Afternoon guys.
After all the speculation surrounding William Saliba needing surgery on his back this summer it turns out he doesn’t. Instead he’ll be going through a period of rest and recovery. He’ll be sorely missed, pun intended, but it’s not like the club didn’t know it was coming from the moment he said “my back has gone” whilst playing for France. I just hope he recovers well because backs are a funny old thing when it comes to mending. Yes, I speak from experience although I didn’t have the kind of recovery treatment Saliba will have.
It’s often said on here that with injury comes opportunity. Cristhian Mosquera is looking the most likely option for Mikel Arteta but should anything happen with him, we could be in a pickle. Marli Salmon is the backup apart from Ben White or Jurrien Timber but using either would only push the same problem onto our right-back situation. Timber is expected to be fit very soon, according to him anyway but White, although he says he’s fine, possibly needs to be handled with kid gloves for a few weeks. Assuming he’s staying of course.
I chose the above photograph of William Saliba for a reason. We were playing an FA Cup match at The Emirates against Wigan. I know it’s easy for us to sit in the comfort of sun lounger with a cold beer by our side and make suggestions about what Mikel Arteta should or should not do this coming season but when it comes to the domestic cups, do you/me want to see the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Viktor Gyokeres playing, especially those whose bodies broke down last season?
I know it’s a topic which crops up every season, players playing too many minutes. Score90 has a list of players who’ve played the most minutes last season.
David Raya isn’t far behind Saliba but I think it’s different for a goalkeeper. They are not immune from injury of course but they don’t cover the miles outfield players do. Even so, he needs a break which he tends to get when the domestic cups come around.
A few defender names have been linked to Arsenal, John Stones and Ezra Konsa to name two and whilst I think Stones would be a good option, especially with his experience and because he’s out of contract, he struggles with his own injuries and knowing our luck, he’d break down during his first appearance. As for Konsa, we all know Villa would rip us off for him but I guess he can at least play central and at right back although I’m not convinced he does either particularly well.
At least our left winger gap has now been filled after the departure of Leandro Trossard as this afternoon, Arsenal have announced the signing of Christos Tzolis on a long-term contract.
Talking to Arsenal Media, our new player said:
I need some time to realise, I think! It’s absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England. I’m very proud to be part of this team for the next season.
When my agent was saying maybe it was a possibility, I was already excited. Afterwards it was getting more serious and now I’m here. I had a nice conversation [with Mikel Arteta]. It was around an hour. We talked about everything, about the club, about myself, about his plans, about me of course, about the team. It was only positive things.
I’m a direct player, I go for goals or assists. That’s my point of view as an attacker, as a winger. I’m always hungry to score or to give the final pass to my teammates. And I can say I work hard for the team, also in the defensive part.
He’s direct, defends and loves to score goals. What more can we ask of our new winger?
Catch up in the comments.
Afraid so Kev…
The Athletic:
Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Cardiff City’s youngest-ever player, Axel Donczew.
Donczew, 16, became the youngest player to ever represent Cardiff’s first team when he was introduced as a second-half substitute against Newport County in the EFL Trophy on October 25, aged 15 years and 234 days.
The teenager made his second and final first-team appearance for Cardiff against AFC Wimbledon in December of that year.
Donczew, who has been deployed in attacking midfield roles in addition to wide positions, has also represented Wales at every youth level from under-15 to under-19. He is also eligible to represent Poland.
Mosquera, Salmon, White and Timber, see how they deal with preseason.
Not again Rico…
He’s injured…
What about Chris Samba, is he still around?
Isn’t Stones often injured? We all know how our luck runs, he’d get injured whilst Saliba is out..
I don’t think Martinelli will leave either, how much would it cost to buy another winger, especially if we’re going for Bruno and a defender.
Stones is 32 yrs old, so 2 things come to my mind , the first is obvious , why did City show him the door ?1 Is he carrying an injury that is not yet obvious and , 2 was his not getting an extension Guardiola’s or Maresca’s decision.
On the surface offering a 2 year contract without a guarantee of first pick football should be attractive to him , no doubt Pep could now tell his mate if there is anything to be wary of.
£34 million sounds like good business.
Of John Stones or Ezra Konsa I’d go for Stones, we need a dedicated centre back not one who can fill in at full-back, jack of all trades etc etc.
Sounds good, talks the the talk…let’s see if he can back it up.
I can’t see Martinelli being sold, as that would leave a big hole on the left of our front line if Christos Tzolis gets injured or doesn’t make the grade.