Monday, December 23, 2024

Arteta on further signings: We need some senior players

So far this summer, Arsenal have made two signings. Nuno Tavares arrived from Benfica, while Albert Sambi Lokonga’s €17.5m move from Anderlecht was made official yesterday.

Both are just 21 years of age, in the early stages of their careers, and there’s encouragement that the Gunners are filling out the squad with players of potential rather than those seeking a comfortable retirement home in leafy North London.

However, with Granit Xhaka expected to depart for Roma, and other gaps to be filled, Mikel Arteta insists not all signings can be of this age profile, and is targetting a bit more experience when, for example, we bring in the much anticipated partner for Thomas Partey.

“We need some senior players,” he told the official website. “Players with different types of leadership in the team, with different qualities, people that complement each other.

“At the end of the day it is about the cohesion of the team so we need a squad that is cohesive that can develop and adapt, that offers different qualities to change games, protect games when we need to and this is what we are trying to build.”

Tavares played and scored in our most recent pre-season game, the 2-2 draw with Rangers, and Arteta sounded impressed with the player, as well as paying tribute to the in-house identification of the left-back.

“We wanted to have more strength and specific qualities in the left-back position, and we identified Nuno a while ago,” he said.

“To be fair to the scouting department, they have done brilliantly to identify a talent with the qualities that we required, at the age we required and financially it was something we can afford.

“The boy has already been pretty impressive. I think he is the right profile for what we are trying to build here.”

Sambi is expected to take part in the Florida Cup games in Orlando, starting this weekend when Arsenal face Inter Milan.

Despite some reports that the Italian side had asked to withdraw from the friendly tournament because of concerns over the spread of Covid-19 in the sunshine state, it appears they will be making the trip and the game will go ahead at the Mickey Mouse Arena on Sunday.

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Lord Bendnter

Incoming new 33 year old signing…

Mark

From Chelsea no doubt

Qwaliteee

“Arteta Convinced New Boy Pat Nevin Can Lead Gunners To Glory…”

Daveo

Needs to find ways to not expose the young players or allow them to be loaned out.

Aaron

So Grealish it is…

truj

Who? We got a young gun there.

Qwaliteee

Enough talk. Time for Kroenke, Arteta and Edu to get down to delivering the goods.

One top drawer international attacking midfielder in his prime. Early to mid 20’s.

And make it snappy. Chelsea and City do.

Diaby's Left Peg

We’ve signed more players than Chelsea and City so far?

Daveo

You’d hope so. The champions league winner and EPL winners are probably pretty happy with their squads.

A M

buying #10’s isn’t the same as buying vegetables at the grocers
and given the player profile and positions edu, arteta and co. are looking for, there is a chance we will get a good #10 before the transfer season ends

Qwaliteee

Yet Chelsea and City snap whatever they want like a stroll around Morrison’s.

Why? Because they’ve got infrastructure to identify talent, managers who can identify successful tactics and owners who can identify their cheque books.

Smudger

Don’t forget PSG as well signing players with minimal fuss and effort. It’s almost like these clubs have something in common that makes it easier for them to buy players but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is.

Qwaliteee

Money.

And uncle Stan and his good lady wife have got just as much as the others. Enough to get in a decent CM and AM anyway.

ASH

As long as Edu and Arteta keep spending more and more on defenders and goalkeepers, no amount of money will be sufficient

Daveo

I just checked and I was able to identify my cheque book. The bank conveniently put my name on all the cheques.

Qwaliteee

A shame Kroenke can’t do the same. Our pathetic bids for anyone decent are an embarrassment.

Anything higher than a half baked 100% rejection bid (a pocket change token bid) and he starts pleading poverty whilst trimming his shirt cuffs with a pair of nail scissors.

The man has no intention whatsoever of investing – or even loaning – properly. He’s a fraud.

UzesGooner

AOUAR – better and cheaper than Odegaard and can play at 6 & 10.
Along with Neves. Depth of squad then is looking great….

Morrissey Fan #1

Is he proven better than Odegaard? I’m not sure how he did last year, but MO came into the Arsenal team and showed exceptional talent and ability to single handedly take over a game. There is no guarantee Aouar can do that, and I’m sure that’s why the boss is holding off for the possibility of getting him.

UzesGooner

I think his performances for Lyon in the CL a couple of seasons ago showed more that Odegaard IMO. I like Odegaard, especially his attitude, but I didn’t really see him running games, whereas Aouar just looks more elegant. Both good, but if Aouar is 10-15m cheaper, then surely that’s a no-brainer?

UzesGooner

Also, the ability to play 6 if needed is something Odegaard can’t do.

Johan

Can he really play 6? I’ve gotten the impression he’s more of an 8 or a 10, but not a 6.

UzesGooner

Left CM next to Partey…whatever number that is !

Jenas Wright Martin Moore

You r right ..he did exactly this (next to RDM Ndombele) for Lyon, a couple of seasons ago…..He is a legit two way box to box mid. Despite the preference of many here for Ode, I too prefer Aouar over Ode particularly if Xhaka indeed leaves us for Roma….

Cultured Determination

Ideally a 4 specifically PV4

UzesGooner

He had Covid then a touch of long Covid last year….

El Mintero

MO “single handedly took over games”…? Hmmm…must have missed that…

Morrissey Fan #1

The West Ham game was a great example of him pulling the strings imo to name but one.

El Mintero

It was the only one.

karl

I’m not convinced that either of them are up to Smith Rowe standards. I prefer him centrally and ESR has a lot more drive than MO.

Fabulous

Would rather have Aouar complementing ESR than displacing him in the 11. If that means he plays at 8, signing Auoar makes a lot more sense than MÔ, as we very rarely see MÔ and ESR playing together last season – the small amount of times they did, ESR was pushed out to left wing which isn’t the most ideal.

Aouar is actually adept to play 8, even more so now when Lyon have Paqueta playing in the more advanced role. Really really wish we can make that happen.

Diaminedave

Latte Firm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXFKsigKdW4

Some insight into Aouar…..reckons he goes missing a bit in smaller games.
Don’t really remember Odegaard going missing and he seemed like the kind of playmaker that was directing the play …just before he got injured on international duty and keeps hold of the ball so well.

So maybe while Aouar has got the skillset , and might be better, might just be missing a bit in the mentality area.
Just a thought

UzesGooner

Yep, and I think Arteta is all about attitude (which is probably why Saliba’s been binned). MO just seemed to turn into trouble a bit too often, but he’s young etc…..

Mayor McCheese

The thing I keep hearing about him of late is that his attitude can be a problem. We don’t want another Guendouzi situation on our hands, and I suspect this is the reason Arsenal have not gone back for him this summer. Once bitten, etc.

UzesGooner

Yeah maybe 👍

SarcasmB0t

Attitude? Right, what we want are the players with the winning attitude of Willian and Ceballos. Guendouzi’s “attitude” was never a problem in-game. Remember when “singlehandedly too over” the Aston Villa game? It’s that Mikel tried to show him who’s boss and Guendouzi wasn’t having it. Can a player openly disrespect the coach and remain on the team? No. But a good coach should know not to push a player to a point where they do. Personally, I don’t give a shit about the players’ “attitude”, not in this sense. Look, the last thing Guendouzi did as an Arsenal player… Read more »

Teta's cult of personality

A very good point. People underestimate the effect brash players can have on a team. It reminds me of Henry’s interview about the day Arsenal won the Premier League at WHL. Based on what he told the Spud players post-match, clearly Thierry wasn’t always the most courteous of players. But that is the mentality that wins you a World Cup, Euro, UCL, Golden Boot and multiple league titles. Back in my school ⚽ league days, our team had a guy called Michael who was the most sore loser I’ve ever seen. But there was a reason why we lost far… Read more »

Qwaliteee

The thing about players having attitude is to ask yourself – as a fan and especially as a coach/manager – is that player doing the business on the pitch….? Charlie George is a classic example. He drove Bertie Mee up the wall but his performances and love for the club and the fans were never in doubt – which meant that omitting him from the squad was unthinkable. Guendouzi started off ok, with some promising performances, but he began to believe in his own hype. He was nowhere near as talented as he thought. And giving it the large one… Read more »

A M

we need a #10, and we are looking at odegaard as one option
how about, say, mikkel damsgaard?
he impressed at the euros and filled in for eriksen pretty well imo
should he be on our radar?

UzesGooner

Aouar !!

A M

yes aouar is a household name here, i merely stated another option
given that edu and company are signing and building the team around young players, damsgaard fits the mould well

UzesGooner

Good shout!

Torterrier

I really like Damsgaard but he mainly plays as a winger, I’m not sure he fits the bill as a solution to Arsenal’s #10 problem.

A M

hmmmmm
i didn’t really know that, i was just saying so based on what i saw and read of him at the euros
but we do need a 2nd #10 for sure

Diaby's Left Peg

Bernardo Silva supposedly has an eye on leaving City this summer…

Brady’s bunch

John Jenson springs to mind 🙈

AlexNuggz

Azpilicueta incoming 🙁

leon

You jest but…

Obama Young

Just say NO to Ass-puller-quitter.

JCNY

A wise ex-manager of ours had a policy not to sign a player over age 30 to a long term contract. Wasn’t always ideal but such policy worked well in the long run

The Beast

I remember quite a few supporters criticising said wise ex-manager for that policy at that time.

Seems as though future proofing a squad is all the rage these days (which I agree with). Can’t please all the ppl all the time I suppose

rohit

Keeping aside all the shortcomings our squad displayed in the final 2 years of his management, Arsene was way ahead of everyone else in his insights and reading of the game.

He also predicted that within 5 years we would start seeing a lot of Bosmans. And we are seeing them now.

Dave Cee

Worked for Liverpool with McAllister though

By my calculations we still need 5 more players – replacements for Bellerin and Xhaka (if they leave), Ryan, Odegaard and Luiz. Ben White is practically a done deal so that’s CB covered, but not sure if I can see us signing 4 more players after White or you’re looking at a total 150-200 million spending spree this summer (White, Sambi, Tavares = 75m spent already). Maybe Josh is serious this summer. Or maybe we’ll use some of what we’ve already got; Can we get by for a year with Okwonko and Hein as #2 and #3 keepers and spend… Read more »

Bobby

I can’t see how we can get by without another attacking midfielder and a Xhaka replacement to be honest. I like the look of Sambi, but to ask him to provide what Xhaka did last year (love him or hate him, he was crucial) is a bit much IMO.

Man Manny

We have no way of really knowing how Lokonga fares until he actually plays for us.
We are all assuming he’ll need a year or more to be ready to do it week in, week out.
That was the same analysis of Guendouzi until he defied all predictions; and he was 19!

Daveo

You’re right, Xhaka was crucial to the system setup to get the most out of Xhaka.

leon

Why are people obsessed with amounts of money spent ? like that was a guarantee of success.
Pepe is an excellent example of where spending lots of money gets you. Absolutely nowhere.

Torterrier

Pepe is one of our best players tbf

Daveo

You’d certainly hope he was considering the transfer fee tbf

Qwaliteee

Heh. The sheer ignorance surrounding Pepe at times on this page is staggering.

Teta's cult of personality

That’s because that guy has been outed as a Bottleham fan. His club hasn’t given him anything to celebrate so he spends his time here instead.

https://arseblog.news/2021/06/tierney-reveals-reasons-behind-contract-extension/#comment-1347315

BATTIFF THE SMITHEST

what will happen then during Afcon? we will be having just Sambi,Ainsley and for two months and probably Torreira…….and according to Arteta is Elneny better than Guendouzi,Torreira and Willock? Another issue is, is lokonga better than them too………if we dont sign Maddison or AOUAR then Xhaka’s sale and Gueondouzi’s loan as well as willocks and Torreira’s sale wont make any sense we only have one person in smith at #10 currently and potentially willock but are they enough to see us through the season? Nope….. not unless we will see either Pepe,saka or Lacazette playing at CAM ………………..

Yep the AFCON will be tricky to navigate through as we’re missing 4 players. 3 of those are vital to our team. That’s perhaps why we’re being linked with Ruben Neves. AFCON is only 4 weeks long – not 2 months – so could be a great opportunity for Lokongo and Maitland Niles to step up – never know could be the new Fabregas-Flamini partnership. AFCON may also be a reason why we’re keeping Laca at the club for one more year, to cover Auba. No idea what the Covid situation is like in Africa but I actually wouldn’t gamble… Read more »

It Is What It Is

We’re not in Europe mate, 10-12 less games. Counts.

Obama Young

Since Roma aren’t offering much for Xhaka and no one is offering much for Bellerin, then maybe we should consider keeping them for one more year. Hopefully they’d play well for us and we’d get decent prices for them next year when other clubs have more money, and upgrading them would be easier for us. That seems preferable to me than taking a pittance for them and then needing to spend a lot more than we get to replace them. That would mean we really would only need to add one more starting player this window, a really good midfielder.… Read more »

Daveo

We do not need another season of shaping the team to fit Xhaka. It is well and truly time to move on (past time IMO) and do something new. Find a midfield balance. Partey definitely makes Xhaka better (coincidence or not that Xhaka was poor before xmas and good after?) because Partey’s speed, mobility, and awareness enable him to cover Xhaka if he gets caught out, but does Xhaka make Partey better? I think not, he takes possession away from him and forces him into a more conservative role (to drop and cover when needed). Clearly Xhaka wants to go… Read more »

Jenas Wright Martin Moore

Last season, Partey was poor to bang average all season long minus the MU game. Unless he show more of the MU perfomance this coming season, to me he remains just that….

Naked Cygan

We need a new manager!!!

UzesGooner

Yeah, who? Get a grip, I think he’s done a decent job with a bang average squad. All the new signings and all the players we’ve been linked with all make sense and are exciting. Had you heard of Locatelli before the Euros? Me neither….have some faith !!!

Naked Cygan

You must be a new fan, with fish memory. Emery Just beat Arteta. Wake up!! we sacked Emery!!

A M

it’s been more than 2.5 months since the uel debacle, stop it ffs
he isn’t going anywhere
if we do have to judge him, do so midway during the season
this is his first with a proper preseason
best thing we can do is back him
at times this team played brilliantly last season (slavia prague away) and our core of young players is highly promising
calm the fuck down and stop spewing #artetaout comments everywhere

Naked Cygan

You dumb twat!! He had a full season last season. His stats are worse than Emery. Emery got us into Europe and still got sacked!! I will say Arteta out every day till he goes and u can fk off!!

Perry Farrell’s Satellite Partey

It must be difficult getting through the day with the Abusive and the Moronic parts of your brain constantly fighting for supremacy.

Goonshow

Just what I was thinking… but then you put it so excellently.

Midgunner

Thumbed you up just for being the angriest man online.

Thought you might need it.

Dodgem

Blimey!

Nainsley Aitland Miles

I would bet that this season Arteta’s win percentage and PPG stats improve and overtake Emery’s.

Chris

Behave yourself.

Brady’s bunch

Easy tiger

Naked Cygan

If u knew a few things about Arsenal you would know Arteta has had more games than Emery!!! did you know that??? did you?? first fking proper season my fking Arse!!

A M

MA and Edu aren’t going anywhere, if they had to be replaced, the ideal time would’ve been immediately after the semis of the UEL Everybody knows that last season was terrible to say the least, but it’s better to look at the positives (there are quite a few of them) and support him, as long as he wins games in the league and keeps us on a good upward trajectory, rather than bang our heads on a wall and try to force him out MA, Edu and company seem to have learned from their mistakes, as evidenced with the signing… Read more »

Futsboller

Unfortunately, nothing can stop the grumps from grumping on here, certainly not reason! 🙂

Dodgem

Críckey!

Daveo

Struth!

Sachin

Can you please be Naked Cygan!! instead of just Naked Cygan?

SarcasmB0t

People didn’t extend the same courtesy to Emery, who did better with a worse team.

People have every right to criticize Arteta.

Futsboller

There is a big difference between criticism and some of the stuff that people spew on here. Every day Blogs gives us a lesson in how to criticize, sometimes satirical sometimes scathing, but always good natured, the club we love and support. It’s a skill, but it’s also an outlook.

And for the record, we were all very supportive of Emery until the capitulation in the EL final, including me. After that, supporters started breaking ranks and it was obvious to almost everyone that Emery had lost the dressing room. Very different trajectory to Arteta’s tenure.

Sachin

Emery was picked on most for his language skills which is frankly stupid.

UzesGooner

Who would you replace him with then?

Futsboller

Please don’t feed the animals.

UzesGooner

Ha ha…..think it’s sleepy time now for him anyway

Futsboller

Nice. 👍

Qwaliteee

Yeah, how’s life in the Mickey Mouse Club?

Last I heard, Mickey Mouse had bought himself a Mikel Arteta watch.

Futsboller

What does that mean?

Futsboller

Sorry – took me a while. Those who support the manager are like Mickey Mouse Club members. Got it.

M-I-K–E-L-A–R-T-E-T-A! It works perfectly! I love that song.

C-O-Y-G!

The Beast

Ha, it does work perfectly!

That’ll be stuck in my head all day now

Qwaliteee

Well done – knew you’d get there.

Upvote for at least sticking to your guns. Respect. 👍🍺

Qwaliteee

Heh. That old chestnut.

Mate, there aren’t too many managers in the whole of the professional game who couldn’t improve on the pigs breakfast of a season we’ve just had to endure.

Futsboller

Shame you won’t give him a chance as it would be great to have you on board, but you’ve earned the right to be that way after half a century of support I guess.

Qwaliteee

Mate, he lost me when he ditched Ozil. You didn’t need to be Jimmy Hill to see the effect that would have on our central midfield and, subsequently and more importantly, our ammunition supply for the forwards. He thought Willian was going to be the answer – and I knew back in August that it was a slow motion car accident waiting to happen. When we got to Christmas and we’re staring down the barrel of a potential relegation dog fight, it didn’t surprise me in the least. Three games from the sack and he was forced to throw on… Read more »

Futsboller

All fair and sound criticisms (except that Arteta really minimized playing Willian in the second half of the season), and to most of that, I bet Arteta himself would agree.

I really wanted Ozil to finish his last season with us in the starting 11, too, and fault Arteta for not doing better to utilize him, but I am going to believe that it was reasons other than Ozil’s incredible attacking qualities that forced MA to freeze him out.

I do hope we come out of the blocks flying this season, as I want you onboard as soon as possible.

Matthinc

Our performances in the second half of the season were the second best in the league. We were 6 points off 4th. That’s just two games. It was a funny old year. I really don’t think it was that bad. Horse-shoe ball went away. Things are looking up!

Sachin

It was pretty bad.

No discounting the unforced and the unforeseen problems but we are a mid-table team now and it’s happened on his watch.

I’m not anti-Mikel just like I’m not a Mikel-worshipper but what is looking up please do tell.

Teta's cult of personality

he’s done a decent job with a bang average squad Ah yes, the man who has a worse league record for Arsenal (across the first 38 games) than Wenger, Rioch, Emery and Graham has done a decent job… Any manager that has a good team of analysts and scouts can identify a talented player. It doesn’t mean anything if the manager in question can’t take that player to the next level or even worse, convince them to sign in the first place. Our squad might not be full of world beaters but it is as capable of playing in Europe… Read more »

Gideon

I don’t agree with that our squad is capable of playing in Europe with set of midfielder that we have

Teta's cult of personality

Well you better “giddy on” up out of here with that view😁. Obviously I am just kidding. Couldn’t avoid the opportunity😉 Unai Emery managed to achieve 5th with a more disjointed squad in 18/19. Ramsey played 1331 minutes that season compared to Partey who played 1534 minutes in 20/21. The way our midfield play is due to Arteta’s tactics being geared towards Xhaka’s strengths. It does have its benefits but far more limitations. Partey had scored goals in every season he’s played before he came to us for example. Not to use Xhaka as a scapegoat but I think we’d… Read more »

Qwaliteee

Look at the midfield players Arteta had at his disposal at the beginning of last season – and the midfield players he chose……

Qwaliteee

Or, for that matter, Wenger.

The abuse that guy got for his failing to get us in the ECL for the first time in two decades was vile.

Perry Groves Tips

Quite a lot of Gooners, including you clearly, do still feel strongly about this – and that’s an understandable viewpoint although I don’t share it. However, I just don’t see Arteta going anywhere at present. Things may change at the end of the coming season but that will depend upon what happens on and off the pitch (as we’ll all no doubt see in the forthcoming Amazon Prime series). I suggest that in the circumstances it’s time to put this “Arteta out” effort to one side at least and concentrate on the 2021-22 season which for many reasons is likely… Read more »

A M

but it won’t get them the attention you see, that’s how vocal minority works
and let’s hope arsenal play well this season so that the minority shrinks even further

Qwaliteee

The minority?

Let’s hope for your sakes that Arsenal do get off to a flyer.

Because if they don’t, the boos around the Emirates will be deafening and then you’ll see how the ‘minority’ feels…..

Perry Groves Tips

It may be me, but I find the reference to “your sakes” a little worrying. Surely, we all want the team to play well and be successful, don’t we? We’re on a potential very slippery slope if some Gooners almost (or actually do) want the team to perform badly to justify their views on the manager.

Goonshow

Well said – toxicity gone crazy… that’s really what it is.
Ranting on for so long that it becomes all-consuming and needs to be justified… at any cost.
How any vaguely rational Arsenal ‘supporter’ could not wish our manager (any manager) every possible strength and bit of good fortune at the beginning of the season, simply beggars belief?

Qwaliteee

Yeah well, If you ask me, it’s blind faith gone crazy in some quarters – especially yours. At what point in any conversation on here have said that I hope Arsenal lose – never mind lose so that I can win an argument……? Would I really have supported this club that long (1971 first home game) if I wanted them to lose…..? Listen, accusing an Arsenal fan of wanting Arsenal to lose to justify a point of view is right up there with questioning someone’s support for the club just because they want a change of management – another stone… Read more »

Futsboller

I can only speak for myself here, but I don’t have blind faith in Arteta. I have faith, and am very optimistic that he’ll start getting us back to where we belong, but if we’re mid-table at Christmas I would completely understand the club sacking him even if we don’t have a ready replacement. You come across as an incredible supporter, one I want Arteta to get on board as soon as possible. I understand the criticisms and the serious doubts, but I don’t understand the belittling and derogation — it is funny sometimes, but it does travel on the… Read more »

Qwaliteee

Maybe it’s just me, but I find people actively looking to defend this manager at all costs to be a little worrying. Not saying that you do, by the way – there’s plenty on here who do though. If Arsenal underperform next season, there will be just as many people on here blatantly refusing to acknowledge what has happened on the pitch as the “I told you so’s.” I guarantee it. Yes, perhaps I should have stated “our sakes” rather than “your sakes”, but like most people who have had enough of Mikel Arteta and his Process, I’m growing a… Read more »

Onenil

Can we hope for all our sakes Arsenal get off to a flyer?
Arteta is in now so I hope he succeeds. If he fails, yes he should be out.
But hoping he fails makes no sense to me.

Goonshow

‘your’ sakes…. ‘they’ don’t…
Surely that should be ‘our’ and ‘we’ – very revealing words chosen in your anger.

The Beast

Why would it only be for A M’s sake if arsenal were to get off to a flyer? Surely it would be for all arsenal supporters sake for them to do well. Presumably even yours?

Qwaliteee

Of course it’s in all of our interests as Arsenal fans for us to do well. At no point in any conversation have I ever denied this. Take a look at what I said in the context of the conversation. AM was trying to claim that those of us who have reservations about Arteta are in the minority. I merely reminded him that I hoped for his sake IN TRYING TO WIN THE ARGUMENT that Arsenal got off to a flyer – otherwise the boos around the Emirates would indicate, as they have on occasion already indicated, that this is… Read more »

Qwaliteee

* In his trying to win the argument.

Qwaliteee

66 down votes and counting.

Some people never learn.

Perry Groves Tips

I think it depends upon how you classify “senior”. We will have to wait and see what actually happens but I hope we don’t repeat mistakes of the fairly recent past.

Onenil

No more Chelsea Pensioners here please.
If you have a VC for services to the Empire in the Boer War, please don’t roll up expecting a four year deal.

Teta's cult of personality

Past? Those mistake remain part of our present as long as Willian and Cedric are still here. Like you, I hoping a “senior” signing doesn’t we are going to be making it a trilogy.

Perry Groves Tips

Yes, the results are certainly still with us. I was really referring to ther period when those type of signings were made.

The players signed so far in this window and the interest shown in others reported in the press suggested to me (anyway) that we had learned a lesson from those earlier decisions. Like you, I hope we have.

A Different George

I don’t think we can ignore the part about needing “leadership.” The leaders of the team last year–whether supporters like them or not–were Xhaka, Bellerin, and David Luiz. That has to do with their personalities, their experience, and the way their teammates view them. (This is not a putdown of Aubameyang and his captaincy; I have no problem with his attitude or anything like that, but that’s just not who he is.) It looks like all three will probably be gone. Tierney will surely take up some of that slack, but none of our other younger players (Saka, Smith Rowe,… Read more »

Sachin

I agree we need leaders who can steer and stablise the ship.

Rob Holding is who we have as a captain and maybe at a stretch Leno. Gabriel and Partey need a year more to be judged fully as a potential captain.

Curious to see who Edu and Mikel do sign.

Ramos would have been amazing.

Kylo

What am I missing? Don’t we need a replacement for Bellerin (assuming he’s on the way out too) even more than a partner for Partay?

UzesGooner

Gotta sell him first! Aarons has been linked….

Qwaliteee

No. We require a top drawer international attacking midfielder in his prime more than anything else. That has to be this summer’s transfer window priority. Get in the Partey Partner first. I would keep Bellerin until such a time that we have found a replacement for him. To sell him before doing so leaves us weakened at the back – and we’d be right back (no pun intended) at square one. Yet again – as far as the defence is concerned. Sign this kid from Brighton by all means. But box clever with the defence in terms of keeping all… Read more »

Carrara Marble Xhaka

If only Chiellini had played for Chelsea…

Goo-nerd

“To be fair to the scouting department, they were actually quite good before we fired all of them…”

YoungGun

You, me and everyone knows what we need. Clear as day. A #10 to help Smith-Rowe, #5 creative midfielder and a rightback. The last two needs ready to go players. The question is for the #10 do we go for experience and push back Smith-rowe as cover or do we say Smith-rowe starts and go for an experienced backup.

A M

experienced signings:

  • other clubs – cavani, thiago silva, etc.
  • us – …willian
Sachin

Honestly, I would have thought Thiago Silva would be in the treatment room all season long.

Willian has won things in his life, it’s sad he’s so useless at Arsenal.

Mark

I would be happy if we signed Teun Koopmeiners over Aouar.

SarcasmB0t

Here we go again…

Qwaliteee

Painful, isn’t it?

Rubic

Keeper CB Creative Attacking Midfielder These are the two positions I anticipate Arsenal to sign. Realistically – we all know Ben White is on his way. So it’s down to the other 2 positions of GK and AM. I suspect we won’t see a junior brought in for GK (considering we have that in our ranks already from the academy). So it’s likely to be someone with experience I guess to push Leno and compete. Rumours afloat of the Barcelona keeper Neto… but it’s anyone’s guess who their actual targets might be. As for the AM – we’d really need… Read more »

The Beast

Doubt it’s possible with Norwich back in the prem league this season but I’ve always liked Cantwell.

That’s not based on any stats & I’m sure many will explain why it’s a ridiculous suggestion but he strikes me as a player that can make an impact now & develop into a quality creative player.

Leesto

Is it me or Arteta just mentioned James Ward-Prowse from his description? No adapting needed, at the right age, English, a team leader, game winner with set pieces with good game management skills. He is a perfect Ramsey and ceballos replacement. Ward-Prowse, Maddison and Aouer will be good next senior signings

Sachin

Ward-Prowse isn’t very mobile but I’d chose him over Neves any day

Daniel

Ward-Prowse strikes me as potentially a 1 club kind of guy, I don’t know why but I could see him staying at Southampton, I’d be happy to see Arsenal turn his head though

Hank Scorpio

There seem to be an awful lot of reports linking us with Tammy Abraham at the moment. Awful being the operative word there.

Qwaliteee

Just about sums up this club at the moment and those currently in charge of it.

Bang average.

Icy

So we have got ‘scouting department’ !!? WOW

Qwaliteee

Ssshhhh. They’re actually mannequins from London Colney. Don’t tell anyone. 🤫

fsps

I dread this is the kind of “We might keep Willian” message

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