Morning all.

Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have left the club. Both deals are loans but I think we can assume neither will be returning. It’s always a shame when transfers don’t work out but that’s football, sometimes what you see elsewhere doesn’t turn out to be what you get. Out of the two, Lokonga showed the most promise early in his Arsenal career but I guess he didn’t have it in him to push on. Or Mikel Arteta didn’t think he had what it takes for his team. Either way, it matters not now.

The players are back in training, at least those who were not involved in international football this summer are. In just nine days time, the squad will be in the USA where they’ll face Bournemouth in the first pre-season fixture.

Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe are three of the players involved in training, two of whom are expected to move elsewhere before the transfer window closes. According to reports, Arsenal have turned down two bids for Smith Rowe, both around the £30 million mark so either Arsenal are holding out for a higher fee, or he’s staying put. My heart hopes it’s the latter but my head says, if he’s not going to play a big part in this coming season, let him go. If that’s what he wants of course.

Reports in The Telegraph suggest it’s Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino who Arsenal want to sign this summer. Declan Rice needs a midfield partner, he has done since the day he walked through the Arsenal gates nearly a year ago. Thomas Partey and Jorginho are very good players in their own right but neither are likely to be regular starters this coming season. Age and injury alone suggests that. Merino is into his final year of contract, he’s rumoured to be valued around £20 million but both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in him too. Both Mikel’s are from the Basque region of Spain, both played for Real Sociedad so surely it’s written in the stars. A bit like when Arsene was destined for Arsenal. Ok, I’m joking of course but Merino was linked to Arsenal towards the end of last season and if he really is the player Arteta wants, I’m sure negotiations would have taken place long before the Euros kicked off. Let’s hope Merino says yes to Arsenal.

For England fans, news that Gareth Southgate has stood down will no doubt spark mixed feelings. I’m glad because the country needs a change. Hoof ball and old has beens isn’t the way to win big tournaments and hopefully, whoever comes in next will be a bit more imaginative with the group of talented players England currently has.

England manager Gareth Southgate announcing his exit: (Sky Sports)

As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager. I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.

I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.

I think Ben White might disagree about Steve Holland if reports about their bust up are true but for the player, perhaps he’ll now welcome a call up for his country.

Catch up in the comments.

 

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