots of links to Bruno G from Newcastle but in an Arsenal shirt, how many times would he be sent off?
If ESR goes, who fills in when Odegaard is injured/needs a rest?
Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent..
In other words, he’s been sacked. Bizarre decision imo.
No its not bizarre. Its an exceptional decision. The wheels on the bus goes round and round………….
Hopefully it will be more of the same next season from the chavs
tbh I hope that ESR does not go. however he needs to bulk up more and impose himself more so as to earn Arteta’s trust.
Vieira is too lightweight imo as well.
From a club point of view it’s bizarre. They need stability but they’re running out of managerial options.
Vieira definitely not suited to the PL. Talented yes but a pushover.
ESR problem is Arteta doesn’t give him many chances, I know he has plentyof time on his contract but if we were to look at bringing in a defender, I would try and get Braithwaite from Everton. but I still say we need a true striker first.
I think that Devil made the salient point, in that it depends on who we sell because we have 25 places in the squad and 8 of them must be home made. Elneny and Soares opens up two places straight away.
For me we need a replacement for Elneny in centre midfield, regardless of whether Partey stays or goes.
Other than that we need upgrades on both Nketiah and Nelson to deepen the quality level of the squad and to offer Arteta realistic rotational options.
Timber will be like a new signing.
Ramsdale will be an issue if he demands a move so possibly a new goalkeeper.
Questions remain over Jesus, Zinchenko, Vieira and Smith Rowe. If any of them leave, we’ll need replacements.
The problem is, will Arteta and Edu want to sell before they have purchased a new player just incase they can’t get the player they are after.
That goes both ways Geoff doesn’t it, if you buy before you sell you might get stuck with too many players or have to sell at a lower price because suitors know that you want and need to sell, it’s why so much business is still done on deadline day.
The advantage we have is that we’re a very attractive destination and a lot of players would love to play in London and for Arteta. So we can probably afford to sell before we buy.
There are probably a couple of big or big’ish signings we’ll do straight away or as soon as possible regardless, it’s improving the level of the squad depth that’ll be more tricky.
Then there’s always the possibility that a fringe player or two will return for pre-season and show the coaching staff a marked improvement from a year ago forcing a re-evaluation. A year on loan and away from a cushy London Conley can concentrate the mind.
Plus Kev/Geoff – this board seem to be more decisive with transfers whereas before I’m sure Wenger and co used to faff around a bit too much.
I think Arteta will want transfer business done early so he can prepare for the new season knowing who he has.
Good Afternoon Rico and all
Very sunny here. And its already getting hot…28 degrees in Central Mediterrenean. In a few weeks time we will be frying.
The attack?? Ahh now that’s a conundrum. Anyone we seem to have will never be enough.
Before the analyses let’s focus on the following question – What is better, having a Henry/Wright/Inzaghi type of forward who will get you 22-30 goals a season by himself while the others may have less than 10 or having 4 players who score between 12-16 goals each?? (In the League only, I am not including the cups CL included as well)
If the answer is a focal player who gets you 22-30 goals a season then its simple. Find such a player and break the bank for him.
If the answer is spreading the goals (and spreading love goes with it as well) then it becomes more difficult. You have to find various right players.
Take the past two seasons for example. Goals were spread and we had more than one/two players on double digits. And that is a blessing. Personally I prefer goals to be spread around.
Currently we ended the season with Havertz as the focal point. And in the games he started as the CF we played quite well. I dont know if I am mistaken or not but isnt it true that whenever he played as CF we didn’t lose the game??? And he balanced the attack like Giroud used to do. Do we go for the Havertz/Giroud style player, not that quick but a player who is the focal point for those around him. The perfect CF for me. Or do we go for the striker with the Leopard like speed which TH14 had in abundance? Someone who can float about like a butterfly and sting like a bee. I like such players, they have everyone on the edge of their seats but not my preference. At the end of the day you still need someone central.
Currently we have HAvertz, Jesus, Nketiah, Saka, Martinelli, Trossaard, Vieira and Nelson. At the moment I feel that only Saka and maybe HAvertz are guaranteed a starting spot. The rest have to fight for the remaining slot. We saw a dip with Martinelli (he may have been carrying an injury), Jesus (may be injury as well). Trossard is better when he comes on as a sub although when he got a run of games he began finding better feet. Nketiah has fallen behind while Nelson and Vieira leave a bit to be desired.
Are you happy with the attack we have?? I guess Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard will be there the coming season, but the others may make way especially Jesus and Nketiah. It might be that only Nketiah will be sold for big money and Arteta might hold on to Jesus
Arteta might buy a Haaland type striker who plays as the number 9 but that would mean one thing….Havertz going back to midfield, something which honestly I dont want. I would prefer Havertz to stay on as the focal point…I love him there. But not as a midfielder.
Emmanuel Petit: “I know Kai Havertz has improved massively at Arsenal, but it’s difficult to say whether Arteta could do the same with Rashford if he moved to the club. However, I have no doubt that Rashford needs a new start & I think Arsenal could be perfect for him.”
“Would Rashford be good at Arsenal? Give me the paper & let me sign it for him right now! Rashford in a good environment would be incredible. Havertz was in a strange environment at Chelsea & he wasn’t happy, but he has smiled at Arsenal & I can finally see his teeth – I want that for Rashford.”
I would definitely go for Rashford.
Afternoon Devil.
Lucky you, it’s cold and raining here… Again!
I wouldn’t touch Rashford, not now. He’s proved to be a moody player imo.
Trust me Rico, I would prefer to be in a cold weather and raining…..I hate the sun and the heat with a passion. Pa used to love the sun and summer heat….that is the only thing we never agreed upon….the rest we always did.
I still would love Rashford. He would thrive with us. If he supports Arteta’s plan and abides with the law he lays down then we would have one hell of a player with us. On the left. He would soon regain his place not only in the England squad but also the first 11 imo.
I feel his mood depended a lot on those playing around him and E10H’s man management.
I don’t think we can rely on Jesus, Nketiah or Vieira to score, so I would prefer a dedicated central striker with the others like Saka, trossard and co taking shots from the side. I would give Rashford a miss, I am not convinced he is what we need unless we sell Jesus
Rashford? Even Southgate has dropped him from the England squad. We’ve bought too many United cast offs in the past and look how they turned out. Rashford barge poles and wouldn’t touch come to mind. Also in the equation is his £375.000 per week wages to consider.
Cicero, I didn’t consider Rashford’s wage…in that case I would steer clear.
However with regards his attitude I feel that under Arteta and in the company of our team he would flourish. He is English plus he is still the right age, less than 25 years old. Keep in mind that at United he has stalled in a stale environment. Like Chelsea and spuddies, United need major surgery from top to bottom.
As far as I can gather, only two clubs have expressed an interest in Rashford so far. One is a club in the Saudi League the other is PSG, a club that is always looking to sign a celebrated name. Who of our present squad would you displace to accommodate Rashford?
Rashford was born October 1997, he is 26 years old.
Let’s house swap then Devil. 😜
You won’t convince me on Rashford.. lol
ooppsss I thought he was 24-25 years old. At 26 already then preferably its a pass and look at someone else.
yep I sure would. but you would have to put that in writing lol. because by the end of August you would be wanting your house back after heat waves of 40-42 degrees celsius.
If we’re going for a PL player, what about the Crystal Palace striker. Cant recall his name but he’s very tall and French…
No chance Devil, I love the heat and would get air con installed 🤣
Mateta is his name Rico. His form dipped a bit in the last year but this year he has changed and worked his socks off for the team. He is similar to TH14 in built loves to play centrally but can float to either wing. He is 26 years old same age as Rashford.
I dont think Palace would want phenomenal sums for him. Maybe a swap with Nketiah?? the latter is homegrown and is English so we have to get another English player instead even in another position.
That’s him Devil. I’m not sure how our home grown numbers would look without Nketiah and Nelson.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/202324-squad-list-submitted-premier-league
Seems Saliba, Martinelli and Raya are considered homegrown.
https://www.onlinegooner.com/articles/view/arsenal-identify-40m-rb-leipzig-striker-who-won-t-break-the-bank
Lois Openda has seen his name jump on the bandwagon
Not heard of him…
I thought it was Šeško we wanted from Rb. Lol
According to my calculations (that is if I’m not mistaken) Arsenal are going to sign 3 Gk, 15 CB, 12 R/LB, 25 midfielders, 20 wingers and 7 CF.
Lol 🤣🤣🤣😆
No substitutes? Lol
Arsenal are in the market for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow (26) & they will decide whether to press ahead with him in the next few days. Bijlow could be available for around the £10m mark. [@johncrossmirror]
Gabriel Jesus has undergone a medical procedure to “clean ” his knee . The return timescale hasn’t been released . He was determined to play the end of the season and chose Arsenal’s run in over playing for Brazil this summer .
Hi guys, just catching up after a few nights break in Cardiff, the only capital in UK had never visited, very nice.
Well done for another season rico, certainly an easier one than many I can recall, going back a few years! Keep going till we start winning all those trophies😃. Imagine then looking back to the years when we were all in such despair, result, playing quality and transfer windows!
Sorry Devil to read your news, know how very tough to lose a close parent… well both.
Let’s not forget our great FB, Tierney. Personally I would give him another chance unless medical evidence is against. He loves the club and will never give less than 100%. Just needs to be allowed to be a traditional fullback like Kivior has.
I’d be keen on the two Palace lads Eze and Olise, very exciting talents.
At least he’s not a midget Devil, is he any good though?
That kind of suggests Jesus is staying at Arsenal despite rumours.
Ha ha Andrew and thank you, definitely easier or maybe just less painful. Re Tierney, I think I read somewhere he’s happy to stay where he is rather than return. I don’t think he’s in Arteta’s plans either.
ESR and Olise are very good, shame we didn’t keep them after their academy days..
BREAKING: Arsenal have had a £20million bid rejected by Fenerbahce for 24-year-old Ferdi Kadioglu.
According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, The Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer of £20million plus £5million in bonuses, totaling £25million.
Kadioglu, under contract with Fenerbahce until 2026, is keen on the move.
Appearances by position so far in his career:
Left back – 65 games played
Attacking midfield – 56 games played
Right winger – 44 games played
Right back – 37 games played
Left winger – 23 games played
Left midfield – 19 games played
Right midfield – 19 games played
Centre midfield – 15 games played
Striker – 1 game played
Mikel Arteta is a sucker for versatility.
Thanks so much Andrew. Yes it was, and still is, very tough. Pa was with me for 56 years…saw him practically every day except when I travelled abroad or was sick. So I still keep missing him and the time we spent together. Me and Pa were very close and walked side by side on many things and opinions (except for Winter..me..and Summer..Pa.)
Still not out of the woods. And I doubt whether I will be soon.
Anybody know a place where there is no internet access, radio and television news, newspapers and any other access to the upcoming campaign prior to July the fourth and the General Election.
There’s a YouTube clip of him in this article Devil. He looks very good.
My house Cicero 😂
Is that an invite Rico? 😉
For sure Cicero.. I’ll be on holiday though 😂😂
Very wise. Somewhere warm I bet. 😎 with a pool 🏊
Dorset 😂
Ahh Dorset,
the Riviera of the South Coast of England.
I hear that Swanage is fascinating and that Lyme Regis is called the ‘pearl of Dorset’
It takes time Devil , but they never really leave , certain things bring them to forefront of your mind like triggers .
My Dad was a scratch golfer and he loved a pint or two of lager , we played once week but although I got down to single figures I havent played since he went . However recently due to road closures I have to pass the course and he floods back into my mind . Although I ve yet to do it , I feel like popping into the clubhouse one day and have a pint with him .
New post up.