Morning all.
Good old Sky Sports and BT Sport eh! A Friday evening fixture opens the new season for us which isn’t good news for the Leicester fans planning to head for The Emirates. This has never been done before and not only is a Friday night fixture alien to the English game but usually, it’s the current League Champions who kick things off. But no not this time. Sky Sports are showing this match which kicks off at 7.45PM.
For the first time in a while, I’m looking forward to the new campaign. Not only because we’ve made two cracking signings, certainly on paper, but it looks like they’ll finally be a bit of a clear out, especially if Arsene Wenger plans on bringing in more new faces and my hunch is that he will.
Now it’s important to keep Alexis as the manager goes all out to win the league in what could be his final season at Arsenal. He may see out his second season, certainly if things go well over the next ten months but who knows, getting his hands on one more Premier League trophy might just see him retire on a massive high. But there’s a long long way to go before he or we can even think about that as he’s still got a lot of work to do. He has to ensure he rests and rotates throughout the coming campaign in order to avoid injuries and play a team which has been primed to beat the opposition on the day. Not the one we beat the week before, or the week before that, the one we face in the next game and that imo, is his biggest challenge. And if he thinks beating them will be a feat too far, then simply make sure we don’t lose. After all, how many draws did the Invincibles play out?
If we hit a slump, which for once I hope we don’t, he has to get us out of it and fast. Last season it took too long to do something about our dreadful form. Yes, he got there in the end but it was too little and certainly too late.
Perhaps that’s why he’s hired a few new recruits. A mad German who we all loved during his time at Arsenal, Bobby Pires, although he appeared last season and he’s also added a goal keeping coach to his team. His name is Sal Bibbo, once a coach at my local club Reading and he’s already been spotted working with Petr Cech. Why on earth the club continues to employ Gerry Peyton I don’t know as the 61 year old is just one in a long list of people of the clubs books who are robbing a wage for what they do. He can’t be very good because many of our keepers over the last few seasons have looked anything but reassuring between the sticks and rumour has it, Cech looked elsewhere last season for some help rather than turn to Peyton.
In other stories doing the rounds, and there’s plenty that’s for sure, Olivier Giroud could be heading back to France with Marseille. The French club reckon a £25M offer will get their man. That’s a lot of money for a guy who turns 31 years old later in the year and to be honest, I’d probably have to think long and hard about that offer if I was Arsene Wenger. While Ollie does a good job coming from the bench or being our ‘plan b’ striker, it must be tempting for the manager to look elsewhere for someone a bit younger and certainly a bit quicker. I don’t think he’ll start too many matches this coming season which is going to be a concern for the player, certainly as the World Cup looms large.
That’s something which could be on the minds of a few other Arsenal players too as we have quite a number who’ll be hoping for a call up by their country. Theo Walcott is certainly one who since the arrival of Gareth Southgate, hasn’t been selected for England. For that reason alone, I think he’ll be happy to move on this summer, especially if the club are looking at Lemar/Mahrez. In fact I’d much rather we keep Lucas Perez than Theo but sadly it looks like he’s going to be one of the overseas players to move on as the club make room for recruits.
Finally, a word from our latest signing, she types as if there’s been loads. He’s been talking about Francis Coquelin, their friendship and his powers of persuasion..:
What happened was that we had won the European U-19 Championship in France the previous day, so we only arrived at the hotel an hour before we had to set off for the Emirates!
Francis and I kept in touch after that. We’ve had a lot of contact over the last few years and even more over the last few weeks, of course, since it became increasingly likely that I would come to Arsenal.
He has said only good things about Arsenal, which is not surprising because he wanted me to join the club. Even without that I still really wanted to come here.
Well done to Francis, I always knew he had his uses. lol
But it’s good to hear Lacazette say he really wanted to come to Arsenal. Whether that would have been the case had Atletico Madrid not received a transfer ban I don’t know, but considering Lacazette would only have had to wait a few months before he could have joined the Spanish club, I think it would.
The Premier League is the best league in the world imo, not because it produces the best, or most entertaining football there is but because on any day, against any opposition, any team can be beaten.
It’s the most competitive league in the world I think which is why so many top players choose to join it.
What?? What do you mean it’s not for the football? Money? No, it’s not for the money, footballs don’t think about the money….
That’s enough drivel from me, have a great Friday guys…
Morning all and another fine post, Rico .
That EPL opener is a weird one………………..dont lose and we will be at least joint top on the opening day ! 🙂
Aparrently, we have rumouered to have upped the Lemar bid !……………………………I`ll check Ornstein in a mo` !
It`s OK GG, you`re from Launceston and will be welcome to Cornwall, where Launceston is known as the gateway to Cornwall………………the land of free love……….especially with relatives ! hahaha
Good post rico, morning all
Nope !…………………nothing on Ornstein ! 🙂
Prefer Friday nights than Sat or Sunday lunchtime. Watched my ‘other team’ as a kid, Southend United, for years on a Friday night, great atmosphere in those days.
Le Coq, ok I’ll try my number 2 on Twitter, Ben Fairthorne……. nope, nothing doing!
Who`s Fairborne ?, Andrew……………………………………Wenger is Ornstein`s right hand man !
🙂
Oops ……..Fairthorne !…………….I`ll check ! 🙂
Thanks Andrew, Lc. It’s much easier to write when feeling positive. Make the most of it though as after the Leicester game, I’ll be back to normal… 😉
Thinking of the fans alone, Friday is a stinker. The tubes will be busy, the roads too and many will have to take time off from work, certainly the away fans… Hang on, who cares about them… 😉
Mmmmm………………………..Fairthorne say`s we can expect two more major signing`s !……………………………Ornstein better up his game then !
A night game usually ( dont know why ) makes a better atmosphere, so lets start on the front foot and make a statement straight away with all the rest playing catch up from the off ! hahaha
Morning Rico and all. Good post.
But it’ll still be light Lc, that’ll make a difference…
Is there a time limit ?……………..and like someone said yesterday, will loaning players out compensate ?
https://twitter.com/johncrossmirror/status/882914635183161348
Morning again Adam, thanks..
I wonder if there’s truth in the Mahrez stuff? I’d like to think it’s Lemar we are going for..
Probably be dark for the last half an hour ! 🙂
Sunsets are later in Cornwall because we are further west……………………it`s lighter earlier in the east earlier, but who cares as I`m still in bed ! 🙂
I`m Hank Marvin !……………………………………..must eat !
Why Perez though, we should keep him imo.
There are other overseas players I’d rather see go…
Morning All
Morning Rico, good post.
Interesting, if true, regarding another bid for Lemar, we must be getting close to an agreeable figure…
Seems that interest in Mahrez is cooling off?
Two more major signings for Arsenal, seems to be the rumour of the day, which goes against Wenger stating that three signings max was his aim this summer.
Not sure what to make of the new goalkeeping coach, he looks as if he could do with a spell of being on the salads.
I totally agree with you there Rico, I’d keep Lucas Perez and bloody play him more often, especially if Giroud and Walcott leaves…
Unless Wenger thinks that Akpom is ready to step up into the senior squad, which is unlikely?
Arsenal fc should sell players like jack wilshere, theo Walcott, Debuchy, Joakinson, Giroud, Per mertesacer, sycny, ospina and Gabriel. Then to replace them with players like m. rous, A. beloti, suvic, kaulibaly, R. Rodriguez, Pjenic and Batland (GK) from stock city.
Morning Kev. Thanks.
Lemar will prob cost less than Mahrez if the £50m quoted for the latter is true… Perhaps he want’s to join the French revolution that is again building. 😉
Who cares about the away support ? I suppose those of us that travel in and for whom every match is effectively an away one. Friday night as the great London exodus clogs the roads ,who knows what time to leave Norfolk to get there.Still just one more hoop to jump through. What time is the last train to the midlands ? Will the M 1 grind to a standstill ? Who cares , certainly not Sky ,the F.A or the clubs.
Hopefully we have done our business early enough so at least the players have met before the first game and any more signings get the chance to blend in. Getting players out can wait until later.
Very unlikely re Akpom imo, more chance of Eddie getting getting a chance but he’s a bit too young perhaps..
Sorry Potter, I didn’t mean fans like you who have to travel which I know for a Friday night fixture would be a nightmare…
Still think there’s one or two to come re the ins, and then as you say, get on with the outs and any which way we can…
Dick, can’t see Merts or Gabriel being sold. We need stability at the back and both have a role to play imo
Arsenal have had a bid turned down for German whizkid Aymen Barkok.
The north London club are keen to get their transfer business done early this summer and have already secured both Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac.
They are now keen to land Eintracht Frankfurt’s teen ace Barkok.
Arsenal have reportedly been monitoring the 19-year-old throughout his debut Bundesliga season, during which he played 18 times and scored twice from his midfield.
According to reports, an initial offer from Arsenal which was below £10m has been snubbed by the German club.
But it has been suggested that Frankfurt are bracing themselves for another approach for Barkok, who is currently away with Germany’s Under-19 side.
Read more at http://talksport.com/football/arsenal-fc-transfer-news-gunners-have-bid-rejected-teen-star-aymen-barkok-set-make-new#4hTgJQ74Lhlp632M.99
Wenger did say 2 or 3 signings and apparently Sead was agreed to in January which was the reason he turned down City, Chelsea and Milan in January. If the math of 150m is correct, then AW still has 100m to spend. I will not be surprise with 2 more major signing.
AW is thinking about his legacy, not making the CL ticked off the guy… he lives for that. He doesn’t care about the EPL title l have heard him several times making remarks that the monetary difference between winning the title and finishing 4th doesn’t necessitate over spending. But let the dude miss the CL and all the sudden he wants a 100m player.
I see Walcott leaving because he still hasn’t recovered from his we were not prepared for the match comment, AW didn’t play him again after that, did he?
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Rico – “…What?? What do you mean it’s not for the football? Money? No, it’s not for the money, footballs don’t think about the money…” Footballs may not think about money, but footballer most certainly do. If rumours are to be believed (400,000 quid a week) our own (maybe not for long) Alexis epitomises that.
Is that your tongue in your cheek or are you sucking on one of those all day lollies?
Rico – Mbappe aside, and I think that story will run for some weeks yet, Arsenal have secured one of their ‘two or three major signings’ in Lacazette. The Mbappe story has been flogged like an old cart horse. So, i can see Arsenal being linked to almost every footballer with two legs. Anything to generate column inches and website clicks.
HO HUM! What are we going to moan about if all our transfers in are done before the end of July?
Obi, since when did what AW said and the truth bear any resemblance? 😉
Not sure I agree re the PL, as I think he really wants to win it again. Bobby P certainly suggests that’s the sole aim at the start of the season….
Morning Cg. I thought you’d know me well enough by now… Lol. Tongue firmly in cheek I promise…
ARSENAL GO FOR LEMAR
Monaco attacking midfielder Thomas Lemar is now Arsenal’s number one target, according to Sky sources.
Arsenal have already had a £30million offer rejected and there are reports in France this morning that they have gone back in with a second bid of £40m. Monaco are trying to keep hold of their young stars and will not let Lemar go on the cheap.
Well he can’t win the CL this year so he might as well win the league.
Lemar plays both wings superbly and is a very good midfielder, especially for France. If we get Lemar, Wilshire, Ox, Santi may all go because we know AW is keeping Ramsey, Elneny, Iwobi and Xhaka.
I like Lemar, but that Mendy guy (his teammate) is one really good and tough footballer. As a wingbacks in 3 at the back he will be great. A big dude too at about 6’1″ or 6′ 2″. Lamar is a small guy like Santi and Wilshire, I just worry about him holding up in the EPL as an Arsenal player with no protection from the refs and foe 40 – 45m.
With Leicester reportedly holding out for £50million for Mahrez and Arsenal only wanting to pay£35million and Monaco wanting 80 million Euros? for Lemar these ‘negotiations’ could run for a while longer. Which club will blink first?
Kante does aright Obi and he’s a midget…. lol
Trouble with advertising how much money you have ,when you go to a Dutch auction the seller wants as much of it as he can get. Premier league clubs are seen as football’s,golden geese and Arsenal in particular being totally solvent are seen As Christmas day ,boxing day and bonfire night The answer to manies cashflow problem.
Per Mertesacker to lead the Arsenal Academy:
https://www.arsenal.com/news/mertesacker-lead-arsenal-academy
Are the club grooming BFG as a possible successor to the old goat, I wonder?
Afternoon all. Cloudy and close here. Sweaty time! And smelly time!
Agree there Potter. Every club knows we are rich, cash rich. They are out to rinse us for every penny they can get. Most anyway…
Cg, that’s great news, really pleased for Per…. Great role model for the youngsters..
Rico@ 1:06…. Kante role is different from Lemar. Lemar is a playmaker and keeps the ball, Kante (overrated ass) just foul people and gets away with it…..something he wouldn’t get away with as an Arsenal player. Imho Kante is useful if you let him roam, run at him as Ozil or Santi does or push him around as Surman or Stokes does and he becomes ineffective. Lamar is more comparable, though better, to Jordy Clasie of Southhampton.
As an attacking playing though Obi, being small and nippy can have its advantages…
Afterrnoon Rico and All
Reading between the lines.The Arsenal have given up
on the English core within the club.
We have heard several times from Arsene how important
it is to have Englishman in and around our teams.
Is it now a case of the likes of Wrighty,Big Tone,Stuart Robson
Dixon,Winterburn ect. Have to much to say.
Rico @2:42 very true…
On Per, can Rob Holding have any better role model. Hopefully when he takes over we will start to see better defenders coming out of the academy.
Alexis on his way-apparently.
Afternoon Fred, not all surely?
Obi, I don’t think so for many reasons.
Adam, is that a cert?
I know it’s The Star, but according to reports, Lamar has agreed personal terms with us..
I won’t believe it until I see it on the Bleacher Report Rico.
Where’s Alexis going today then, Adam? Has DO had a say?
My feeling has not changed. He would leave if the the old chap stayed. Had the manager changed he may have hung on if only to see how the new man shaped up! But I think he’s gunner be a gonner!
If Man city insists on having Alexis.,we should include Gabriel Jesus in the deal and ask them to pay a third of his wages
Or even Agreed…
Hiya Wavy. I don’t know but the longer it goes on perhaps it’s less likely he’ll stay. Who knows?
Or even Aguero *****
Hi y’all, great post Rico!
Regarding OX, we should try n swap him for Emre Can, also in final year of contract! He’s been a hell of a lot more consistent than the OX over d last couple of years.
Lemar is a must imo, if he does nothing other than score some of our scoreable free kicks and finally deliver descent corners!
Or the Metro
Silky, you are right on Lemar’s corners he sure isn’t hitting the first man. His comers and crosses are great.
Me neither Adam, or Untold..
Thanks Silky. Think I’d rather keep Ox..
Well, this year things are going well. Better to keep Akexis. Theo wiuld better leave.
Alexis is going nowhere unless Ornstein says so !…………………..infact every rumour out there is rubbish unless from the lips of Ornstein !.
In Ornstein We Trust !
Ornstein Knows Best !
😀
And what does he say Lc?
He says nothing, Rico !………………………………….and untill he says something, nothing is true !………………………..I would buy shares in him if they were available ! hahaha
Great news about Mertesacker though, he loves Arsenal !.
http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/wp-content/uploads/mertesackerfacebook500.jpg
I wonder where he gets his footie info from…
Chelsea have offered the same amount as Utd for Lukaku… Price war is on… 🙂
I’m offski, night Lc, all….
That Lykaku shite is mental never does it in a big game
Good post rico1
It’s so good it was top of the top stories on Newsnow Arsenal last night. It would appear that the due diligence being shown by the current Arsenal manager has your creativity juices flowing.
Now for the “clear out”.
I’d rather Mahrez over Lemar. He has PL winning experience & sounds desperate to get to The Arse (if the noises on newsnow can be believed). I reckon the current noises being made by The Arse about Mahrez is just bluff to get The Foxes to drop their asking price!
I can feel a Title coming on, but only if Arsene can become more savvy when oposition managers like Maureen try to play mind games with him @ strategic times of the season. Arsene used to get spanked by Fergie a bit. Arsene may need to hire a mind game mentor ?
I’m referring to to ol’Froggy as Arsene again! I must be at peace with the old boy?
Ok that’s me. It’s game day. A blockbuster that hasn’t been seen since the ’70’s. Gee I love footy❤️
Good post rici
Thanks Gg.
Morning all.
New post up now, blame the early sunshine and birds in full song… ?