Morning all.
Did you click on the NN headline which at the time of me typing this, sits top of the hits list? To give you a clue, it’s about Thomas Partey. If ever there was a headline aiming for clicks alone, this really was it because there’s absolutely no evidence out there in the big wild world which suggests our number 5 is the man Met Police have been interviewing. Whoever it is is currently on bail until next month and only when/if that person is charged will his name be printed in black and white. Of course we’d all like to know who it is because we fear it’s one of our own players but trial by social media or other forms of media is not only unfair, but damaging too for all parties involved. Especially the alleged victims.
Back to Arsenal. Things have gone quiet in the transfer world. Plenty of rumours to mull over but our midfield and left back situation needs rectifying. The longer the Martinez saga goes on, the more likely I think it is that he’ll end up at Man Utd. If Youri Tielemans is a genuine target, a deal could be done this week I guess as it’s now that all the players who’ve had an extended break, return to their respective clubs. Well, Arsenal’s do and before Wednesday, when the squad/staff fly out to America.
This is only my opinion but I think Mikel Arteta needs at least one central midfielder, a left back and a winger, just to have a chance to keep up with the clubs who are likely to be aiming for a top four finish next season. Detest Totts as much as we like but the club are backing Conte this summer and already they’re looking stronger than last season. Aston Villa have strengthened in numbers too and I doubt it’ll be long before Utd start spending big. Chelsea too. Newcastle Utd will be stronger than they were last time around as well.
Arsenal’s season kicks off in 26 days time and at the moment, our midfield options, defensively, consists of Mo Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey and three of the four are no spring chickens and one of them seems to be susceptible to injury whilst another had a difficult first season in England. That, in my opinion, isn’t a midfield which will win a League Cup, let alone a Europa Cup. A club can sign the best forwards and defenders all it likes but if the midfield is weak, there will be problems. Mikel Arteta is no fool so he’ll know the club needs to address this area of weakness in his squad I’m sure which is why I’m very optimistic about more signings coming our way soon.
According to The Daily Star, Arsenal are considering N’Golo Kante as a solution to our midfield needs. Chelsea won’t sell him cheaply, even if they said yes and at 31 years old, what would be the point in signing him for a lot of money but with no sell on value? I can’t see there being a grain of truth to this story.
I don’t want to be the superstar. I just want to play football, go out on the pitch and help my teammates, like a family we have to do it together. Everything. Outside the pitch, on the pitch, so I’m not here to be ‘the man’. I’m here to help, to learn with these guys as well, and to win together.
Great to hear that from a guy who has already won a trophy or two in England. Gabriel Jesus has not joined Arsenal to put his feet up that’s for sure. I’m really looking forward to watching our attacking play this coming season because Fabio Vieira should bring something different, more exciting hopefully and Jesus, along with Eddie Nketiah will definitely give us something a lot better in and around the box, than we’ve had for a while. They will press hard that’s for sure.
I think there’s a lot to be excited about ahead of the new season, but until the midfield is strengthened and we’ve brought in a player who can challenge Kieran Tierney for the left-back position, there’s much to be concerned about too. Still, there’s seven weeks of the transfer window to go yet.
See you in the comments.
Hello,
Let’s get Savic for box to box , Zinchenko for LB and allow Marquinhos to second Martinelli at the wing.He is up to it.
I still think we’ll get Ruiz.
Good day all. Thanks for the post Rico.
Kante has not travelled to the States with the Chelsea squad as he has not been vaccinated against Covid, all foreigners wanting to enter America must be fully vaccinated.
Many European clubs have a policy of not signing unvaxxed players especially from the UK. This severely limits the options for payers like Kante and should force selling clubs to lower transfer fees and the players themselves to reduce wage demands.
He could be on his way back to the Uk soon then Cicero.
I don’t think Xhaka has been vaccinated has he?
Good Afternoon Rico and all
Kante to Arsenal?? What do they smoke or drink behind their laptops?? If Kante was 22 years old than yes I would have said that its highly probable. But now he is 31 and unless Arteta has had a brain fart and a change of heart and signed Kante to play him during certain games and rest/rotate him with Partey then its highly likely that its just click bait. I would be very surprised to see Kante sign for Arsenal although he is a player for whom I have the utmost respect because he is quite humble and will be a good role model for those around him. And personally I would be very happy to see him sign even at 31. But I am not holding my breath due to the model and goals ArtEdu are working on.
8 years ago today Sanchez signed for Arsenal. 166 games, 80 goals and 45 assists…..that is 3 goal involvements every 4 matches. I hope Jesus does that as well till he retires.
Afternoon Devil, I can’t work out from your comment if it’s a yes or no re Kante as first you say it’s click bait and then you’d like to see him at Arsenal. 🤔
yes my comment might have appeared confusing. I apologize
The articles in themselves are click bait…..a journalist may have put 2+2 and came out with 5. And ArtEdu are working only on 22-25 year olds. And with Xhaka, Partey and Elneny being 29 years old I cant see ArtEdu sanctioning Kante to Arsenal.
That is my mind thinking about it.
My heart though would like him yes. Because of his humility and his down to earth personality. He will be a good role model to those around him. Plus he is a winner as well.
So from me its a yes. I would welcome him with open arms. But my mind keeps saying that its not possible.
Why not just try and convince Torreira that north London is the right place for him.
It’s Mrs Torreira who needs convincing Rico, she doesn’t like living in London.
I know Cicero, but he needs to convince her..
Rico from my experience after 56 years of married life, changing a wife’s mind is no easy task. 😕
Seconded Cicero
Rico @ 4:19pm, my point exactly. Torreira is very capable of doing the job, he’s under contract, and it’s a world cup year so most players want to impress, force him to stay. Arsenal will get quality performances out of him.
One could flip that on its head Cicero. 😆
Obi, I doubt the club would or will force him to stay, or any player for that matter. Doing so can cause more harm than good.
Just playing Devils advocate but Maybe Arteta is looking at Kante to help fill in for the next season or 2 why the younger players get more experience, personally I Think kante’s better days are past him and don’t see how he can improve our squad
Or maybe it’s just media garbage. 😂
New post up now