Morning all.
A young squad has travelled to the USA for our pre-season tour.
Goalkeepers: Karl Hein, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexei Rojas
Defenders: Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Josh Nichols, Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Omar Rekik
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Michal Rosiak, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Ethan Nwaneri, Salah–Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Jimi Gower
Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Charles Sagoe Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah
Regardless of the reported interest in Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe, all three have made the trip, as have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior who returned to the club in time to see an Arsenal side beat Leyton Orient. Speculation surrounds their future at Arsenal too.
Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu have remained in London as both are injured. Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will join the squad from July 25 but Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya and William Saliba will return to training after the USA trip is over.
Thirteen players from the academy are in the travelling group which is great for them especially as for the majority of them, it’ll be the first time away with the big boys.
James McNicholas of The Athletic has an interview about and with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Myles was an 11-year-old in the Arsenal academy when his mother Marcia received her first phone call from an agent. His mother Marcia says:
I remember I was driving the car, Myles was on tour in Spain. The phone rang and a voice said, ‘Hi, I’m calling about Myles’. I was worried, I thought maybe something was wrong. But then they told me they were an agent, and said they wanted to start building a relationship. When he was 12, a top sports brand wanted to sponsor him. At various points, I felt unprepared to make decisions that could impact Myles’ future. There was no trusted advice, no network to consult, and no family connections in the football industry.
Myles’ mum decided to do her own homework and went on to take an exam which would help her understand what agents in the game are all about and how they work. As Myles confirmed within the interview, sponsorships and agent talk was kept away from him because he was too young. In any case, all he wanted to do was play football.
There are plenty of great agents, but his dad and I needed more time to build those relationships — and to properly understand what agents do,” says Marcia. “It’s such a big decision that we wanted that extra time.”
Technically, Marcia is now Myles’ formal representative.
I took my exam, not really as a driver to represent Myles, but to gain that knowledge for us.
There’s a lot more to this story as the article in The Athletic explains but what’s clear is this young man’s family are totally invested in their boy but are not pushy. His mum has not only done an awful lot for her son but for all young players and their families.
She started a podcast, Behind the Boots, in which she and co-host Kat Chidiac interviewed football parents, such as Alex Iwobi’s father Chuka and Georgia Stanway’s mother Joanne. At the end of 2022, she began to formulate an idea for a platform that could serve as a network and resource for the parents of young footballers. That platform recently relaunched as No1Fan.club, a hub that provides a support network and community for families on their football journey. They produce an array of content relevant to the parent experience but also provide opportunities to ask questions of industry experts and parents who have been down this road before.
Marcia’s fast becoming the house’s resident football expert says Myles:
She’s telling me about transfers, the table, what’s going on in the Championship — she knows more than me now!” laughs Myles. She enjoys watching games too. Even my grandmother’s getting into it — she watched all the Euros games.
What a great story…
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico, an interesting read.
Shouldn’t the club be providing advice like that to. Its youngsters and their families?
Morning Cicero, I’d have thought so but I guess as a parent, it’s better to find out for yourself so you know everything rather than perhaps a biased view. Sounds like Myles has a great support network behind him.
That Rico was a great post and a really interesting article from the impressive Athletic.
Myles’ family sound brilliant and exactly what a young impressionable man needs in the football industry at this stage of his career. You get the feeling that sometimes these young men are actually seen as cash cows by those around them but in this case Mum is the word.
Good on ya Mrs Lewis Skelly and Grandma, with support like that Lewis is in safe hands.
Following on from Cicero, I think the PFA should (and maybe do?) offer some support and information to parents.
I too thought the interview and article was excellent Kev. Interesting what Myles’ mum said about how difficult for parents as they can been seen as being pushy.
Didn’t one of our previous young players have a mum who was considered very pushy? Might have been AMN.
I really hope some of these younger players get minutes on the pitch. Heaven is a name I seen around a lot but never seen him play. It’d be refreshing to see Arsenal produce a central defender as it’s been a while..
Myles is in safe hands
That’s correct Rico, apparently she lambasted the manager when Ainsley was on loan and not playing.
I guess there’s support and then there’s interference.
I thought so Kev. Didn’t help AMN at all did it.
I get it, not every parent is happy but there’s a way of doing things.
Morning Rico and all.
Nice to see parents looking at the bigger picture and into things like manager ect, and just looking at the money side.
Personaly I believe a player in any sports is better off to employ a manager that is not family / friend, as it’s easier to sack a stranger than it is to sake a friend or family member if anythink goes wrong.
AMN spent last season at Lyon alongside Lacazette.
He played 29 Lge & cup games Rico scoring 2 goals – probably penalties.
Morning Geoff. I think both can work but much depends on the relationship between parents and their child imo.
Kev, in hindsight, he should have moved a long time ago. Nketiah and Nelson are at that stage now, perhaps ESR too sadly. I still think Vieira should go before him though.
Kev, what do make of Patino not being in the USA squad? Going?
I tried to get involved but having to sign in every time and then when a new Post is announced I have to goggle your site Rico and even The Athletic article is blocked after a few seconds unless I sign up so I wish you all well. To much hassle for me .
Bookmarking HH will speed things up Kelsey or simply click on the top heading of HH as this will take you to the new page/post.
The Athletic is a paid subscription paper. I put the link up as per rules re using information but it’s the paid sports paper out there in my opinion.
Kelsy, I know how you feel. Since the first time I found Rico site, the only way I can leave a message is to type it then fill in my email address then name section.
Patino not going to the U.S. hasn’t really surprised me Rico, especially after watching him last season a few times playing for Swansea. I even saw Sagoe Junior play briefly and both were frankly on the periphery of things at a time when Swansea were scrapping for points. Maybe Patino should go and play in France, I think it would suit his style?
Tbh I’d rather see any midfield minutes made available to youngsters go to Myles, Ethan or Jimi Gower, I think stylistically thaf they have the kind of game that suits the Premier League.
Geoff, I like your new name…
Tbh Rico, I’m a bit surprised that Arteta has taken Sagoe Junior to America…
Thanks Rico a great read and well edited in it’s clear display.
It’s a shame that Obi is not going to the USA and has had his head turned the wrong way.
Manu have been rude to tap up an Arsenal academy player so young, as we have never done this back to them as we have better standards.
If Obi makes the mistake of joining a team with not one, but two young expensive strikers a head of him, then his chance of first team action will be a lot slower to come than with Arsenal.
Also he would have to start all over again in their academy team full of strangers not knowing his style of play or his goal scoring runs he makes and the creative Arsenal team that knows him well and creates goals for him.
His goals could dry up with the assists being a different priority and not as good, and united then changing their mind if he becomes less prolific, about his now value, especially with their two young star strikers ahead of him that have cost united a heavy investment.
I think he may have been included in this trip to the USA had he committed to Arsenal, which is a shame.
It is however not to late to change his mind, providing it is his mind and not just very bad supportive advice.
Joining mid table Manu would be his biggest mistake and a hasty bad career move considering his new obstacles in young strikers ahead of him and new team mates untested to provided for him.
He should have at least waited until he was 17 before making this huge mistake. It seems, bad support and bad advice if his leaving stories are true. Unlike the good support given to Myles who is earning marked for Arsenal greatness in this top table team.
Ok, this is how it goes:
Legal action threatened as Arsenal €45m+ Calafiori fee to be shared by 3 clubs
Jul 22, 2024
Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is set to trigger a financial domino effect, potentially benefiting three clubs involved in the transfer.
While the Gunners have agreed on a €45 million deal with Bologna, the structure of the transfer involves a complex sell-on clause that will see a significant portion of the fee distributed to both Basel, Calafiori’s former club, and Roma, his youth club.
When Calafiori moved from Basel to Bologna last year, the Swiss club included a 50% sell-on clause in the deal. This means that if Bologna sells Calafiori for a profit, Basel is entitled to half of that profit.
In this case, with Arsenal reportedly paying €45 million, Basel stands to receive a substantial windfall.
However, the financial implications don’t stop there. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Roma, Calafiori’s youth club, also holds a 40% claim on Basel‘s share of the transfer profit.
This means that if Basel receives €22.5 million (50% of the €45 million transfer fee), Roma could be entitled to around €8-9 million of that amount. This arrangement stems from a clause inserted when Calafiori moved from Roma to Basel in 2022.
The deal has reportedly angered Roma, who believe Basel is attempting to avoid paying them their due share. Roma has already sent a letter to Basel demanding payment of what they believe was agreed upon at the time of Calafiori’s transfer to Switzerland. The Italian club is reportedly prepared to take legal action if necessary to secure their share of the windfall.
Despite the complexities surrounding the fee distribution, Calafiori is eager to join Arsenal and is reportedly attracted by the prospect of working under Mikel Arteta. He has already agreed to a five-year deal with the club, worth €4m-a-season, and sees Arsenal as an ideal environment to further his career.
The Italian defender, who impressed during his first season with Bologna, is considered a promising talent with the potential to strengthen Arsenal‘s defensive options.
He is expected to complete his move to Arsenal this week.
I hope that that is clear? 🤔
Maybe OBI wants out as he feels Arteta doesn’t give the academy player a chance, I like ESR and hope he stays, but if he not getting much game time at the end of his career some will look at him as a proffesional bench warmer. that why I feel ESR should look else ware, he has too much talent to sit and watch all the time.
Making up the numbers I guess Kev and putting them out there perhaps. Disappointing that Patino hasn’t pushed on.. He looked a real talent.
Thanks Dave. I can’t take too much credit though as it’s The Athletic.
Re Obi, read what you sow I think. He was offered a contract but declined.
Thank goodness we’re not involved in that mess Kev, all we as a club need to do is pay Bologna, the rest they can squabble about afterwards. 😂
Arsenal v Man City is the opening fixture of the WSL.
An early title decider. 😂
Calafiori not part of Bologna training camp squad
Riccardo Calafiori is not part of the Bologna squad for their pre-season training camp.
Arsenal are finalising a deal with Bologna to sign the defender, expected to be a package worth €50m (£42.1m).
Sky Sports News has been told another Premier League club, as well as Juventus and Real Madrid tried to sign the player in the last 10 days. However, Calafiori only wanted Arsenal and gave his word he would join.
Furthermore, his representative Alessandro Lucci from The World Soccer Agency worked with both clubs over the past month to ensure a deal would get done.
Maybe Lucci made Bologna an offer they couldn’t refuse?
I really enjoy that Rico, when a player buys into the project as was the case when we signed Declan Rice. It makes you feel that the player is really there for the long haul.
And we can’t overlook the influence and reputation of Arteta.
Absolutely Kev, same here. Assuming it’s true of course. The fact that he’s turned downed other clubs shows us how far Arsenal has come.
Rico ..
I absolutely love that news that Madrid, Juventus and another likely very big premier league club fell behind us in the desirability for a hot young player …. you know he probably turned down more money from Juventus AND the English club.
We all know he would not be playing as much if he went to Madrid. But players who choose Arsenal now, like Rice and Havertz, as 2 recent examples, are choosing us for our quality of play and exciting brand of football.
I think we all do Nigel, as said just now, it shows we’re a club to be taken seriously now and big named players aren’t just joining us for money. Unlike the days of Ozil, Aubameyang and even Lacazette.
Also, on an even more positive note, our key players aren’t being tempted elsewhere. Not yet anyway.
Kev,
What has happened to Patino is almost bizarre.
I know many exciting young prospects simply don’t pan out most of the time… but Charlie Patino was one that I saw myself had a playing style that I thought was special… immusually more skeptical a out our own youth… for balance.
I wonder if his attitude has something to do with it all. It was strange that there was talk of him pushing to leave a couple years back, at a time when that shouldn’t have been an issue at all, since we had a 2 year option still on him.
Maybe he’s too full of himself. I still think there’s a very good talent there.
I read somewhere the other day about Calafiori, should he arrive, could spell the end of Gabriel’s Arsenal career as he wasn’t an Arteta signing having not been at the club long. Personally, I thought the view was rather weird as Gabriel arrived nearly a year after Arteta and it’s his defensive relationship with Saliba which has been key to our defensive numbers. Others too of course…
What to think of the links to Baris Alper Yılmaz I wonder….
Fabrizio Romano is suggesting that Calafiori will partner Declan Rice in midfield. So I don’t think there is any danger to Gabriel’s position.
That’s a new one Cicero, interesting..
Wonder why Arteta didn’t ever try Kiwior there.. I thought he liked these multi positional players.
That’s one of the problems with being competitive Rico, there isn’t the time or opportunity to experiment with players in different positions, as Southgate found out at the euros.
But he could have tried it in the domestic cups Cicero..
He could Rico but the pressure on him to win a trophy was irresistible.
Ha ha Cicero, didn’t work though…
West Ham away and Liverpool at home were not the kind of draws that give room for experimentation
Hopefully the draw will be a bit kinder to us this season..
I remember Nottingham forest in the Cup not long ago and Swindon in the League Cup, not to mention Wrexham. Oh and Ipswich in the 1978 Cup Final. Experimentation? No thanks! 😕
I think that that is the beauty of the kind of profile of footballer we are currently signing Rico and Co, you can’t pigeon hole them in any one position as they can play in three, four or more positions – which again not only helps Arteta overcome absences from the team at any one time as is likely in our combative league, but also means he can adapt to different team tactics in every game and to every opponent, leaving the opposition none the wiser in how we’ll play. Arsenal can now easily adapt to different systems during matches as they showed last season and will probably do even more often this campaign.
Arteta has certain players in his mind, intelligent players, someone who understands tactics and systems and who can switch positions during games and therefore it’s noticeable that not only is the technical level of our squad rising, the intellect level is also.
We have a very skilful and smart group of footballers.
Yes Nigel, I remember those rumours about Patino and his family, doesn’t he have some Spanish or Portuguese relatives and if was suggested how he had ambitions of playing there.
Well if his performances at Swansea were anything to go on then he’d better shelve any ambitions of running out at the Camp Nou or Bernabeau for quite awhile.
I think Arsenal need to move him on and Norton Cuffy as well, then we can generate some value from them before they run down their contracts.
If the deal for Calafiori is 99% done, and it’s only his first 2 clubs holding things up, then why not get permission to send him for a medical now, so when all the paperwork is signed we don’t have to waste time booking him for a medical then, after all the sooner he meets up with Arteta and his new team mates the better for all.
There’s always a negative example Cicero but I’m not sure the defeats, certainly those under Wenger were solely down to experiments, I’d say mindset was more of an issue.
Turning up at Wembley in tracksuits for the League Cup Final was disrespectful and kind of suggested we only needed to turn up to win. As did the performance…
Kev, I get what you’re saying but in the games I’ve watched, I’ve not seen much switching things up during a game in order to try something different. Plus, many changes to our system have imo, often been forced. The one big switch I recall is Partey at right back and that was a massive fail.
Admittedly, Rice and Havertz have moved around a bit and it’s worked but I’d like to see more during a game, especially wide right and left up front in a way Bobby P and Freddie used to. Defences don’t like that.
New post up.