Morning all.
Arsenal’s new central defender/midfielder is in the door. I’s dotted, T’s crossed and photos etc taken. I wonder if he’ll make his debut on Friday night against Man City, even if it’s just for a few minutes when we’re 3-1 up with five minutes to go. Nice thought eh.
Jakub Kiwior might be young but he’s already a Polish international after being called up for the Nations League last summer and then the World Cup in Qatar. His performance drew praise from national team skipper and Polish icon, Robert Lewandowski:
Listen to me, this is a real player. I noticed it during the warm-up before the match against the Netherlands. In training, it’s very difficult to see certain things. Then I saw him in the match, extraordinary. Really great potential. (Arsenal.com)
Jakub Kiwior 22 years old, Gabriel 25, William Saliba 21 and Rob Holding 27. Not forgetting Ben White 25 and Austen Trusty 24 are central defenders on Arsenal’s books. Six central defenders albeit one has been playing really well at right back and another is out on loan. Three full-backs and two top notch keepers and our defensive unit is really well stocked with young talent as well as experience.
We’re now well stocked on the wings too now that Leandro Trossard has joined the club. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Marquinhos are all young yet very experienced. Leandro Trossard brings maturity, experience and a lot of talent too.
Creativity comes from Granit Xhaka, did I really write that, Martin Odegaard and our wide players of course but also our full backs and Thomas Partey. Over the next few weeks/months, we’re likely to see more of Fabio Vieira in my opinion. Another player with oodles of talent but one who is perhaps still adjusting to football in the Premier League.
Striker wise, it’s just Eddie Nketiah but in a few weeks time, probably before the Europa League fixtures begin again, Gabriel Jesus should be back, or very close to returning. My guess is that in the meantime, should anything happen with Eddie Nketiah, Mikel Arteta will juggle his pack.
Rumour has it, Arsenal are trying to sign young right back Ivan Fresneda and American central midfielder, Weston McKennie. A few headlines on NewsNow suggest Arsenal could rival Chelsea for the signature of Moises Caicedo and/or Amadou Onana. No, I can’t see that either but we’re entering the silly stage of the transfer window as there’s just one week left for clubs to get deals over the line. I expect Chelsea have another half a dozen lined up! After all, if the report in the Times is right, UEFA are going to put a stop to their signing of players on a 20 year contract which helps them comply with FFP regulations. Perhaps they need to go further and bring an end to the ridiculous transfer fees and wages being paid too.
Anyway, hypothetically of course, if Arsenal were definitely signing one more player this transfer window, in which position would you like that player to be?
Catch up in the comments.
A’noon Rico.
Nice signings made before the trolley dash on transfer deadline day. Feels like We’re being run like a proper club at long last.
I see Juve have been docked 15 points for dubious transfer dealing. I wonder if the EPL will ever look as closely at Chelsea?
Afternoon Pete.
I’d be great if they did and found something seriously amiss. Love to see Chelsea docked points.
Hi
Really really concerned if we don’t sign a top quality midfielder. I think Onanah from Everton would be fantastic as cover but would settle for Tielamans if this wasn’t an option..? The Europa league distraction and 1 or 2 injuries would certainly derail our title push so I’m desperate for a midfielder.. Up front we are extremely light but the fact we don’t rely on a Haaland or Kane for the majority of our goals isn’t as concerning.
Welcome Steven. Midfielder for me too although our new guy played CM for two years whilst in Italy. Fingers crossed there’s some money to spend.
If we can bring in the midfielder and the defender then that’s gotta be a pretty impressive January window.
Stealing Caicedo from under the nose of Chelsea whilst unlikely would be delicious…
Him or the Everton guy would be good imo.
The squad is building nicely and I believe that we can still bring another before we use up our quota .
As I suggested some will leave but not until the end of the season as I cant see anyone not wishing to be part of this season’s success
Afternoon Rico and all.
From what I have read and heard on the radio it sounds like Edu really wants Ivan Fresneda.
My gut feeling is Tielamans will sign for us at the end of the season for free.
Geoff, I can only repeat what I have said before in my opinion Tielemans would not improve our midfield.
We should not be looking for a bench warmer or for someone to play in the cup competitions. We should only be looking for serious competitors for the starting eleven.
With our two new signings and the return to fitness of ESR I think we have a pretty strong squad, if we wish to augment it we have several academy players who fit the bill and deserve the opportunity for promotion.
3c, overcast, grey, dank and miserable here today. Was Egypt just a dream? 😕
Cicero, I agree about Tielemans, but from what I read a couple of weeks back Arteta and Edu like him.
Hello Rico and fellow HHers. From what I see, Edu and MA have a very clear five year plan. Our lead at the table top came earlier than they anticipated. The transfers are reflective of a careful approach to strike a balance between long term and current status. Surely the scouting team couldn’t have spotted Kiwior last week, negotiated and signed him in two days. I trust these guys and love how they are making their counterparts at the bridge look stupid!! Up gunners
Fabrizio Romano claims Unai Emery want’s Aston Villa to get Guendouzi.
Geoff, not a surprise. It was Emery that bought him at PSG from a lower division, and brought him to Arsenal. Good player, unquestionable attitude, but seems to be maturing.
Rico by the Everton guy, if you mean Amadou Onana, at Lille, I watched him played CB, CM, and DM. He even played the 10 in Champions League. The guy is very good and versatile but undisciplined at times. But under the tutelage of Arteta, he could be world-class he’s that talented.
I did Obi.
Hi Fg, Geoff, all.
New post up now