Morning all.
Everybody wants the same thing: to win titles,” he tells Arsenal.com. “The team needs to be together if we are to achieve that in future. Everyone has that same mentality, and we are all determined for it. That’s the way to go forward.
It comes from everyone, not just the players. Togetherness means one group. Your family, your friends, your teammates, the coaches, the chefs – everyone needs to do their thing for the group. Here, how we play, how we stick together, how we work for each other – I’ve never seen this anywhere else before. It’s a dream for me to be a part of it.
The above words are from our big Brazilian centre-back who, if my memory serves me right, was once much maligned. Initially, his defensive partners were usually one of David Luiz, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers or Pablo Mari. The following summer, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu joined the club and defensively, whilst better, Arsenal still leaked goals. Gabriel was still being criticised but then so was the team in general.
Then things changed…..
The summer before the 2022/23 season saw William Saliba finally arrive after being on loan for a couple of seasons and it was then, a special defensive partnership began to blossom. Ben White, originally deployed in central defence, switched to right-back and has fast become one of the best, if not the best in the Premier League. Our left-back options haven’t always been as strong as our right though with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu sharing the role throughout this season. Out of the three, the strongest is Tomiyasu in my opinion.
Much has been said and written about Arsenal’s defence and no amount of praise would be enough I think. Even with all the swapping and switching around at left back, this Arsenal defence has been the best in the Premier League. Credit doesn’t just go to the back five though because it’s a team effort. From Raya to the player leading the front line, everyone has worked hard to defend. On the flip side, every player has had some kind of impact on our attacking stats too, even Raya with his distribution.
I’ve nicked this off of GoonerHQ-2’s YouTube channel.
Enjoy….
Catch up in the comments.
Arsenal squad audit: Who stays and who goes? Assessing the future of every player
James McNicholas
The season may be over, but the evolution of Arsenal’s squad continues.
The target is clear: to assemble a group capable of wresting the Premier League title away from Manchester City.
Arsenal are close to doing that, so their squad is unlikely to undergo a dramatic overhaul. According to research group CIES Football Observatory, they have the most stable squad in world football. Almost 800 clubs from 59 leagues were organised into a continuity index by considering their age structure, contract policy and overall stability.
Nevertheless, there will inevitably be some departures this summer. It is arguably high time: while Arsenal’s recent recruitment and retention have rightfully been praised, they’ve struggled to raise significant funds through sales. With several academy players potentially available for purchase in the weeks and months to come, Arsenal may be in a position to boost their PSR position.
It’s important to remember that Arsenal won’t sell every player they consider to be available for the right price. Doing so would leave them short of depth, and with too much recruitment to complete in one window. Which players leave this summer will ultimately be determined by the market.
Here, The Athletic audits the Arsenal squad as it stands…
Goalkeepers
David Raya (on loan from Brentford)
The 28-year-old played this season as a Brentford loanee, and Arsenal are expected to complete a £27million ($34.4m) permanent deal for him this summer. A long-term contract is agreed in principle, but as of yet Arsenal have not communicated to the player’s camp when they intend to push ahead with the transfer. Nevertheless, it is a question of when, not if.
Aaron Ramsdale (contract expires 2027)
Having been displaced by Raya as Arsenal’s No 1, Ramsdale is a prime candidate to move this summer. Reported interest from Newcastle is accurate, and other clubs in the Premier League and abroad are keeping tabs on his likely availability. As yet, however, there has been no formal approach for the player.
One sticking point could be the fee. Arsenal expect to recoup what they paid for Ramsdale — but after a season on the bench, such demands are not especially realistic. Given he is under contract for the next three years, Arsenal might have to consider a loan to enable him to play regularly and raise his value.
Karl Hein (2024)
Estonia international Hein is out of contract this summer. Until recently, he had been set on leaving the club to pursue first-team football. The matter is not entirely closed, however — the goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana is a big fan of Hein and would like to retain him if a last-minute deal can be agreed.
Arthur Okonkwo (2024)
Okonkwo, 22, spent the season on loan at Wrexham, helping them win promotion to League One, and has already said his farewells at Arsenal. Having been with the club since the age of seven, it will be a wrench to leave. He is out of contract, and likely to have many suitors.
“We’re keen to keep Arthur, and we’re working on that,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has said. “It could take time but one thing is for sure: we’ll give it everything we’ve got to keep Arthur at the club.”
One issue could be wages: last season, Wrexham paid just under half his Arsenal salary.
Defenders
Ben White (2028)
Having only signed a new contract in March, White is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future.
William Saliba (2027)
Saliba is another of Arsenal’s players under a relatively new contract. The club have acted swiftly to secure those they see as part of their core moving forward.
Gabriel (2027)
Gabriel’s contract was signed in October 2022. Given his stock has risen considerably since then, and Arsenal have had to fend off interest from Saudi Arabia, it may not be long before they have to sit down and talk terms with his camp again.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (2026)
Arsenal’s to-do list for the summer includes the acquisition of a new left-back. That could be interpreted as bad news for Zinchenko, whose deal expires in two years and he has not been engaged in talks about a renewal.
The Ukrainian, however, is determined to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place. He has even gone so far as to acknowledge his 2023-24 performances have been below-par.
“Personally, I completely understand that it wasn’t my best season so far,” he wrote on Instagram. “I promise first of all to all fans and doubters that I’ll be back much stronger.”
Jurrien Timber (2028)
Having missed the majority of his debut season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury, Timber still feels like a new signing. He will form a major part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for 2024-25.
Jakub Kiwior (2028)
At the turn of the year, Kiwior’s prospects at Arsenal did not look particularly great. However, he chose to stay and fight for his place and was rewarded with a successful run in the team as a left-back.
Centre-back remains his primary position, but the form and fitness of Saliba and Gabriel prohibited him from getting many opportunities in that role. His aspiration is to compete for more minutes in the centre of defence.
After his strong performances in 2024, the likelihood is that Kiwior will remain with Arsenal this summer. That said, he is in the bracket where an attractive offer from elsewhere could change things.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (2026)
When Tomiyasu signed his new contract in March, Arsenal described it as “long-term”. That’s debatable: the deal runs until 2026, with the club holding an option to extend beyond that.
The relatively short deal may be connected to concerns over Tomiyasu’s capacity to stay fit. When available, it’s clear he is one of Arteta’s most-trusted defenders. So a departure for the Japan international this summer would come as a considerable surprise.
Cedric (2024)
The 32-year-old full-back is out of contract and will leave the club this summer. There is interest from Spain, Germany and Turkey, but there have been no formal offers as yet.
Nuno Tavares (2025)
Nottingham Forest have declined to take up their £12million option to make the loan signing of Tavares permanent. Given he made just five Premier League starts for them this season, that comes as no great surprise.
Tavares hasn’t made an Arsenal appearance for two years now and his representatives are free to find a buyer. If Arsenal can sell him this summer, they will.
Kieran Tierney (2026)
Scotland international Tierney has spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad. Unfortunately, it has been another campaign marred by injury troubles, limiting him to just 16 starts in all club competitions. The La Liga side have an option on a permanent deal but are unlikely to proceed with it at the value agreed with Arsenal.
As there is significant mutual respect between Arsenal and Tierney, there will be a conversation this summer to determine what happens next. His current intention is to leave, permanently this time, to play regular football. Perhaps the European Championship starting next month will provide an appropriate shop window.
I’d just copied the same to post here Kev, only after I saw your first comment…
I like The Athletic, probably the only news outlet which doesn’t have an anti Arsenal slant.
Rumours are Vieira could be on his way. 🥲🥲🤣
Thomas Partey (2025)
When it came to the crunch, Arteta picked Partey. The Ghanaian started Arsenal’s last five games of the season, including significant wins over Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Nevertheless, he remains a potential departure this summer. With just one year remaining on his contract, this represents Arsenal’s last opportunity to recoup some cash for a player signed for €50million in October 2020.
Partey, meanwhile, would be open to moving if it meant a longer contract that provided more security. Were he to leave, he would of course need to be replaced.
Declan Rice (2028)
Arsenal’s record signing enjoyed an excellent first campaign. He is at the heart of his manager’s plans for next season.
Martin Odegaard (2028)
Having signed a new contract in September, Arsenal’s club captain is going nowhere.
Jorginho (2025)
Arsenal have awarded Jorginho a one-year deal — recognition of his excellent performances this season, but also perhaps another indicator that Partey could be allowed to move on.
Mohamed Elneny (2024)
Elneny might well have left Arsenal a year ago. His contract was due to expire in the summer of 2023, but when he suffered an ACL injury, the club offered him an extra year to enable him to complete his rehabilitation in full.
But now, after eight-and-a-half years in north London, he will leave as a free agent.
Emile Smith Rowe (2026)
This looks likely to be a very important summer for Smith Rowe. After two seasons without regular first-team football, something has to change.
In 2022-23, he underwent surgery that effectively ruled him out for half of the campaign. This season, however, there were no long-term absences through injury. Despite that, he finished it with just three Premier League starts to his name.
Smith Rowe will turn 24 in July. All parties are aware he is at a point in his career where he needs to play more football than he has been doing.
This time last year, Arsenal sat down with the player’s representatives to make it plain he was not for sale. If the decision were purely down to Arteta, they might keep him around again. He knows Smith Rowe still has the potential to be a match-winner, hence bringing him on as his first attacking substitute during the final-day win over Everton.
But Arsenal have less leverage this year. Smith Rowe has just two years remaining on his contract, and the club may accept the time is right to sell.
Fabio Vieira (2027)
Remarkably, the last game Vieira started for Arsenal was in the Carabao Cup in November. Despite returning from groin surgery in February, he managed just 57 Premier League minutes before the end of the season and was an unused substitute in 14 of Arsenal’s last 17 games. Evidently, his status within the squad has diminished considerably. His performances in training have not enabled him to sustain his position in Arteta’s pecking order.
Vieira’s future may be tied to that of Smith Rowe. Losing both in the same summer would leave Arsenal light in midfield, and with considerable work to do to replace them. Perhaps only one will be allowed to go, with the decision being determined by who generates the most interest.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (2026)
After a season on loan at Luton Town, Lokonga is expected to move permanently this summer.
“I had a discussion with Arsenal and the conclusion was the best thing for me was to leave the club,” Lokonga told the BBC this week. “Now it’s up to my agent and the club to find something. I still have a contract there, one year plus a one-year option, so let’s see what happens.”
When fit, Lokonga performed impressively for Premier League newcomers Luton, despite their relegation. However, injuries meant he started only 16 games. That’s a bit of a recurring theme among the players Arsenal hope to sell this summer, and will inevitably affect their market value.
Charlie Patino (2025)
Academy graduate Patino has spent the season on loan at Swansea City in the Championship. Arsenal have one year remaining on the option they exercised on Patino’s contract, so this is their last opportunity to sell him to generate revenue.
Patino has struggled to find a pathway to first-team football under Arteta, so will likely welcome a fresh start. His father is Spanish, and the 20-year-old is said to be open to exploring options abroad as well as in England.
Yeah Rico, The Athletic FC podcast is good as well, worth a listen with a lot of Arsenal content.
Bukayo Saka (2027)
Under contract, utterly adored and certain to stay.
Kai Havertz (2028)
When Havertz signed from Chelsea last summer, it was quite controversial. With his steady improvement since then, he has emerged as one of Arteta’s most trusted players.
Gabriel Martinelli (2027)
Not too long ago, Martinelli’s status in the squad was on par with Saka’s. Their paths have diverged a little since then and the season just gone was a little underwhelming from Martinelli’s perspective: six Premier League goals and four assists left him some way short of the previous campaign’s numbers. By the end of the season, he had been replaced in the first team by Leandro Trossard.
Despite that, it’s difficult to imagine Martinelli being sold, as Arteta’s system is dependent on speedy wingers. Arsenal arguably need to add another player of that profile, rather than lose one.
Gabriel Jesus (2027)
The Athletic revealed in April that Arsenal would be prepared to listen to offers for Jesus this summer. The question is whether any will arrive for a player with ongoing knee issues and a hefty salary.
Jesus’ quality and versatility mean he is still very valuable to Arteta, and the Brazilian wants to stay in London and fight for his place. Perhaps the best thing for all parties would be to focus on helping him get back to full fitness. A summer’s rest — having not been selected for the Copa America — could be just what’s required.
Leandro Trossard (2027)
After an outstanding season, Trossard is sure to form part of Arteta’s plans for 2024-25.
Ordinarily, a player who has surpassed expectations by as much as the Belgium international has might be in line for a new contract. But given that Trossard turns 30 in December and has a deal that runs until 2027 (with the option of an extra year), Arsenal will most likely feel relaxed about the situation.
Reiss Nelson (2027)
One Premier League start this season suggests Nelson may be on borrowed time at Arsenal.
He signed a new long-term contract last summer but, if anything, his first-team opportunities have diminished since then. So it may come down to what Nelson wants: is he happy to be a bit-part player at Arsenal? Or will he push to leave to secure regular football elsewhere?
Eddie Nketiah (2028)
It feels like Nketiah’s Arsenal career may have drawn to a natural conclusion. Between August and January, he started 10 of their 20 Premier League games. Since then, he has been limited to just eight substitute appearances.
Arsenal will hope to command a sizeable fee for a homegrown centre-forward who has played for England at senior international level this season. Like Nelson, however, Nketiah earns a significant wage. Potential buyers may have to offset their bids to compensate for inheriting his salary package.
Marquinhos (2027)
In February, Marquinhos returned to homeland Brazil via a loan to Fluminense. This summer, he might have been hoping to play in the Paris Olympics, but his country did not qualify for the tournament.
At this stage, his prospects of ever making a breakthrough at Arsenal appear slim.
Good afternoon Lady and everyone
Arsenal will earn more money than City through TV rights. Arsenal games was watched more than any other club this season. Aside the fact that we have one of the largest fan base in the world, the hate watch from rivals also contributed. More hate watch next season please because deep down you love Arsenal so much that even though you keep spouting shit you do so simply to earn Arsenal more money.
Two great posts today. Thanks Rico. And thanks Kev…… although am still reading yours.
Afternoon Devil, thanks
This transfer window is so important, the most important for a while because we’re so very close to toppling City and because a number of clubs will have new managers trying to find their feet and getting to know their squad.
Afternoon all,
That’s great Rico/Kev,very interesting,I’d also like to know the future for Mika Biereth,although reports have said a deal to sell him is close.
I must say I liked Gabriel from the start,although it’s been great to see the partnership with Saliba develop.
Championship play off final today,whatever happens 2/3 of last years relegated clubs will be going up,plus all 3 promoted teams going straight back down. We’ll done to Ipswich who were in league one just over a year ago.
Afternoon Rico and all, some great post today, as most have said today we are only 2 or 3 players away from having a great run and winning some trophies.
If Ramsdale and ESR do stay then Arteta needs to play them more to keep there hunger alive and if not then sell them as it will be the best for all.
Thanks Limey, apparently Stum G want to buy Mika and talks are scheduled for next week. That’s according to the SG Director or president whatever his position is.
Afternoon Geoff. I think our second keeper often plays in the domestic cups but we’ve not had a good run in either for the last few years. Arteta won’t rotate his keepers otherwise, seldom do any managers unless they have no choice.
Well done Southampton, they’ve kept dirty Leeds away from the Premier League.
yep. same here Rico. its always great when you see certain teams staying away from the EPL….Leeds, Stoke, Bolton. Not good for football.
The footballing teams still need to push other teams as well…like spuds, Manures, shitty, chavs.
The EPL would be a lot cleaner.
My only concern Devil is that Southampton can be a bit of a bogey team for us..
£120 million to the winners today. Staggering.
I am going to suggest a name no one might have heard of. Matvey Safonov. The russian national keeper. He is good. And if I am not mistaken he will be free from contract and is not renewing with Krasnodar. He is a good age as well….24. Standing at 6 ft 4 he commands the penalty area. And is quite good with his feet as well.
I researched a bit more and it seems that PSG are closing in on him. And he is not free because this January he signed till 2029.
What a pity. He is quite a good keeper
Yes, I saw PSG were in for him.. Not sure signing a Russian footballer would be wise though with what’s going on in the world.
Yes,it will be interesting what happens with Biereth,depends on the offer I suppose.
I agree about Southampton,my memory might be playing tricks but I remember them being tough opposition,going back to the 1980s. Even last season we only took 1 point out of 6,infamously in Sczeneys last game we lost 4-0.
Part of me would like to see us retain Biereth and use him as the successor to Eddie, meanwhile I’m minded to how we sold Willock and Balogun, both were hot property and we maximised their value. If both had stayed I think their value would have tanked to possibly Nelson levels…
So if Sturm Graz come in with a decent bid allied to sell on clauses then I reckon Mika will go. Of course other clubs might be interested?
Loaning out Ramsdale as suggested above, might be the way to go to ramp up his value again?
I really don’t want to sell to Newcastle under any circumstances.
There’s a recent Boxing/New Year’s Day fixture when we faced them, they’d not won a game for ages and then thrashed us I think. I can recall a few conversations with much missed Adam about that awful game..
I read Newcastle don’t want Ramsdale Kev because they’re concerned about us including Bruno G in the deal.
https://dailycannon.com/2024/05/arsenal-to-trigger-21yo-wingers-e50m-release-clause/
Fabrizio Romano reckons Tierney might be offered a new contract..
Rico, yeah I saw that, frankly I’m not convinced that Bruno is the answer and certainly not at £100m.
Mind you I wasn’t sold on Havertz either…
Really!
A new contract?
I’m not sure about that Rico
Thank you Rico and Kev for the article and info. Lots of good reading. Biereth for some cash and sell on clause sounds good.
Ramsdale loan idea is good but he’d still need replacing… and then at the end of the season, even if he’s played great on loan, clubs would still play games on the price saying that now Arsenal have him as a 3rd keeper. We know how good he is, but the world is not always fair.
And Kev explains the Villa and Newcastle attitudes accurately. They’ve been fancying themselves as at Arsenals level ever since we fell into Europa league, and still have fantasies of competing with us. They’re a bitch to deal with. Man City shouldn’t do anything to help us as their biggest competitors.
I don’t see any barriers with Chelsea. We have generally traded fairly and reasonably with them. No drama.
It seems that Chelsea is the only team to enter and exit the Europa League without playing a single match 🤣
Yes Nigel, I get that about Chelsea but our last two deals have been very beneficial to us and maybe a tad too embarrassing to them.
Luiz, Willian is one thing, Havertz having his best season in England is another…
But I’d take Gallagher off of them.
Tierney with a new contract makes sense although its difficult to imagine. We would have a first back four of White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber and a back up of Tomiyasu, Kiwior and Tierney. Tierney would get quite a good number of games with recovery as well
Where does that leave Zinchenko I dont know. Maybe he will be moved to the left wing?? he can play there and is good. Or will he be sold??
With regards the right back position what about Brooke Norton cuffy?? he is 20 and can be played in cup games especially in the early rounds.
Connor Gallacher would be superb Kev. But chavs would demand astronomical money for him
I’m not convinced either Kev, isn’t he known for a few red cards!
Anyone who pulls on an Arsenal shirt is a sucker for red cards imo Rico
Hi Nigel, for all we know Ramsdale might want to stay put and win his place back. Perhaps Arteta wants him to. Seems odd to sell a keeper again only to then spend on yet another one.
Is Fabrizio reliable though Kev? I can’t see Tierney getting a new contract..
That’s a thing of the past I reckon Devil.
I hope we sell Tierney, far too many injuries for my likeing,
Unfortunitly due to what is happening over seas, I would stay away from Russian players for know until things settle down just incase it upset some players we all ready have in the team.
Good news re Leah Williamson who has signed a new contract…
Good afternoon LAdy and all
According to The Mirror Arsenal are the favourites to sign £60m-rated Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. we are the only club offering champions league football Among Chelsea, Man utd and Newcastle united who are the clubs to have shown interest in the winger so far. And champions league football is reportedly a key factor for Olise in choosing his next destination.
The 22-year-old, who Pep Guardiola labelled ‘incredible’, netted 10 times whilst laying on six assists last across just 19 outings last term. he ranks in the top three per cent for shot-creating actions compared to his positional peers across the big five league. Further, he sits in the top 11 per cent for interceptions and 13 per cent for blocks, showing how hard he works defensively, too.
Afternoon Devil. I thought he was off to Chelsea. But, since he was once an Arsenal youth player, perhaps he’d favour us..
I simply love it when the transfer window opens and equally hate it after a couple of weeks unless we sign the reuired players.
Some of the reports are hilarious but they ram up a good amount of interest. They set expectation, get people drooling over a superstar, engage in heated discussions on the players’ attitude during games and training etc etc
Incidentally, having mentioned attitude in trainingI have read that Vieira wasn’t chosen more often because of his attitude during training. Maybe if that is the case why isn’t he being sold so as to make way for ESR to stay?? Dont have to be Einstein of football to reason that out.
The winger issue can be solved with the following as well. During the final game of the Premier League season against Everton Arteta experimented by fielding Martinelli on the right win – and he shone. Infact Martinelli completed 100% of his dribbles during that game, with five key passes and an accuracy of 81% from 69 touches.
Maybe Arteta is thinking about deploying him in this role more regularly to act as a support option to Bukayo Saka, who has been the standout option on the right in recent seasons, giving the England winger some much-needed respite.
Currently we have Martinelli, Saka, Jesus, Nelson and Trossard who share winger responsibilities. It depends where Jesus plays and if Nelson is going or not.
Rico, there is another issue between us and Chelsea if Olise is to choose….we play CL football and is one of the most settled clubs across the globe. Do the Chaves have both?? No.
Bits and bobs…….across the net….
Arsenal are expected to return with a new bid for Fenerbahce left back Ferdi Kadioglu this week.
First bid of around £17m bid rejected with new bid expected to be around £20m excluding potential add-ons. Personal terms not an issue at all.
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: Arsenal striker Charles Sagoe Jr is another player likely heading for the exit door, either on loan or a permanent sale.
Despite making his first team debut last season, the club are still unaware if he fits in their future plans, especially with the rise of Chido Obi-Martin.
Another player that could help raise some funds this summer. On loan at Swansea last season
Arsenal will assess the future of striker Mika Biereth this summer after a successful loan spell at Sturm Graz and Motherwell, scoring 15 goals and chipping in 9 assists on his two different loan moves this season.
Biereth is rated by the club but could raise some much needed transfer funds. The Gunners reportedly want at least £10m for him, but a sale will likely only take place after the preseason tour.
Leah Williamson after signing a contract extension:
“Everyone knows what Arsenal means to me, but every time I sign a new contract, I feel that love ignite all over again. I’m very happy to be staying. This is a place where I can still continue to grow, develop & be challenged.” ………….. I am glad she signed….she is so good looking. hehe
Regarding our academy youngsters and potential loans and sales, things can obviously change during preseason as there are a lot of variables.
But one thing is for sure, Arsenal will intensely look at the youth setup and what is best for the development of the players and who possibly could have an impact on the first team.
Youth recruitment will also be a priority for the club this summer which could determine what happens with a lot of players at Hale End
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: According to reports, there’s a high possibility that Arsenal academy star midfielder Charlie Patino will be SOLD this summer.
Although highly rated by the club, the 20-year-old wants regular first team minutes, something the Gunners cannot guarantee him.
A host of championship clubs, as well as premier league clubs are interested. Fulham and Nottingham Forest are believed to be the ones most interested at the moment.
Patino had a decent season on loan at Swansea last year, racking up 4 goals and 4 assists
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: Arsenal’s goal scoring sensation Chido Obi-Martin (16) will join the club on their preseason tour this summer.
He scored a record breaking 32 goals for the Arsenal U18’s last season and is regarded as one of the best teenagers in world football at the moment.
The Gunners want to bring him on tour to show him that he is part of their plans moving forward and convince him to sign his first pro deal with the club in November when he turns 17.
European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have both made enquiries to Obi-Martin, who is a Danish youth international
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: Arsenal plan to send youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly (17) on loan in the hopes of getting him valuable first team minutes on a regular basis.
Lewis-Skelly is highly rated at the club and believe he could develop into a top class central midfielder or fullback.
The Gunners would a prefer to send the player to the Championship, which is a league that will help develop him physically. League One also an option
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: Arsenal will assess the future of fullback Brooke Norton-Cuffy (20) this summer ahead of a possible exit from the club.
The fullback has spent the last three seasons on loan in the Championship, most recently with Millwall where he contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in 40 matches.
Norton-Cuffy is undoubtedly a very talented but it could be time for a mutual departure from the club, with the Gunners stocked in the fullback position, especially right back.
He will likely travel with the club on preseason tour before a decision is made.
𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙: Arsenal midfielder Michal Rosiak (18) will NOT be sold or loaned out this summer with the club preferring to keep him in their setup.
Rosiak – who is known as a dead ball specialist – signed his first professional contract with the club last summer after turning 17. He was called up numerous times last season to train with the first team.
Ethan Nwaneri will be promoted to the Arsenal first team next season.
The 17-year-old is HIGHLY rated by the hierarchy at Arsenal and they want to start integrate him into the senior setup. Likely means that one of Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira will be leaving the club.
Smith Rowe most likely to depart, but we know Arteta is a big fan and the player has homegrown status, where Vieira does not.
Nwaneri will definitely feature a lot more for the first team next season. HUGE TALENT.
Devil, I am not convinced that Arteta really does trust ESR, he has had plenty of chances to play ESR but has chosen not too.
Obi-Martin sound like he has a good future, hopefully we can keep him
Devil,
moving Martinelli to right wing was more to do with the absence of Saka on top of Trossard holding onto the left wing berth, something I’d imagine you’re quite aware of anyway given your coaching credentials.
Personally I’ve always seen Saka more as an inside forward than a winger, playing in the left 8 role where his technique and shooting could be leathal. The fouls he seems to attract would also be more dangerous from the centre of the pitch and on the edge of the box.
Devil,
we all love Reiss Nelson but in truth he’s not pushed on so I can’t see him staying unless we can’t get a decent price. We might have to loan him out again to bump up his value?
And there will always be Bournemouth…
Devil,
and this is just a personal choice, if we can generate some interest I’d rather sell Vieira than Smith Rowe.
Absolutely Devil but I doubt CL football will have a deciding factor when it comes to joining Chelsea. The fact that they’re a badly run club should suffice. Lol
Rumours are Vieira could be sold Kev which like you, I hope happens.
There was something in the Athletic about Martinelli switching to right wing next season as and when required. Not great revelation though imo as I think it’s obvious, same as Jesus playing on the wing. Mixing it up is what cause opponents confusion, not being rigid.
Vieira’s campaign started brightly, with the Portuguese midfielder impressing off the bench. His early form hinted at a breakthrough into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. However, an injury sidelined him for months, and during his absence, Arsenal flourished, focusing on other players.
As the season progressed, fans grew concerned about Vieira’s limited appearances. Despite his early promise, he struggled to regain his place in the team upon his return. According to The Athletic, the primary reason for his limited minutes was underperformance in training. The coaches demanded more from him, and he failed to deliver.
Vieira’s situation highlights the challenges players face when returning from injury and the importance of consistently proving their worth to secure a spot in the team. His story serves as a reminder that even early promise can fade if not backed up by hard work and dedication.”
I thought he was pretty awful from day one. Not so much because he lacks talent but because he’s so slight and easily brushed off the ball. He’s another Ozil imo.
I was never one of his fans. like you I considered him as too slight and very much lightweight. He does not have speed on his side either. and in the EPL if you lack speed and a well built body you are not going to cut it. Plus he’s a player and not exactly a footballer.
As is the case with all the Arsenal players I always wanted him to succeed. But there comes a time when hope gives way and you realise that certain players will never make it in the EPL.
Vieira is one of them. And no I don’t think he is another Ozil, because Ozil had the skill and the speed and he used them when he wanted to, when his attitude was ok, when he was on the big stage. Vieira has nothing of the sort. The only bad thing Ozil had was his attitude. Vieira has nothing of all that.
If Manchester city are to be stripped of their titles in the past ten years (that is 8 of them) and the second placed team get the titles in retrospective, it will give ManUtd 3, Liverpool 3 and Arsenal 2. City finished 3rd only once. And there is only one team in history who has finished above Guardiola and not won the league….yep you guessed it…..spuddies. That season, 2016/17 Chelsea came first, Tottenham came 2nd and Guardiola with City came third.
Unless Chavs are found to have breached the laws as well and at last they get the league. But that is another story
I’m not doubting the talent of Ozil but he was a wimp. As soon as an opponent got close to him, he was on the floor. Great player in the wrong league. Vieira imo has oodles of talent but the PL is too robust for him…
New post up.
Rico,
I’m pretty certain that we won’t get anywhere close to the transfer fee we paid for Vieira..,
Wikipedia:
On 17 June 2022, Porto reached an agreement with Premier League club Arsenal for the transfer of Vieira for a fee of €35 million (£29.9 million) plus €5 million (£4.4 million) in add-ons.[21] Four days later, a long-term contract was agreed.
Arsenal aren’t getting that back.
I wonder if any of the add-ons has been paid to Porto?