Is French international the answer to our midfield problems? If so, he’d come at a cost.

Morning all.

Chelsea v Barcelona didn’t quite live up to expectations last night. A good game but I thought there’d be more goals, certainly from the visitors. Suarez was kept quite quiet I thought and resorted to making a few unwarranted tumbles but the two goals scored were good, especially Will I Ams. Chelsea face an uphill battle now to go through to the next round. Tonight it’s Utd’s turn and I hope they get spanked.

This weekend saw the biggest shock of the season so far as Wigan dumped Man City out of the FA Cup. Things turned a bit ugly after Delph was sent off, handbags in the tunnel at half time and full time and it’s now reported that Aguero spat at someone so could face an FA ban which if so, might rule him out for The League Cup Final. Both Wigan and City have been charged by the FA for events which took place after the game.

Exciting stuff eh? Reminds me of some of our naughtiness over the years, or rather passion. Both George Graham and Arsene Wenger have witnessed their players getting into trouble. The worst or best, whichever way you see it, during Wenger’s reign was against Utd. Van Nistelrooy hit the bar from the penalty spot and after the final whistle blew, it all kicked off. I hate to admit it but I loved it, loved seeing the passion on show from Keown and co. Yes the FA reacted as expected but what would you prefer, days like that or days like today when there’s no passion on show from an Arsenal team? Pizzagate followed the season after when the same team, with the help of the officials, ended our unbeaten run. During that time the Utd v Arsenal fixture was always one not to be missed. How things have changed eh….

Transfer rumours don’t change either, certainly the constant drivel written in the back pages. It matters not what time of year it is, there’s always something being written somewhere. But to be honest, this is the time of year when clubs should be preparing for the summer transfer business, not the end of August which has often been the case with Arsenal. Well, more likely Arsene Wenger but now we have Sven Mislintat, I doubt he ever switches off from his scouting duties. Add to him the appointment of Raul Sanllehi, for the first time in years, we should go into the summer with a plan. I’d imagine Svens knowledge of the game runs deeper than just scouting and if he watches this current team play which he’s bound to, he’ll know where we are lacking as well as which players would strengthen in those positions.

Regardless of whether Arsene Wenger stays or goes, Our midfield and defence are the priority I’d have thought.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is in great demand according to back pages but regardless of some of the top clubs being after him, it’s us he wants to sign for. It’s true honest, he’s been quoted as saying he wants to play for Arsene Wenger. In case you didn’t know, Doucoure is French! I think I’m right in saying that Marco Silva was behind Watford signing him and the player looked good against us earlier in the season.

Fekir has been linked with us too, as has Koulibaly who was mentioned yesterday but to be honest, anyone mentioned in the press is just them just guessing imo. Arsenal keep their cards close to their chest when it comes to player signings and even with Sven on board, I doubt that’ll change. I just hope that whoever we sign in the summer is signed knowing that it won’t be Arsene Wenger managing them.

Tomorrow it’s the return leg of our Europa fixture agains Ostersunds and with us going into the game 3-0 up, we could see a few youngsters get a run out. I’d like to see Matt Macey start because he’s possibly our future, whereas David Ospina isn’t..