Morning all.
If reports in the newspapers are to be believed, Aaron Ramsey’s move to Juventus has been a bit of a flop. So much so they’re looking to move him on already. Why the Italians wanted him in the first place left me scratching my head, even more so when the £400k a week salary was quoted. A great shame for Ramsey but that’s what happens I guess when an agent puts money before a guys career. It’s like a divorce which both parties want to resolve amicably but then a solicitor gets involved and everything goes to rats. The internet is bound to be awash now with the question, ‘should Arsenal bring him back?’ Ships and sailed spring into my mind. Mikel Arteta might think differently though, if Ramsey’s agent knocked a few hundred thousand off his salary demands.
There was a defensive stats table in one of the newspapers yesterday which showed the most tackles won by individual players for Arsenal. Surprisingly, or not perhaps, AMN topped the list with 19. Bukayo Saka was hot on his heels on 18 followed by Granit Xhaka On 17. What about our central defenders though, surely at least one of them has made more than 19 successful challenges? Thinking about it though, the way we were leaking goals during the first half of the season, maybe not. Xhaka topped the ‘tackles made’ chart with 35, over 100 less than Leicester’s Ndidi. Food for thought.
The players are into day three of their warm weather training with a double session yesterday apparently. No sign of Cedric yet as far as I could tell as his work continues in the gym. Pablo Mari though has been hard at work. It seems he’s desperate to stay at Arsenal long after his loan deal ends.
Q. You mention the new players, Pablo Mari and Cedric weren’t quite ready for the Burnley game. We have seen them doing some work today, so how has their progress been and are you optimistic of having them available after the break?
Mikel Arteta – ‘With Pablo a little bit more than Cedric, but we have to go step by step. He is a new player and I am sure he is very excited and wants to prove everything in three days, so we have to manage him wisely.’
I know I’ve said it before but I’m really looking forward to seeing what both our signings bring to this Arsenal squad. The fact that both players seem to have really wanted to join the club for the club and not just the money is a bonus. People might be tempted to suggest that no other clubs wanted them, or that they’re are not top class players but if rumours about Pablo are right, City we’re trying to get him back and Southampton had offered Cedric the chance to stay so he chose to move from the south coast to Arsenal.
I’m a firm believer that in football, or sport in general really, it’s the not about the name of the footballer or the price paid for them, it’s about who they turn into and what they bring to the squad, the team. To the changing room too and the club in general. A player oozing with optimism, energy and a passion for the club will always be more effective than someone gifted with talent but whose attitude is all wrong. Which is why I probably get more enjoyment out of watching the younger players, or even the lower league matches when they’re televised because there’s so much heart in the game.
But I get it, with all the money flying around in the game, a club as big as Arsenal is not expected to be scrabbling around for a couple of loan signings at the last minute of a winter transfer window. Being the optimist I am though, I think the two loan deals were a smart move. A ‘try before you buy’ kind of move which come the end of May, the club can say thanks but no thanks, IF one or both don’t work out as well as Mikel Arteta had hoped. I quite like the idea of every player deal to be conducted in such a way, not that it’ll ever happen.
I don’t know if it’s just Arsenal but I very much doubt it, but it seems the more money a player costs, the lesser the performance. Aubameyang is probably the only one in recent years whose kind of justified his price tag but Ozil, Lacazette and Pepe have in hindsight been pretty average signings compared to what they cost. Pepe I can understand as it’s his first season but then it’s Martinelli’s too. Mustafi and Xhaka didn’t exactly come cheaply either yet I suspect the majority of Arsenal fans would rather they’d been sold before now.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is, a loan deal, a cheap deal, or a very expensive one doesn’t tell us much really. A YouTube clip of a players best bits doesn’t either although that doesn’t stop me looking. Lol
I’ve no idea when either player will make their debut but from what Mikel Arteta has said, it’s likely to come sooner for Pablo Mari than it is Cedric. I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the team.
Are you?
See you in the comments guys.
Hi Rico I would not take Ramsey back I don’t think he would be any better than the young kids we have.
and if he did go for an older player for 1 year I would go for santi for 2 reasons 1 he would keep moral up and is still playing good and the 2nd keep him on our good side the video’s of his son playing football he could be a future junior player
Morning Geoff. Willock, ESR, AMN are lining up so Ramsey returning wouldn’t help their progress. Imo, we need a different kind of midfielder to Ramsey, someone like Santi, or Rosicky etc.
In any case, I don’t think it’s always good to go back in life.
Good morning Rico and thank you for the post.
I never rated Ramsey and unlike some, Scott for one, wasn’t sorry to see him go.
He was offered a new contract but for what ever reason he didn’t sign it so Arsenal withdrew the offer. Were they expected to wait half a season with their plans for signing his replacement in Limbo? That would have gone down well with the fan base, wouldn’t it?
There is no way I would even consider bringing him back and, if he has any self respect, he shouldn’t look to do so. Beds and lying in them come to mind.
I am astonished at the AMN tackle count, how many of them resulted in a freekick or booking I wonder.
If Bellerin is fit I can’t see Cedric getting a start but it would be a good time to see what Mari can bring to the party.
Morning Cicero.
I think Cedric will get plenty of playing time. We’re still in Europa and FA cup as well as trying to push up the table. To play a ‘fragile’ Bellerin in every game could have a long term effect should he pick up an injury.
As for Mari, he must know that there’s a central defensive position to make his own if he hits the ground running.
Rico, I was only talking about Sunday’s upcoming match at home to Newcastle.
With our injury record both Cedric and Mari should get ample playing time. 😉
Morning all.
Cicero, no need to point out the fact that I rated Rambo-I’m pretty sure you’re not the only one who noticed.
Do you really believe we’ve been better this season without him, though?????
No point taking him back now, though.
He’s not going anywhere.
Juve can’t sell him because of his wage.
Nice post rico.
For me, Ramsey only started playing to his full potential when he was in the shop window, and was clearly ready to leave Arsenal. I think we have adequate stock in our youngsters to not go back, as they say.
Like Cicero, I’m shocked at the AMN statistics. He is not one of my favourite Arsenal players, I think he is too timid for the rigours of premiership football. He also looks nervous and tentative whenever he plays for us as a full back, imo.
My Son and I have managed to get a ticket each, for this Sundays game against Newcastle United. Both of us are very excited. I hope we get a glimpse of Mari, but alas I think it will be too early for Cedric?
Bellerin has hit a barrier for me. I think he spent far too long on the catwalk and not enough time working out in the gym. He used to have pace to burn, in fact I’m sure in his early days he was timed as our fastest player! and that was when Walcott was still at the club.
He is also not the best defender in my book. I’m hoping Cedric has more defensive blood in him.
COYG
VCC, I reckon Soares will be a surprise packer.
AMN has actually improved as much as any player since Arteta arrived, imo.
Hector is a concern, but then after such a long injury layoff, I always believe players
need a good 12 months to get back to their very best, so I reckon we show a bit of patience.
Ok Cicero.
Scott, I didn’t notice. 😂
You’re slowing down, Rico hahahaha
Just remember how we got Ramsey and the way he hung United out to dry . He was always on Fergie’s list who offered him a season at Cardiff on loan and was favourite to get him but we went straight in with the cash and he was ours.
He will do what’s best for himself he did in 2008 and again when he left Arsenal . He will do so again and if Juventus want him gone , it will cost them.
Thanks Vcc, that’s why I put them up because AMN often gets criticised but take away his relaxed look, he’s made some really important interceptions I think. Against Man Utd I think it was or Totts, he was really good. But then I don’t think he’s as bad as perhaps others do… definitely improved since Arteta has worked on the defending imo.
Good point Potter. Fergie was so sure he’d got him. I did laugh at the time though.
It’s happened to us though I’m sure, players and their agents hold clubs to ransom far too much I think. Aubameyang is doing it now imo.
I was being ironic Scott, but I think you know that.
Hi All I would send AMN out on loan for one season were he can get more game time and mature a bit more after all he is still young
Afternoon Rico/all,
I wouldn’t take Ramsey back – only because going back in life rarely works out.
Having said that I wouldn’t like to see him scoring goals for another Premier League team,that’s one thing we really lack this season -a midfield goalscorer.For example in the Burnley game, on several occasions I noticed Guendouzi (who I like) receive the ball, take a step forward,then turn back and make a sideways pass.
As Scott says Ramsey is unlikely to move because of his contract, also if Juventus don’t win their League they might get a new manager anyway.
I’m really looking forward to the Newcastle game.
Afternoon Limey, I can’t think of a PL club who could afford Ramsey unless he took a pay cut. Juve are stuck with him but as you say, a new manager and he might be more popular. Wasn’t it Allegri who signed him before leaving?
Ditto re Newcastle. It’s nice to look forward to our games again that’s for sure.
Afternoon Rico and everyone…
As I posted yesterday, I would take Ramsey back, just on loan for a season and only if Juventus paid half of his wages – therefore we can park that as it isn’t going to happen.
But we do miss his goals…
Rico, I think that Raul, whose taken a lot of stick since his summer of being Don Raul, has been smart in taking players on loan. As Arsenal fans, we know more than most what it is like to be lumbered with a player on astronomical wages, a player we want rid of but can’t shift, by loaning players it gives you a chance to suck it and see. With the huge amounts involved, I’m expecting to see player loans becoming more the norm in forthcoming seasons…
Question?
How many of us would have wanted to see Arsenal complete on a transfer for Nicholas Pepe if he’d joined us on loan last summer???
The hero of Arsenal vs Burnley back last August, will soon be on his way back to Madrid this coming June, with very few Arsenal fans mourning his departure…
Mari and Soares could turn out to be very wise deals, but if they flop, they go back and Arsenal save a small fortune…
It makes a lot of sense to me Rico…
Nice one, Rico! I was sorry to see Rambo go….I did like him, but can’t see him returning… too much money involved! I didn’t for one minute think he’d walk straight into Juve’s team…look at all the players they have! I reckon he may end up being loaned out, just like Can.
I’m surprised at AMN topping that list, but not so surprised at Xhaka being so far behind Ndidi on the other list…. Leicester can’t seem to win without him, so let’s hope he’s injured in April when we play them 😂
Mari & Soares may end up being decent loans… Mari looks quite a big unit – height wise – and he caused Liverpool problems in that final, so I’m all for that! My next game is Everton, so hopefully we’ll see him, or both then!
Roll on Sunday… this void is horrible! Be a tough game against the Geordies… and if they end up scoring, I hope that fan of theirs keeps his flies done up 😂😂
I thought storm Cara had done her worst but I was wrong, It’s snowing in lovely Norfolk right now.
We went for a family lunch at The Saracen’s Head yesterday, it’s a bit remote and there was a fair amount of vegetation on the roads, when we got to the pub the forecourt was roped off as a number of roof tiles had been blown off a fallen in front of the door. We had a nice meal, in front of the wood burning stove and just as we were thinking of settling the bill the skies darkened, there was a flash of lightning, a roll of thunder and the rain came lashing down.. The pub lights flickered a few times and then went out. The landlord came to the table and explained that because of the power cut his computer was down so he was unable to give us the bill nor could he accept payment by card as the reader was inoperative. I suggested staying until the power came back on but he said it was likely to be days rather than hours but not to worry we could pay next time we came. I thought his trust was admirable as the bill for nine of us was not insubstantial, we hadn’t stinted on wine, beer or sweets. We’ll certainly be going back soon.
Another good post Rico.
I`m coming around to the idea of loans and Adonis Kev makes a good point about Pepe.
If you think about it the guys on loan should in theory give their all as it might lead to a permanent move.
I would love to see this brought into real life aswell, think how more hard a “loaned” wife would work harder in the kitchen and bedroom if they thought they could make it permanent deal!…………….” Darling, I have satisfied you for 5 years now, can I now have a permanent contract?”………………………….shall I wear a hard helmet or just run ? hahahahaha
You should just run Cocker.
Afternoon Kev, the answer is no to Pepe and Ceballos, on what they’ve done so far anyway but it often takes half a season at least for players to settle. It’s that same old thing though, big money doesn’t guarantee a player will hit the ground running.
Arshavin and Alexis however…
As for Raul, I don’t think he’s as bad as some of the comments I’ve read suggest…
Thanks Sue, hard to think that just a couple of months ago I was quite glad of an international break, or any break really as watching Arsenal was painful.
Thanks Lc. I’m sure your wife feels the same. I bet when you both married she realise how much she’d need to share the mirrors in your house,….. lol
I’d forgotten that Ramsey was an Allegri choice, maybe if Allegro gets the Man United job he will sign Ramsey
Allegri !
It`s in the pre-nuptial contract that I get the mirrors, Rico. 😆
Poch is tipped for Utd isn’t he Limey? Allegri to City maybe as I can’t see Pep staying for much longer.
What about the width of the doors Lc? Lol
I invested in Bi-Folding doors, Rico, so no problem! 😆
New post up now