Morning all.
Arsenal just keep on giving us good news right, we’ll, that’s certainly how it appears but in reality, not a lot has changed. New coaches have come in, but the old coaches are still in pace. A couple of new signings have been made, but no one has left. Now, a new manager has been announced and it’s good for all concerned imo.
Patrick Vieira got away, Mikel Arteta too but not club captain Per Mertesacker as he’s staying put for a while yet. One more season of playing then he’s taking over the youngsters as he becomes our Academy Manager. Is there a better person to take this job than Per right now? Possibly not. The big guy may not be everyone’s favourite defender but he’s certainly one of the most experienced in the game our club has ever employed, certainly under Arsene Wenger. His attitude towards the game and the way he conducts himself has been nothing short of perfect. A big big guy with a big heart for the game and the youngsters, especially the defensive players can learn a lot from him. They all can as there’s a lot more to being a top footballer than just being able to play football. If I was a young defender at the club, I’d be super excited with the prospect of being guided by the BFG.
But as said, he has another season in the first team squad which is hardly surprising after his Wembley performance. To this day I still don’t understand how after playing only a few minutes during the entire season because of injury, he performed the way he did. Everything he touched was gold, Per really was outstanding and the way he organised his sidekick was impressive too. I doubt he’ll get much time on the pitch this coming season but one thing we can almost be sure of is, if he is called upon, he won’t let us down. I was all for offloading him last summer and boy did I get that one so very wrong. As I said, there’s more to being a footballer than just playing the game and clearly, there’s more to Per Mertesacker than just being a German international with over a hundred caps for his country. Smart move Arsene. Who knows, we might actually see a defender or two coming through the youth system rather than having to buy them…
Two other stories, rumours, utter poppycock leaked out through the media yesterday. The first suggested we’d agreed personal terms with Thomas Lemar, which if true is good news, the second was that Riyad Mahrez is spitting feathers because of the first story. It’s widely believed that the latter of the two players has set his heart on a move to Arsenal, a move he wanted last summer but was blocked by Leicester and now, with a £50 million valuation, the chances of that move taking place have lessened. Not sure why because Lemar looks like he’d cost us nearly double that amount and he’s not PL proved. Mahrez on the other hand had one great season, won the PL but then went into hiding. That can happen when a player isn’t happy where he is but my concern would be if things get tough for us during the season which they have so often, would he stand up and fight, or wilt quicker than a lettuce leaf in the height of summer as Mesut Ozil did earlier this year? Ok, Mesut wasn’t alone, but the depths of direness he sunk to was disgraceful.
Arsene Wenger can’t afford to add any more players to the squad who aren’t up for the long ten month battle ahead. He has too many of those on the books already. One in a team can just about be carried as long as the other nine outfield players are working hard, but in reality, why should they if it’s just to compensate for one lazy player who will be forgiven as long as when he does get the ball, he produces a moment of magic? Dennis Bergkamp was a real magician with the ball but he seldom shirked the dirty work. Yet we have a few who seem to think defending is not for them.
Not this season though, we have to see all of our players giving the same level of commitment, a level which will prevent our perinatal slump, a level which would ensure we don’t get royally thumped in games at Stamford Bridge, Utd, City, Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace! Yes, the latter still angers me no end. Arsene Wenger needs to reach such dizzy heights too because he’s our weakest link.
He may manage to convince Alexis Sanchez to sign a new contract, although he’s set on a move to City according to the media, he may convince Oxlade-Chamberlain to extend his contract too and yes, he might yet make one, two or even three more cracking signings, but if his game isn’t right on the money, the season ahead will be another disappointment.
Perhaps Jens Lehmann will have something to say about that…..
Finally, there’s a story breaking this morning, well, it’s on Twitter, Marc Overmars could soon return to Arsenal and plonk his bum on the board. Whether he’s to take up a DOF role remains to be seen but one things for sure, it can do no harm at all for the club to have a younger football man involved at board level. Many of us have been calling for such change for a while now and finally, it might happen.
So many changes in one summer eh, Ivan Gazidis wasn’t fibbing was he….
Have a great weekend and week guys, be nice to Wath whilst I’m away….
You are on on roll rico. Hot summers & Arsenal activity definitely agree with you?
They do Gg ?
Bloody early, Rico 🙂
Morning all.
We have every right to feel a little positive about the season ahead, but that could all be undone if we don’t do some more transfer business.
Stop your moaning Scott… lol
I don’t think it’s all about transfers personally- more about Wenger and how he uses the squad. Yes we could do with a couple more and get rid of a few but unless Wenger has a new lease of life, nothing will change.
Very good report rico, hot morning everyone.
Thanks Andrew, same here, very warm… nice.
Rico, true, but let’s hope that little change late last season is something he continues.
PS, I’m allowed to moan, Rico-I’m sick as a dog 🙂
Check your emails, when you get a chance, please.
Scott, I get that but he’s got to react a lot quicker, same with his subs etc…
Is it a post Scott? If so, could you email Wath please as I’m heading off out shortly…
just get Mahrez FFS
Shit a brick!
Alan who??
Where have you been hibernating 🙂
Good point about defending, so why have we given Walcrocc a new contract? He cannot defend, his first touch is dire, his decision making is woeful and he seems unable to put his foot through the ball: but on the plus side he can run fast!!
.. Just cannot believe we kept him and let Gnabry leave.
Lemar all day long. Mahrez is lazy and sulky. Ring any bells?
I’ve never seen Lemar-well, not that I remember-so I can’t comment.
Mahrez-one season doesn’t make a 40-50 million pound player, so massive question mark on him.
New Post at 7.30am, yea Gods, I can’t keep up…. ?
Morning All, of to read the natter
Morning Rico, nice post…
BFG was never blessed with pace, his only attribute was his height, and height alone doesn’t get you over 100 caps for der Fatherland.
But what he has in spades is intelligence and a keen eye in reading the game, so many of his unfussy interceptions came from simply reading the game and getting a foot in when his opponent momentarily lost control of the ball.
It was his football intelligence and his professionalism that got him to the top of the game. At the Emirates he did a lot of his best work in an Arsenal defence that was often a car crash. Just as it was earlier in the last season before Wenger was forced to change.
Mertesaker was often left exposed because of Wengers inability to sign a proper defensive midfielder/midfielders and his naive tactics that never seemed to consider the defensive side of the game.
Remember, we signed BFG just after we’d shipped 8 goals at OT, and we’ve had quite a few of those humiliating episodes under Wenger over the last 10/15 years, Bayern anyone?
So Mertesaker carried the can, mainly because of his ungainly style, when things went wrong, he was an easy target. Nobody ever slagged off Koscielny when he fcuks up, when he gets sent off in big games, misses big games because he’d been sent off, gives away penalties. Everyone love Laurent, so he gets a free pass, but big lumbering Per…
As Rico said, we’ve missed out on so much footballing talent that could have assisted on the coaching field. Arteta was unfortunate, he wanted to work with Pep, but don’t be too surprised if he comes back in a couple of years.
Vieira was a big big miss, it was ego related I believe, but maybe Patrick is one for the future?
Martin Keown, massive miss, why isn’t he our defensive coach. Stupidity in the extreme!
Things could have worked out differently for both Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, but at least Jen Lehmann is back and maybe Marc Overmars.
And Mertesaker overseeing the youth is a great decision, BFG loves the club, he was a fan before he joined.
Dennis Bergkamp next?
Hiya Kev,
Great comment.
I’ll defend Kozzer, because I’ve never seen a footballer sent off incorrectly so many times.
He missed an FA cup due a terrible challenge, but damn, I reckon another 5-6 times he’s been marched have been an absolute joke.
Anyway, on Merts, he’s been an easy target, no doubt about it.
Dennis next?
Yes please!!!!!
Hi All:
Good post Rico, full of optimism. It seems likes we are finally looking up and up while the others Chelsea, MU, City, Totts and Loserpool are all in limbo right now….. let’s hope we continue on the good path especially as you mention with tactics and in game management.
One thing about the 2 transfers that have been done is they address team need rather getting individual superstar. That’s the reason I prefer Lemar over Maherez, I personally think Maherez is overrated and lazy but that’s just imho. Lemar versatility, speed, crossing ability, free-kick, defensive work is 110% better than Maherez. In 3 at the back he becomes a wingbacks, and if Ox leaves AW has a replacement, if he doesn’t a combination of Ox, Bellerin or Lemar in the wings could be scarily.
Kev @11:36, that was really good observations, should’ve been a posting… good stuff. I disagree a little with Kos but all the other observation are dead on. That’s why HH is the best.
afternoon all!
Me too. I prefer Lemar over Mahrez. Gelson Martins is blocked for sporting.
A question: when is Ramadan next year?
JM, May 14 to June 15, it could vary by a few days….
Lemar all-day….Mahrez had been over priced, my only concern is that a change in league might be a little difficult for Lemar…
JM, is Martins any good…?
Lemar for me as well all day long, I think Mahrez is yet another luxury player that we don’t need… IF we have to carry Ozil then we need the other ten to run their nuts off can’t be having another 2 or 3 who do sweet FA… least Ozil is world class to carry as a passenger the others just aint up to it at all.
Micko, I know you’re out there, the comment about be nice to Wath from Rico was as we all know aimed at you…! 🙂
I hear we are demanding 80million for sanchez ….
No new post yet??
Slack 🙂
On Sanchez, judging what other players are bringing, he has to be “worth” 80 million plus.
Morning all……………………….exactly, Scott !
As for headline question…………..Mbappe for me ! 🙂
I ache like hell today, spent yesterday with one of the best workout pieces of equipment !…………………a post rammer !…………………putting some stock proof fencing up in the sun was a workout and a half !……..my hands are sueing me for the blisters ! 🙂
Can think of two ( probably loads more ) jobs that negates the need for exercise………..Post Rammerer and Scaffolder !………………..although I expect Scott and GG will tell me chasing sheep is another one ! hahaha
Lol… Morning everyone..
LC, I thought you blokes close to the welsh border would dress up in a fleece and tease the local farmers 🙂 🙂
Morning all.
Dont be silly, Scott !…………………waste of time because once I have taken the fleece off, them welsh boys will lose their erection ! 😆
If you think you’re getting another post on a Sunday with nowt to report you can drool over your sheep Scott… and no teasing LC…!
80million for Sanchez, problem there is only one yr left on his contract so our slack backroom guru’s who do all that stuff have cocked up yet again..!
About time someone at our club also went very public and told Barcelona to wind their neck in with using the media in Spain to discuss our players..!
Hahahaha LC.
Wath, no post, but I’ll send you a picture to put up.
On Sanchez, you’re right-he and his agent are in the box seat and in Barca, tell them to piss off!!
I’ll email now.
Where`s Rico then Wath ?………………….hope she`s out scouting some talent for Arsene !.
🙂
Right I`m off to here for some early lunch !……………………..Fowey !……………………I know, it`s terrible down here, but someone has to live here !
😎
Am on my ipad Scott, will see if I can load and get that put up this afternoon sometime..! looks good mate, try not sup it all before the get there..!
She’s on a well deserved holiday LC… She ca probably do a better job scouting than most our lot considering the last few years of bringing in talent, nuff said..!
Wath, I already have a bottle especially aside for the man!!!
You may need more than 1 mate lol
Plenty available 🙂
Wath, in my opinion yes and can grow up a lot
Potuguese teams news:
– Ruben Neves (Porto) – wolves. He can leave in January 2018 to the Premier League. His in in contract, besides he signed for 5 years. Keep an eye in him.
– Boly (Porto) – Wolves.
– Adrien (Sporting) – totts? or WBA
– Rui Patricio (Sporting) – Watford? Newcastle?
-Gelson Martins (Sporting) – Arsenal? difficult. sporting wants 60 millions euros…
Thanks JM…. always nice to get a player who is good and with potential to improve as well and I think we are crying out for a proper winger as we all know Theo just isn’t one at all…. don’t think we have a winger in the squad to be honest and it shows when we play the ‘parked bus’ teams..!
JM, any rumours on any clubs in for Danillo..?
Afternoon All
Wayne Rooney back at Everton, the Toffees are going to be a threat next season, if we sell them Giroud we might find ourselves fighting it out with them for a top four finish?
Rico being on holiday must mean we’re gonna be in for some quite duff posts next week…
Afternoon Rico/Wath and All
All this Lemar spec………is it the end for Sanchez?
Can we be better without Sanchez?
Arsene looks to be packing up the left side with a few
new signings……He must be going.
rumours yes. Porto wants to keep in…
JM, I like Danillo, he would be good for us..!
Duff posts, I was thinking more like utterly crap actually Kev…!
Fred, I been thinking all week Lacazette is a poor mans Sanchez if we let Alexis leave, the flip side will be only if we sell him and bring in maybe 2 more top quality players… Mbappe, is a no brainer, sounds like loads of money but we sell a crap load of shirts, he still young and we sell him for 200million in 3/4/5 years when he leaves unless of course we get to the next level and he don’t wanna leave..?
I’d take him and Fabinho all day long, add a winger and we could give anyone a run for their money.
Hiya Wath, yes utter duffness, but done with a good heart.
Wenger is really going for Lemar, but he must be the replacement for Alexis, who I now accept must leave, following the machinations of his agent behind the scenes and the obvious lack of commitment from our star player. It’s RVP all over again, but we’re vulnerable because Wenger failed to tie these players down 12 months ago.
If he was less obsessed with his own contract then deals for many of our current players, entering their final year, might have been already done.
Poor management…
The squad for the 4 game tour of Australia and China;
Petr Cech (GK)
Emi Martinez (GK)
David Ospina (GK)
Krystian Bielik
Cohen Bramall
Francis Coquelin
Mohamed Elneny
Olivier Giroud
Alex Iwobi
Sead Kolasinac
Laurent Koscielny
Alexandre Lacazette
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Donyell Malen
Per Mertesacker
Nacho Monreal
Reiss Nelson
Eddie Nketiah
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Mesut Ozil
Aaron Ramsey
Theo Walcott
Danny Welbeck
Joe Willock
Granit Xhaka.
We must accept the fact that Alexis has never extended a contract, so thought wenger is the common denominator at Arsenal, the players history tells us it was unlikely to happen.
Pretty strong squad heading over here.
Funny how many Aussies were adamant we’d see a bunch of 20 year olds running around, contrary to what we’ve seen the last few years.
Morning all.
Morning all… Sanchez to Man city for 50million + Aguero will ease my PL fears. Would be a better deal than the one for RVP. Aguero and Sanchez are same age, Aguero has a better goals return.Lets go after Man city’s best players as they come for ours.
Well said, Bondex.
If they want something, make them pay!!!
In between Scot, should we pay the 400k he is rumoured to want?
No.
That’s ridiculous money.
He’s not worth that.
I’d choke at 300k, but could probably accept it given the circumstances, but 400 is over the top, imo.
If he’s after trophies, as he’s stated, then he will stay if we do more transfer business.
Then, every player says they’re leaving/staying to win trophies, while managing to negotiate a pay upgrade 🙂 🙂
Kev, where’s Bellerin? He’s not injured is he? Am omission or does it signify a more permanent change og direction in his footballing fortunes??
Warm and cloudy here.
Morning all. Good luck today Wath!?
Hector played U/21’s Championship, Wavy, so maybe he’s having a rest, as well.
Oh yes of course. I guess Wenger will let him rock up sometime in late September!!
Yeah Wavy, Cazorla, Paulista, Wilshere and Reine-Adelaide are all recovering from injuries – not sure if I missed anyone?
The other absentees were all involved in summer international tournaments, Joel Campbell is playing in a tournament now, the Gold Cup or some other revenue raising pile of shit.
Good to see Bielik in the squad whilst including Giroud, Ospina and Oxlade-Chamberlain sends out a clear message that these guys are still in Arsene’s plans. If clubs are interested in any of them they’d better come up with a financial offer that matches Arsenal’s valuation.
Good to see us, at last, playing hard ball over outgoing transfers!
Afternoon All…
Afternoon Rico,Wath Kev and All
Surely Barca noticed Hector was on the bench
when Arsene changed to the back three..
He stuck the OX in as a wingback for quiet a few games.
One of them could be going?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40551918
This is where we ought to be looking, there’s some really promising young English players out there and they’re not all at big clubs, Rob Holding for example, it would be a damn sight cheaper and satisfy the need to have the required number of English players in the squad.
Fred, I think it would take a considerable offer from Barcelona to tempt Wenger to sell Bellerin and we don’t even know if Oxlade-Chamberlain is staying yet mate?
I reckon £70 million for Hector, extreme I know, but if you don’t ask etc.
That’s why, despite all the crap in the press about a fee for Alexis, that I loved it when a ‘source’ at Arsenal made it known that the price was £80million.
Fcuk ’em, if they want our players then they’ll have to pay the going rate…
Make no mistake, Man City want him now, not in 12 months time.
Guardiola needs to win something big this season.
In a years time everything could be different, Alexis could walk on a free to anyone, Bayern, Inter, AC, Real, PSG, he may decide he wants to move abroad and that’ll fcuk Man City, bosman or not?
After Lukaku goes for 75, Hector at 70 and Alexis at 80 is hardly out of the question, Kev.
Make the bastards pay!!!
Absolutely Scott, we’ve sold ourselves short on too many occasions in the past, we virtually gave Ashley Cole away, Van Persia was a steal at £25 million, Nasri, Fabregas, did we get market value for them?
Tottenham get the absolute max by being tough bastards, maybe we’ve woken up to that at last?
Yeah fcuk `em !………………………………….bastards all of them !
Have we bought Wenger`s bastard Mbappe yet ?
😆
Even if the spuds were not tough bastards they would still be bastards………….ugly bastards at that !
I`m sure todays National Bastard Day !……………………..happy Bastard Day, bastards !
Fcuk it !……………………I`m going down the bastard gym ! 🙂
I remember Chambers starting for us after a spate of injuries
he played nearly every game in a few positions.
To start with I thought he looked very good(The odd mistake).
Playing so well he got an International 1st team Cap
Arsene then went on too expose his inexperience at the top level.
With Holding……….He started the first few games,then dropped out
of the 1st team till April(Just cup games).
Would Holding be a regular in a flat back four,at the top level
week in week out?
Afternoon you lot, seems HH had a technical hic-up this morning hence it seems no one could get onto the site and so no new post although mostly the news is yet more rumours and conjecture on newsnow.
The team are flying off to see sheep, I mean Aussies and Scott is getting rather excited, not sure about what whether thats the team or the sheep… I’ll refrain……….
As for Sanchez, is the media bollox, hype from his agent trying to just get the best possible deal or genuine greed, we’ll find out soon enough I suppose.
Lemar is a bit of a Pires from what I seen of him Kev just a shame he not another 4/5 inches taller…! If the media are to be believed… cough cough choke…. then our top two targets are Mbappe and Lemar…. I think I genuinely would have a heart attack. Can’t see it myself but again, time will tell.
I’d settle for Mbappe and Fabinho is we sold Alexis an if we keep Alexis then get a winger and another defensive minded midfielder..! Sorted.. Alexis goes next yr and we get Mbappe..!
I can’t wait to see who Arsenal have been drawn against in the Red Buffalo Cup…
Have they got a game against Kanga Roonited ?
Alice Springs someone I think?!? ?
It is also known as the Carabao Cup
The Arse have landed, in Sydney. Apparently the players & officials were stunned. They were actually cheered, which is in contrast to the boos & whinging they get back home?
I’ll let you all know what condition they’re in after Sean trains with them tomorrow 🙂 🙂
Well, he is training with a few of them!!!
Morning all.
He doesn’t know yet, but we have to have him at the team hotel so he can catch a bus with players to a training session.
They’ll present him and some mates with a team kit and training begins.
It’s being filmed for a morning TV show so all very hush, hush ATM.
May you both enjoy the experience Scott!
New post up… a nice duff one just for Kev…..