Afternoon all.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been nominated in the top six for this year’s PFA Young Player of the Year for 2024/25. The pair enjoyed sparkling breakthrough seasons, with Ethan netting nine goals across all competitions and Myles receiving his first England call-up.
We’ve seen recent success in this award, with Bukayo Saka picking up the honour in 2022/23 as well as being nominated in 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2023/24.
The above is from Arsenal.com. Sparkling is not how I’d describe their season. lol
I’ve been scratching my head in attempt to remember the last time the club had two nominations in the same season. Has it ever happened during the Premier League era?
I don’t think Nwaneri will end up winning the award but Lewis-Skelly must be a strong contender. He’s had a fantastic first season in the senior team, showing no fear of any player he’s come up against. He’s gone from being a young player who Haaland asked “who the f**k are you, to a player who Haaland now truly knows who he is.
David Ornstein reported yesterday that he’s on the verge of signing a new Arsenal contract which of course, is great news. I’m sure Nwaneri will soon do the same.
This coming season, I imagine we’ll see more of the younger of two teenagers. Hopefully one or two more academy players will get to taste first team football this coming season too. Other than Max Dowman who is tipped for a place in the senior squad. I’d imagine he’ll float between the Under 21’s and the first team.
Arsenal could really do with a favourable draw in both domestic cups because that should present an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to use more youngsters. He has to rotate more this season that’s for sure, otherwise we’ll get to March/April and those who are fit will be knackered. Knackered players are more likely to pick up injuries and I pray we don’t have another injury hit campaign like we’ve just had.
To suggest Arsenal are slow in this transfer window would be an understatement, but it should be no surprise to anyone really because nothing new. It doesn’t seem to make a difference who the manager is or who sits on the board either. For we the fans, it’s bleedin frustrating…
If we’re to believe what’s written in the stars back pages, talks over a new deal for Thomas Partey haven’t gone very well. With just 11 days to go until his contract expires, a move away from north London is looking likely. I strongly suspect money has been an issue throughout negotiations.
If he goes, our midfield will be two down from last season. Unless of course, Arteta does something different with Lewis-Skelly. Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and at the moment, Sambi Lokonga are the other options. Yes, worrying, just as our dithering over a striker is. Gyokeres, Sesko, Ekitike, they are out there just waiting to move. Trouble is, every other club knows we need a striker or two so they hold all the cards when it comes to their fee for whoever it is we as a club might want.
Still, it’s of Arsenal’s own making really because we needed a striker last summer and the summer before. Now though, we’re desperate.
Catch up in the comments.
Good afternoon everyone
Good post Rico.
MLS has signed a new contract. Dont know details yet. Just from what Ive read
Good afternoon Rico, I’ve given up worrying about transfers, new contracts and departures, I’m just chilling. 😎
Good afternoon Devil, Cicero, all.
I’m not chillin’, I’m moving home in five days time 😊
D G
In the words of the song :- It ain’t necessarily so. Not ’till the fat lady sings, or it’s on A.com
Thanks Devil, until it’s on .com…… lol
Shows how slow Arsenal are to update the website. Carlos has posted his farewell on social media, Tierney, Marquinhos and Jorginho are still listed as Arsenal players.
Ditto Cicero…
Morning Rico and all.
According to some reports, talks have broken down and Partey now wants to leave Arsenal. now waiting for Arsenal to confirm.
I’m going to be on my own here, but I think Jack Wilshere was over rated, but his commitment to the club can not be questioned.
Afternoon Geoff, I cannot agree re Jack. Injuries prevented him from being a top top player imo.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/13384654/rodrigo-muniz-and-yoane-wissa-among-the-strikers-flying-under-the-radar-in-this-transfer-window
I think it’s fair to say that it is a sellers market and unfortunately we are buyers so we have to dance to the sales tune .
They all know that they can prevaricate until our people crack and pay what they demand . I have said it before that Sesko and Gyokeres may well want to join Arsenal and the club may well want to sign them but Leipzig and Porto hold the whip hands and until they think they can squeeze no more they will not see the bottom line to make their mark.
The only way to separate a forward striker from a club at a sensible price is to look for players in clubs that have financial problems.
The premier league is known to be awash with cash and every club that gets approached by one of the top clubs thinks that it’s Christmas , New Year and Bonfire night rolled into one , the end of their financial worries.
The same goes for the lower clubs in England , the Brazillian at Fulham’s value would soar through the roof should we knock on the Cottage door and their American based owner would see the chance to hike the price . Muniz’ value on transfermarket is £ 20 million , should we make an enquiry I bet they would start nearer £ 40 miilion .
As I said it’s a sellers market.
Totally agree.
Just why I think we would be smart to look at alternatives, especially for players for the squad. Not every signing has to cost £50m+
If this is true, it’s shocking and dreadful player management.
https://www.arsenalinsider.com/news/jurrien-timber-reveals-the-scary-thing-mikel-arteta-did-after-arsenal-injury-it-doesnt-look-good/
Another ‘hit job’…
The quotes are allegedly from Timber though..
The Telegraph reckons we’re interested in Noni Madueke of Chelsea.