Morning all.
This was Arsenal’s 2023/24 25-player squad (* homegrown)
Gabriel Martinelli*
David Raya*
Ben White*
Bukayo Saka*
William Saliba*
Emile Smith Rowe*
Declan Rice*
Reiss Nelson*
Eddie Nketiah*
Aaron Ramsdale*
James Hillson*
Gabriel Jesus
Kai Havertz
Jorginho
Jakub Kiwior
Gabriel Magalhaes
Martin Odegaard
Thomas Partey
Jurrien Timber
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Leandro Trossard
Fabio Vieira
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Cedric Soares – Gone
Mo Elneny – Gone
From Arsenal.com:
As per the league’s rules, the 25 player squad cannot contain no more than 17 who do not fulfil “homegrown” criteria.
“Homegrown” means a player who, irrespective of nationality or age, has been registered with any club in England or Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons before his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21). Players under the age of 21 do not need be included in our 25-player squad, and clubs can field as many under-21s as they wish throughout the campaign.
Basically, we currently have space for 2 signings before any other players leave and both can be non homegrown. Should Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah be sold, they can be replaced with non homegrown players but we would then be at our maximum in numbers for overseas players.
Are Arsenal likely to sign five players this summer? I’ve no idea but I doubt it but not because of the money side of things but squad/team balance. Too many new players at any one time can disrupt what’s already been really good. I remember the struggles Nottingham Forest had after they signed goodness knows how many players a couple of summers ago and then there’s Chelsea who just sign anyone because they can.
So I think we as a club are in a really good position right now because there are very few restrictions as to who can or cannot be signed.
At least, that’s my understanding of the rules.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning Rico and all.
Bit surprised to see Raya classed as homegrown as i thought he was Spanish, as for us I can see 3 or 4 moving on but only 2 or 3 coming in and if needed 1 under 21 player being promoted. I am only guessing but I reckon Arteta will be trying to work out were timber fits in best and who does he replace.
Morning Geoff, he is but he’s been playing for English clubs for years.
I think Timber will be first choice left back..
Wenger was against signing more than three players in any one transfer window, he believed anymore was too disruptive.
If we were to follow his dictum we would probably be looking for a goalkeeper, to replace Ramsdale, a midfielder to replace Partey and a striker to replace Jesus.
Personally, I’d be happy with that.
Cicero, Me too really with Jesus playing under study to Saka?
I am not sure about a back up keeper if Ramsdale leaves as Arteta might take the chance with our 3rd keeper for half the season or full season and bring in 3 more important players,
Afternoon one and all.
This is off of the top of my head so don’t shoot me, but if I recall, Arsene Wenger signed about 5 players prior to his two Double seasons, ie 1997 and 2001. So maybe he should have been more proactive in the many summers he was not?
Good afternoon Rico and all
Nothing more merrier than the transfer merry go round and the managerial fireworks.
High levels of adrenalin will soon turn the transfer window into an addiction. lol
According to the NewsNow………
Arsenal are weighing up making a shock €35m move for a young German striker who came fifth in the Bundelisga scoring charts last season.
Maximilian Beier hit 16 goals in 33 appearances for TSG Hoffenheim last term, which saw his exploits rewarded with a place in Die Mannschaft’s provisional Euro 2024 squad announced earlier this week.
Arsenal are ready to back boss Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer as they bid to go one step further and win the Premier League title next season.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with a centre forward to bolster their squad once more, as they bid to challenge Manchester City again next season.
The Premier League runners-up have been monitoring the market – with a move for a new centre forward mooted this summer – with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Ivan Toney of Brentford in the frame.
Isak, Toney, Gyokeres, Nesyri, etc etc etc YAAAAAWWWWNNNNNNNN
I doubt whether any of them will end up at Arsenal considering the astronomical fees being bandied about. And tbh I would not want any of them. All of it paper talk and the most hilarious one I read was that NUFC want 200million for Isak while offering 15 million for Ramsdale.
Gyokeres has an 85million release clause while Brentford want Rice proportions for Toney. Nesyri is valued highly by Napoli, not as a person because they have fallen out but money wise they would want more than Gyokeres is worth.
Peronally I would leave Martinelli and Saka backed up by Trossard and Jesus while continuing with Havertz as a CF. If one of the above come then it will disrupt the attack while if Opena comes he will want to play as a CF. He is good, mind you, but he is not coming to play second fiddle to HAvertz. It makes more sense if either Beier is bought or Biereth is given a chance to play as Havertz’ backup. Both will be willing to learn and can adapt…..plus no high wages from them for a couple of years.
Havertz is 6ft 4
Beier is 6ft 1
Biereth is 6ft 2
Roughly in the same area. And all are central strikers who bring others in play. (Openda is 5ft 10….same size as Nketiah and Jesus whose movements are totally different than the three mentioned above)
Arteta could go back to Man City, for players as some may have second thoughts about staying with us pushing them to the last match of the season and 115 charges they may not want to hang around.
Sorry I mixed up Nesyri and Osimhem
tbh I want neither.
Geoff, I think Hein and Hillson will both leave, Hein is out of contract I think.
Absolutely Kev, especially after the invincible squad broke up. But his excuse was the stadium so instead, he wasted money on a lot of rubbish really…
Yes Rico
Hein is out of contract.
Afternoon Devil, the ‘Arsenal backing Arteta’ this summer came from Josh Kroenke. He said we as a club will not ever stand still. Always forward he said and I believe him. He/the Kroenke family have put their money where their mouth is since taking sole ownership, or at least they’ve backed the board to make the moves Mikel Arteta wanted.
I think the club have got things right on the money since the takeover. They’ve not only supported Arteta’s decisions but his plan/process too. Many other clubs/owners might have sacked him after 18 months, a section of fans would have been happy if they had too and I know I was one of them far from convinced by him. Of course we all probably think he could rotate more or give youngsters more of a chance but he’s in it to win it so I guess he’s not prepared to take risks.
The Evening Standard.
Arsenal want to sign a new striker when the summer transfer window swings open next month with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko top of their list alongside Alexander Isak. The Gunners’ ambitious plans may have to come to fruition sooner rather than later given the Slovenian’s £55m release clause expires soon and a new contract is on the table to stay in Germany.
There’s more…… 😝
Arsenal handed Ferdi Kadioglu boost
Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Ferdi Kadioglu.
The Fenerbahce left-back has been the subject of intense speculation in the Turkish media, which claim a £17m bid from the Gunners has been knocked back.
Kadigolu could cost as much as £25m ahead of the Super Lig season ending this weekend.
According to Sabah, the player will leave this summer and wants to sign for a Premier League team.
Xavi sacked.. Wait for more Arteta to Barca headlines….
Rico, Benjamin Sesko is in the HAvertz, Giroud, Dzeko, Haaland mould. A central striker who brings others into play. at 55million I must say he is worth it.
He is 6ft 5 and good in air. plus a rate of a goal/assist every two matches. More goals than assists but is a powerful unit. and still 20 years old
I too would like him at Arsenal Devil. He has it all and at only 20, perhaps Arteta can turn him into an even better striker. It’s not like we don’t create chances.
It’s amazing at how many times, the same rumour is repackaged, remoulded, rewritten, re rumoured and put out as if it’s something newsworthy, something exclusive, something nobody else has reported on and so it goes, all summer long, but we love it.
Well up to a point…
Is kadigolu any good as his name doesn’t ring a bell with me. 25mil doesn’t sound that much
I do think that there’s something in the Sesko rumours but I’m guessing that European clubs are going to take a big of time getting used to the new fangled PSR influenced Premier League and what English clubs are prepared and can actually pay in this brave new world of points deductions and 115 charges.
Just watched Sesko on you tube one thing I did like about him, he seem to stay on his feet instead of falling over and wasting time looking for a free kick. and showed confidents when taking a penalty,
Kev, people make a living from transfer windows. 😂
Isn’t it refreshing though to go into a summer knowing the club will make signings and in all likelihood, they’ll be very good…
Rico, as we get better and better the signings we make will need to be players like Jorginho or Trossard, you know guys who can come into the team and the level remains top quality, they’re also players who will get in and stay in on the back of their performances, players who want another players spot in the team. Among those we’ll bring in players like Rice and Timber and Havertz, players who make us even better.
If we go for a Premier league striker I’d prefer Toney,a bit older than others linked( Isak no thanks,Rashford – they should be paying us)
Toney is a good all round player,and a proven goalscorer.
I know Kev. 😝
Brentford won’t be getting £100m for Ivan Toney.
I reckon £40m
Quinton Timber is a very good midfielder who was crucial to Feyenoord winning the Eredivisie.
We were linked to him in early April and it’s gone quiet since with him since – so I’m optimistic. 😉
Cheaper than Isak. 😂
I’ve gone off Toney a bit but I guess it depends what Arteta wants. If he wants someone for the here and now, then Toney has it as Limey says…
I bet Slot will raid his old club, or at least try…
Over to you Jurrien. Twins at Arsenal would be fine by me…
Quentin Timber can play in defensive midfield, as a box to box, plus also at both fullback roles.
Arteta loves versatile players
With regards Toney and/or Isak I prefer to steer clear. Toney has baggage of betting while Isak I feel is a mercenary.
Toney has probably realised what an idiot he was and has served his time so to say. I just can’t see him being on our wanted list. Nor Isak for what it’s worth.
The baggage will follow those who are caught Rico. Toney, Tonali, Fagioli and now probably Paqueta…..the opposition fans will hurl insults while the club fans of those players and maybe even players will have doubts whenever they play a below par performance
Maybe Devil, I hope we don’t sign him anyway…
From the METRO.co
Arsenal fans have taken to social media to demand that the Premier League title is awarded to them ‘retrospectively’ amid Manchester City’s 115 charges.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on the top-flight title on the last day of the season, suffering a painful runner-up finish for the second campaign in a row.
Arsenal fans are still processing the 2023-24 campaign – for which they had high hopes – and some are clearly frustrated after only winning the Community Shield.
They have decided to take aim at City, who are soon set for a hearing over their 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, with the Premier League champions strongly denying any wrongdoing.
‘Would you accept a retrospectively awarded title?’ Arsenal fan @ntbnz asked on Reddit on Thursday.
A second Arsenal supporter, @imtravelingalone, said: ‘I’d accept it because we did earn it.
‘We played better football than anyone else this season, the stats prove that. We beat the fraudulent football robots themselves multiple times and took far more points off the ‘Big 6’ than anyone else.
The players deserve the recognition; losing by two points feels like a cruel, undeserved punishment on them and it would be nice to see that made right.
‘That being said, I wouldn’t be going around shouting from the rooftop that we won league and expecting huge celebrations, and I’d expect the team to fight just as hard as they’ve all said they will to win it on the pitch in 24/25.’
A third Arsenal fan, @hungry_sabretooth, added: ‘Yes [I would accept a retrospectively awarded title]. It’s typically what happens in most sports when doping is caught.
Man City’s 115 alleged breaches explained
54 alleged breaches for failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009-10 to, and including, 2017-18.
14 alleged breaches for failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation from 2009-10 to, and including, 2017-18.
5 alleged breaches for failure to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.
7 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations from 2015-16 to, and including, 2017-18.
35 alleged breaches for failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations from December 2018 to present.
‘But there would have to be a very heavy book thrown at City alongside that. How much money have various clubs finishing 5th lost from no UCL?
‘I’d want them relegated and with a European ban and transfer ban for at least 2-3 seasons. Take a leaf out of the Serie A book.
‘If they’re found guilty the punishment needs to be harsh enough that they haven’t come out on top at the end of it, otherwise it’s no deterrent.’
Apparently, City are massive odds on favourites to be relegated next season. Someone told me that this morning. I think Bet365 have them as going down and Pep gone. True or not I don’t know..
I posted the above because it is in line exactly with what happened in Italy. Juve were relegated, stripped of titles and cups, had reduction of points the following season and even throughout other seasons. It happened with other clubs in 2nd division and also lower regions.
Italy FIGC dont take kindly to law breaches by clubs or players. Even if they are national team ones….Tonali and Fagioli prime examples.
That is why the footballing world will be holding its breath to see what the FA will do. Either way the FA will suffer the consequences. The remaining 19 chairmen of the EPL should simply refuse to play if City are allowed to play on in the highest division with just points taken off.
i follow Italian leagues closely seeing that my grandfather is Italian. I love Italy a lot…but funnily enough no one in our family supports Italian teams. My Great grandfather (according to PA) was the first one to support Arsenal since they were formed. Grandpa followed suit, Pa was a staunch supporter and I had it drummed in me with blinkers put on. haha
Incidentally enough my great grand father is from Torino, North Italy.
I love Italy a lot, follow Italian leagues all the time after Arsenal but only have affinity with SudTirol FC which play in Serie B. And have followed them since they were formed.
As suggested though Devil, let’s see what happens in court first but if they are found guilty, I hope the book gets thrown at them..
Book??? I expect a whole Bible of 72 books thrown at them not just one lolllllllll
Ha ha.
I found this about Trossard……
5 years ago, Leandro Trossard firmly refused Arsenal, and now this guy is burning his heart out in the red and white shirt…
🔸️In the summer of 2019, after Leandro Trossard had an impressive season with KRC Genk with 33 goals and assists in 47 matches, he came into Arsenal’s sights.
🔸️We flew to Belgium four times to negotiate to bring back Trossard, but, in the end, Arsenal only received one refusal. Leandro Trossard chose coach Graham Potter’s Brighton, which had a much clearer and more attractive project for him.
🔸️But, after 120 games at Brighton, Leandro Trossard wanted to take a big step forward in his career as he neared the 30…
🔸️That’s when Arsenal appeared after missing their priority target in January 2023.
🔸️Taking advantage of Tottenham’s difficulty in negotiating with Brighton, Arsenal organized a speedy attack in 24 hours and quickly closed the deal to bring Leandro Trossard to Emirates Stadium
🔸️And what is the rest? It was great success with 14 goals and 12 assists after only 30/60 starting matches for Arsenal. A series of important goals saved Arsenal when coming off the bench and in big matches.
🔸️Unable to own the young version of Leandro Trossard, Arsenal got in return the most mature, mature, and perfect Iron Buffalo!!! 🫡
🔸️Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard at €24.0m from Brighton, and now his market value is €38.3m This gives hope that Arsenal will be the champions of England next season
🔸️€24.0m for Leandro Trossard was a bargain given the epl experience he had earlier on. It’s good that we never wasted £100m on Mudryk.
That must have been when Unai Emery was manager..
Its so bloody hot here today. I have eaten my third ice cream and will soon have the 2nd shower. Heven help us in July and August when temperatures will reach 40+
You still moaning about the weather…. Lol
I always moan about the weather when it’s hot lol. I never complain when it’s cold or raining. I hate the sun and hot temperatures
That’s why I love North Italy so much, especially the Tyrol Alps between Italy and Austria.
I realised a long time ago. lol
Ah, you would love the mountains of Dorset. Rico travels everywhere by cable car…
How did you know Kev…
https://dailycannon.com/2024/05/hein-arsenal-contract/
Hein might stay then…
Don’t remember telling me Rico?
Ten Hag to be sacked regardless, so says Mark Goldbridge…
I reckon Tuchel will get the job.
Good Morning Rico and all
Joshua Zirkzee is being mentioned this morning again. At 6ft 4 with a price tage of BP56 million he is in the range of Benjamin Sesko price and height.
I would expect Edu/Arteta to sign one of these two for the CF role.
Morning Devil, all.
New post up.