Morning all.
Arsenal announcing the signing of Riccardo Calafiori yesterday came as a shock. Not for one minute did I expect that bolt out of the blue. Yes, I’m being ironic after weeks of updates on his movements. Poor bloke must have felt like he was being stalked.
Anyway, the general consensus seems to be he’s a great addition to the squad/team but if he doesn’t settle into Premier League football as quick as we’d like him too, let’s be kind. After all, Kai Havertz took time to adapt to Mikel Arteta’s football and all he did was switch one side of London to another.
Calafiori on Arsenal.com:
I spoke a lot with the coach and with Edu, and they convinced me, but I was already convinced by myself. I think it’s the best project for me for the next few years, and I think I will improve as a player. I just met [Jorginho] one month ago, but I can see that he’s a really good guy. I was already convinced but he forced me. He said: ‘come, come, come! You will enjoy being here, the team is amazing and the staff, everything is good.’ You can see that already from the first few minutes here.
I came here to play so I will do everything to play and to give something to the team. I hope I can do that from the first few games. From my point of view, it’s just the start, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start to play for Arsenal and to win trophies.
Mikel Arteta added:
We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence. Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive. We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.
A new signing is often exciting, especially these days when very few seem to disappoint.
Defensively, Arsenal now look well stocked in numbers although speculation is rife that with Calafiori’s arrival, Jakub Kiwior’s exit will follow.
Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of leaving too as he’s reported to finalise his move to Fulham this week. According to Sky Sports, he’ll undergo a medical when he returns from the USA and then he’ll join up with his new teammates in Portugal.
Back in April, Mikel Arteta said “I love him as a player, he is a joy to watch” – a sentiment I share 100%. Yet soon he’ll be gone. I wish him nothing but success with his new club. Not many Arsenal player or manager exits fill me with sadness but Smith Rowe leaving does.
There’s a report by Paul Hirst in The Times which suggests that Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy is to provide Mikel Arteta with more depth to his squad, something I’ve thought since the middle of last season when it became clear that Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Jakub Kiwior were only there in case of an emergency. In my opinion, Kiwior’s minutes came because of injuries to Zinchenko and Tomiyasu rather than him being selected for tactical reasons. As for Nketiah and Nelson, they seemed a last resort rather than any kind of plan. So yes, it’s better to have players who will play than players who in all likelihood, won’t.
Assuming Nketiah and Nelson follow Smith Rowe out the door, three players could in theory replace them. Two seems more likely though, at least to me anyway, a midfielder and winger/forward. The Aaron Ramsdale situation is yet to be resolved too.
Anyway, a good start to the week with a new player through the door, let’s hope one or two more soon follow.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico, a bright and sunny day here in Sub-Sahara Norflok, it’s already 24c and heading to 26/7 later.
Good to know that we have signed a left fullback, that gives us three, Timber, Zinchenko and Calafiori. We also have both Kiwior and Tomiyasu who can fill in when necessary. If that bloke who has just left the England job is to be believed we also a sixth left back in Saka. One more and the Monopolies Commission may well start an investigation. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? 😉
Sad to see that Emil Smith Rowe is on the verge of leaving, a lovely player who I shall miss. 😕. I wish him well at his new club and hope he has a successful career.
Morning Rico and all,
I don’t think you will find anyone who has a bad word to say about ESR, as others have said before, you can only wish him luck.
Morning Cicero, Geoff.
29 degrees forecast for today in the south west. Was up and out at 6am with the pup as can’t have her out in the heat..
I’ve no idea how or when Arteta is going to play all these defenders we have on the books. It’s not like he’s known for rotation. 😂
Got a feeling that they may pop up in midfield . Apparently Wenger has said that he sees Petit in Calafiori and has sooken to Arteta about it. With Rice it could be a Vieire / Petit combination.
Interesting, wonder if that means Kiwior stays then?
I still can’t understand why, other than for financial reasons, Vieira stays and ESR goes…
Rico it might be due to financial reasons like you said, or (I am not calling anyone a liar), if it’s true that ESR likes going clubbing and being with friend, it could also be that Arteta doesn’t trust/like his attitude and commitment to the club.
Afternoon Rico, yes Geoff I’m quite relieved that you’ve decided not to call anyone a liar especially as you are our antipodean representative and I happen to know Mr In Between.
Rico, I doubt that anyone is paying £27m anytime soon for Fabio and definitely not £34m.
Geoff, I’m not convinced ESR is a nightclubber etc.
Afternoon Kev, I appreciate that but are we really that tight on a budget that we need to sell Emile? Can’t see it myself if we’re prepared to loan out other players instead of selling them.
Matters not what I think though as he’s going. Just disappointed I guess.
Emile is a bit chubby round the chops😀
No seriously, sad to see him leave, but no point keeping a player who’s played a couple of games in last few seasons. Although I recall him being MOTM in one he started, then left out next game which found quite puzzling.
He’s always looked chubby round the chops, must be all the beer. 😜
Similar happened with Lokonga, came in, played well, dropped for Partey and the rest as they say is history..
If the deal goes through for ESR, then the balls in his court to prove that Arteta was wrong for not playing him when he had the chance,
Does anyone know when Tomiyasu is due back from injury.
Good afternoon.
If I hear someone grumbling about the heat up there I will call him Grumpelstiltskin. Come here if you want to fry …we are having temperatures of 38-40. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I feel that ESR will be sold for two reasons – the fee he fetches and progress of Nwaneri.
But you’re used to it Devil, we aren’t. 😜
You could be right re Nwaneri but he’s still just 17 years old. Its a big ask of him.
Smith Rowe back in London for Fulham medical
Latest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Emile Smith Rowe has arrived in London and will have his Fulham medical this afternoon.
He left Arsenal’s US tour on Monday to finalise the move after an agreement in principle was reached between the clubs.
The deal – a club-record for Fulham – will see them pay an initial £27m, plus add-ons that could take the total to £34m.
Yes I am used to it but I really hate it with a passion.
I don’t mind it but then my home is cool. Wouldn’t want to be outside working in it though..
Interesting to see the social media farewell message Obi Martin left online, although you have to wonder who wrote it and put it up?
If Obi Martin did write it and post it then his memory is awful as he was waxing lyrical about the four years he spent at Arsenal despite only joining Arsenal 2 years ago… Dummy
I’m really bothered by the glut of left sided defenders. I don’t like that we couldn’t move out anyone aside from Tavares before signing Calafiori. I think it will be harder to get decent prices for whomever we want to move. Unless we had a quiet deal struck already.
Timber probably not thrilled to see the new guy, Kiwior should be very worried about his minutes with Timber and Calafiori, even Tomiyasu and Zinchenko. We still have Tierney on the books. I know Tomi and Timber will give some much needed rest to Ben White.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about the new player, I only worry a bit about team dynamics. Prospective buying clubs will squeeze us knowing all this.
What a plonker Kev. 😂
Nigel, did you see this from earlier??
potter on 30th July 2024 at 12:29 pm (Edit)
Got a feeling that they may pop up in midfield . Apparently Wenger has said that he sees Petit in Calafiori and has spoken to Arteta about it. With Rice it could be a Vieira / Petit combination.
Mystery German incoming???
Mein Gott
Sane?
I sincerely hope not.
Sky Sports reckon so, we’re watching his contract situation apparently and whether or not he signs a new one.
Could be another ex City player on the books…
Rico I missed that comment, but heard some talk about it in various reports and podcasts. That’s something that might be interesting to see.
I guessed Nigel.
I would be excited about any of Sane, Neto, Raphina…
As usual Barca being dikheads about valuation. Neto, I know the injuries… but he would be so good in our team.. same thing I said about Trossard before he came.
I was not that enthused about Nico Williams for some reason. So no loss for me.
I’m not crazy about Oshimen, but I do like Gyokeres. We’d have to sell Jesus to try that one though. Not happening.
All personal preference, I could be very wrong.
Arsenal offered Chido Obi Martin £15,000-per-week for his first pro-contract which the 16-year-old rejected.
It was one of the biggest pro-deals Arsenal have offered in the club’s history.
Manchester United came in and gladly doubled Arsenal’s wage offer to £30,000-per-week which the 16-year-old accepted.
Arsenal have a wage structure and were never going to get near Manchester United’s offer.
According to reports in Spain, Arsenal made a big offer to Barcelona for 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal.
The young star is believed to have the ability to surpass Sergio Busquets’ legacy.
Despite strong efforts by Arsenal, Flick has managed to convince Bernal to turn down the offer and remain at Barcelona this season.
Mikel Arteta is clearly a fan of the player so could be one to keep an eye on in the future. The club’s aim this summer is to continue to improve the academy, as well as the first-team.
Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms with Mikel Merino.
The Spaniard will sign a four-year contract with the Gunners if the two clubs can agree on a fee.
Arsenal see this as market opportunity for one of Mikel Arteta’s long-term targets but do not want to pay a massive fee.
Bukayo Saka was the highest rated player in the whole of the Premier League last season (7.67 rating).
Just read that talks with Merino and between clubs are at an advanced stage
Neto at 24 is the only one that I would look at and you have to ask whether he would come to sit behind Saka.
Raphinha will have had 5 clubs in 6 years , Could he be trouble ?
Sane is coming up to 29 and will have no sell on value and as he ages may well have lost his speed which was his greatest asset .
So the last two definitely not for me and Neto only if he realises his position.
Anyway he is more likely to replace Richaliason down the Seven Sisters.
Where did you get that info Devil, was it on X or a reliable source…
I always found HP a reliable sauce.
I’ve gotta say that I’d prefer a 29 year who is available rather than a 24 year old who isn’t…
But that just me being pedantic…
Football Espana and the Spanish papers are saying that Merino is close , however whether they are the source or whether they are reading news now is open to debate.
Real Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that star midfielder Mikel Merino already has offers on the table to leave the club..
At least we definitely know that he is Jokin .
I am used to hot days in oz but it’s the hot northly winds that get to you, and not to mention the hire risk of bushfires that can follow.
If Obi Martin has turned down 15 thousand per week then there are only 2 reason why ( 1) Man U have offered him simular money along with better terms or (2) he has no faith / trust that Arteta as he doesn’t give the youth players any game time
Sporting Lisbon’s 26 year old Swedish forward Victor Gyokeries is next on Arteta’s shopping list.
You read it here first. 😉
Don’t tease me Cicero.
Very good Potter. lol
Reminded me of Steve Wright on a Friday afternoon 🥲
Good Morning All. The one thing l love about Arteta’s transformation of Arsenal is that unlike previous years, no team can bully Arsenal. We can square off with the rugby teams and also handle the cheaters.
Cleverly to Obi. Few red cards…
New post up.