Arsenal FC | 2019/20 season

[MenInG]

Cesc Fabregas says he left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011 for a number of reasons, including his relationship with some former team-mates, pressure on winning trophies and the club's lack of recruitment.

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barca as a 15-year-old in 2003 and went on to make 303 appearances across all competitions before returning to the Nou Camp, where he then joined Chelsea, and now plays for Monaco in Ligue 1.

In a wide-ranging interview with Arseblog, the 32-year-old spoke openly about his decision to leave the Gunners nine years ago, citing a number of different reasons, admitting that he felt Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri were the only players "on his level" and that he had many "sleepless nights".

"I was the captain, I always felt so much pressure on myself," Fabregas said. "I had to lead this team to win something. I gave everything. Sometimes, I used to go home after we lost and I used to cry.

"I used to suffer, I used to spend sleepless nights suffering. And then you lose a game, you're in the bus like this, destroyed, and then you hear some players laughing, thinking about where they will be going out later.

"This was going on for a few years. We were playing beautiful football and I enjoyed that side of things but I was putting pressure on myself to lead, to do everything and at one point I felt kind of lonely.

"Especially in the last two or three years, I felt Robin and Samir were the only players - it's not an arrogant thing to say, it's how I felt at that time - were the players who were at my level mentally and technically.

Martin Tyler is asking a tricky quiz question every day. Can you name the Arsenal goalscorers without A-R-S-E-N-A-L in their surname?
"Many things came in my head, I have to admit I was a bit empty, I was drained mentally, physically, in my soul knowing I'm giving everything, knowing a few signings the club could have made but didn't happen.

"Seeing some behaviours from certain players or something like this made me feel I wanted to check something else. If it was not because of that, I would not have left Arsenal at that time."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...c-fabregas-left-arsenal-for-barcelona-in-2011

 

[The Viper]

Arsenal and Chelsea offered two Coutinho transfer options by Barca

Philippe Coutinho will be offered to Arsenal and Chelsea in the next transfer window as Barcelona look to get Philippe Coutinho off their wage bill, according to reports.

Coutinho has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Man Utd and former club Liverpool, since he failed to hit the ground running at Barcelona.

The Brazil international left Liverpool for Barca in January 2018 in a deal that could rise to £142m, while he now finds himself out on loan at Bayern Munich.

FEATURE: A rather Messi civil war is being fought at Barcelona…

His future remains uncertain with Bayern unlikely to make that move permanent in the next transfer window and The Sun brings us their latest on the situation.

The report claims that Arsenal and Chelsea ‘are set to be offered the chance to sign’ Coutinho in the summer with the Barcelona hierarchy ‘all-but given up on him making it in Spain’.

Barcelona will offer the Premier League clubs two options with Coutinho ‘available on another season-long loan, or a deal for around £75m could be struck’.

Coutinho is on £290k a week and Barca are willing to pay half of those wages if he goes out on another loan but ideally they ‘want him off their books completely’.

https://www.football365.com/news/arsenal-chelsea-philippe-coutinho-transfer-barcelona

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal's first-team players and head coach Mikel Arteta have agreed a pay cut to help with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League club said the "voluntary agreement" sees those involved have their annual earnings reduced by 12.5%.

The club's core coaching staff are also among those taking cuts to their pay.

If the Gunners hit certain targets on the pitch, the club says "agreed amounts" will be paid back.

"We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger," Arsenal said.

"The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the 2019-20 season and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.

"The move follows positive and constructive discussions. In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.

"We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history."

Earlier on Monday, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and chief executive Stephen Bettis agreed partial pay and bonus deferrals "to assist the club's cash flow issues".

Watford, Southampton and West Ham are the other Premier League clubs to have agreed wage deferrals with their first-team squads.

The Premier League asked clubs to put a 30% pay cut to players but the Professional Footballers' Association said that would affect tax contributions to the NHS.

Earlier this month, Premier League players launched the #PlayersTogether scheme to generate and distribute funds to the NHS.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52361126

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has reportedly refused the club’s request to take a pay cut on his £350,000-a-week wages to ease the Gunners’ financial worries during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gunners released a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that the first team squad and Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff had agreed to a 12.5% pay cut for the next 12 months. The agreement states that the club would repay the money in full if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League this season or next, while all players would receive a £100,000 bonus for finishing in the top four.

Qualification for the Europa League would see the squad reimbursed 7.5% of their pay cut, while any player sold for profit would have his money refunded. TOP ARTICLES 3/5 READ MORE Arsenal star Mesut Ozil refuses to take pay cut on £350,000-a-week wages Ozil is Arsenal’s highest earner (Picture: Getty) However, Ozil was one of three players that refused to the agreement, according to the Daily Mail.

The German is said to be willing to defer his wages and will sacrifice a greater percentage than the 12.5% to do so but at this moment in time he will not take a pay cut. The former Real Madrid star is said to want to see the full financial impact of the pandemic before making a decision. Ozil has reportedly made it apparent that he is willing to take a pay cut in the future but not until the landscape is clearer.

The 31-year-old already donates a significant amount of his salary to charity each month and is an ambassador for a handful of charities outside of football.

Arsenal statement on salary cuts

We are pleased to announce that we have reached a voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time. The move follows positive and constructive discussions.

In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family. Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5 per cent will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days. If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts. We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger. The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income. We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history.

Reports circulated earlier in the day that a minority of players had rejected the club’s proposal and it’s unclear who the other two players are that reportedly joined Ozil in refusing. The German is Arsenal’s highest earner after signing a bumper new deal in 2018 worth £16.8m-a-year before tax.

Ozil’s agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, is yet to comment on the reports but in March he insisted that players should not be the ones to bear the brunt of the financial impact by accepting pay cuts. ‘Deferral is an option but not to agree a cut today when the clubs may still make the same profit as last year,’ said Sogut. ‘What the exact financial impact is on the clubs, we can see three to six months later – but we can’t see it today.’ The Professional Footballers’ Association appears to be in agreement with Sogut, as they insisted last week that clubs should only propose deferrals, not cuts. Arsenal are yet to comment on the reports.


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/20/arse...y-cut-350000-week-wages-12585144/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal players David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Granit Xhaka have been spoken to by the club for breaking lockdown rules.

The club have confirmed to Sky Sports they have contacted the players after pictures and videos emerged of them breaking government guidelines put in place to safeguard against the coronavirus outbreak.

Pepe was filmed playing football with friends in North London, Xhaka and Luiz met up at a park in Southgate and Lacazette was photographed talking to a car valeter on his driveway.

Tottenham players Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko recently apologised after posting videos of themselves training together on Instagram.

Spurs also hit the headlines after boss Jose Mourinho was pictured holding a one-on-one training session in north London with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.


Mourinho was forced to admit his mistake, saying his "actions were not in line with government protocol".

https://www.skysports.com/football/...onavirus-arsenal-players-break-lockdown-rules

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal’s players will be allowed to work at the club’s London Colney training ground from Monday in a partial re-opening that marks a cautious step towards normality amid the Covid-19 shutdown.

Their return comes with a number of caveats and will not involve group training sessions. Arsenal decided to act after a week in which Granit Xhaka, David Luiz, Nicolas Pépé and Alexandre Lacazette were all reminded of their social distancing responsibilities, with all bar the latter being photographed training or playing in north London parks. The squad will now be able to operate, albeit to strict guidelines, in their usual workplace with a sharply decreased risk of flouting government regulations.

A club spokesperson confirmed: “Players will be permitted access to our London Colney training grounds next week. Access will be limited, carefully managed and social distancing will be maintained at all times. All Colney buildings remain closed. Players will travel alone, do their individual workout and return home.”

It is understood that the players will be operating on a strict rota basis, with small groups on site at any one time. The training ground’s 10 pitches, which have been maintained by a skeleton staff over the past six weeks while the complex was officially closed, will be put to full use in order to ensure there is no overcrowding while members of the team work alone. Drills overseen by coaching staff are not yet in Arsenal’s thinking.

While the training ground’s availability to the squad – 44 days after it was shut upon news of Mikel Arteta’s Covid-19 diagnosis – is a positive development it seems borne more of a desire to ensure professional behaviour from players than an indication that football’s return has taken a significant leap forward. But other clubs may take note, with Tottenham landing themselves in hot water twice recently over workouts held in public spaces. Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko apologised after staging a joint fitness session in a park, while José Mourinho admitted he had erred in holding a one-on-one session with Tanguy Ndombele.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-individual-training-strict-rules-coronavirus

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal are investigating an incident involving Alexandre Lacazette after a video emerged online showing the forward appearing to inhale from a balloon.

As reported by the Daily Star, footage showed the France forward appearing to inhale from a balloon positioned at his mouth during the lockdown.

"This is a private matter which we are taking seriously. It will be handled internally," a statement from Arsenal read.

The club will be releasing nothing else regarding the matter at this time, while the forward is yet to make any comment.

Lacazette and several other Gunners team-mates were "reminded of their responsibilities" following a similar incident in 2018 where the group of players were pictured inhaling nitrous oxide at a London nightclub.

The forward, 28, scored nine goals in 26 matches in all competitions prior to the suspension of the football season in England due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League's 20 clubs could return to training next week, with medical experts, league officials and club representatives set to meet on Monday for crunch talks regarding the restart of the top-flight season.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...tte-arsenal-taking-seriously-balloon-incident

 

[Firebat]

It's time to get rid of some attacking deadwood and start bringing the younger players through, Saka's future is clearly on the left wing, so he should be getting chances in that position, with Tierney coming back.

 

[Firebat]

David Luiz’s brief spell at Arsenal could be coming to an end with the Brazilian out of contract next month and no negotiations over a new deal planned.

 

[hamid.s]

Saw some reports that Arsenal might get Coutinho. It has been a wild ride for him. Liverpool to Barca then loaned to Bayern and now linked with Arsenal. Would be a good signing for Arteta.

 

[The Viper]

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says it is up to Arsenal to convince him to sign a new deal and concedes a decision over his future will possibly be the biggest of his career.

 

[The Viper]

Mikel Arteta says he is "pretty positive" Arsenal can reach an agreement with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to secure his long-term future at the club.

 

[MenInG]

David Luiz has taken the blame for Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, but insists he wants to extend his contract at the club.

Luiz produced a catalogue of errors in a torrid 25-minute cameo appearance as 10-man Arsenal suffered a heavy loss at City on the Premier League's return.

Brought on as a substitute in the 24th minute following an injury to Pablo Mari, the Brazilian's error led to Raheem Sterling's opener (45+2) before he was sent off for hauling down Riyad Mahrez inside the penalty area four minutes into the second half.

The 33-year-old's contract at Arsenal is also set to expire in the coming weeks, but he insists he wants to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

"It's not the team's fault, it was my fault," he told Sky Sports. "Today I think the team did well, especially with 10 men, the coach is amazing, the players did amazing, it's just my fault.


"I took the decision to play, I should have taken another decision in the last two months, but I didn't. It was all about my contract, whether I stay or not. I have 14 days to be here, and that's it. Today was my fault.

"I don't want to use it as an alibi or an excuse, but it's my fault and that's it.

"I love to be here, that's why I continue to train hard, that's why I came here today, that's why I've tried to do everything, that's why I'm here putting my face up, that's why I said to the players no one had to speak, I'm happy to show my face and be here.

"I want to stay, the coach knows, he wants me to stay, and we are just waiting for the decisions."

Despite Luiz taking the blame, Arsenal boss Arteta refused to criticise Luiz, and said his display would have
no bearing on a decision to exercise the option on his contract.

"He has spoken in the dressing room," Arteta said. "David is someone who is very honest, straightforward, I'm sure he will talk to you guys and explain his feelings.

"But my opinion hasn't changed from the moment I joined the team and it won't change because of a difficult performance tonight."

"I don't know what will happen with his contract," he added.

"I know what happened today. There was a reason why I didn't select him from the start. He had to play because Pablo got injured. He tried but it didn't work out for the team."

Analysis: 'The club don't want him to stay' says Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes the poor performance of David Luiz for Arsenal at Manchester City marks the end of his career in the Premier League.
But Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher thinks Luiz has played his last game for the club following his horror show at City.

"The club obviously don't want him to stay, and don't want to give him a contract," he told Sky Sports. "I totally get that, why would you?

"By the sound of what he's saying is, he wishes the decision he had made in the last two months is to say he's not playing, because his contract is finished - there's other players, Ryan Fraser at Bournemouth, who's refused to play.

"He's saying Mikel Arteta wants him to stay, he wants to stay, but it's not right for him to stay at Arsenal, they need to move on from David Luiz.

"People keep talking about experience, but sometimes that can be one of the most over-rated qualities. It's not about how experienced you are, it's how good you are.

"For Arsenal they've got a young French lad coming in [William Saliba], they've bought Mari, they need to buy another one, they've got Sokratis, Mustafi, they're not good enough. That's the problem, you look at a David Luiz, you think I'll get the best out of him, you won't.

"The people at the top, if they've decided David Luiz is not getting another year, that's right. If Mikel Arteta thinks he should, I think that's wrong. I'd be really worried if I was an Arsenal fan and Arteta thought he could get another year out of Luiz."

Luiz became the first player to be sent off, concede a penalty and commit an error leading to an opposition goal in a Premier League match since Carl Jenkinson for West Ham vs Bournemouth in August 2015.

Luiz has conceded four penalties in the Premier League this season - the joint-most in a single campaign in the competition's history (also José Fonte 2016-17, Gary Caldwell 2011-12, Ibrahima Sonko 2007-08, Claus Lundekvam 1999-00, Ken Monkou 1993-94 & Luc Nijholt 1993-94).

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-takes-blame-after-arsenal-defeat-to-man-city

 

[Firebat]

https://www.arsenal.com/news/team-news-mari-xhaka-sokratis-and-more

Just going from bad to worse with these injuries. Luiz suspended, Mari and Chambers out for the season, Sokratis, Cedric, Torreira, Xhaka all out for 2-3 weeks. That leaves about 4 defensive players left, including the ball boys.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal playing Aubameyang, Lacazette, Saka and Pepe all together in a seemingly 4-4-2 formation. Looks very attacking from Arteta.

 

[MenInG]

Brighton match-winner Neal Maupay said Arsenal got what they deserved after they criticised him for his role in a serious injury to keeper Bernd Leno.

Leno landed awkwardly after being nudged by Maupay and had to be carried off on a stretcher as Arsenal lost 2-1.

German Leno sat up as he was being carried off and pointed at Maupay, while Arsenal players surrounded the Brighton player at full-time.

"Some of their players need to learn what is humility," said Maupay.

Arsenal's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi had to be pulled away from Maupay by his team-mates after the final whistle as Brighton came from behind to win.

"One of them was talking the whole game and saying really bad things," added Maupay.

"When I scored I just had to say 'listen, that is what happens when you say bad things on the pitch'.

"At half-time I went to the manager Mikel Arteta to apologise. I never meant to injure the keeper. I jumped for the ball. I apologise to the team and to him as well. I have been through a bad injury, it is hard.

"Arsenal players maybe need to learn humility sometimes. They were talking a lot. They got what they deserved.

"I just went to get the ball really. When he landed he twisted his knee. It is football, there is contact. I never meant to hurt him. I apologise again and wish him a speedy recovery."

This was Arsenal's second game back following the restart after losing 3-0 at Manchester City on Wednesday, when Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka and Spanish defender Pablo Mari were injured.

Gunners boss Arteta was also missing Brazilian defender David Luiz, who was sent off against City.

Leno was replaced by Emiliano Martinez with the game goalless. Nicolas Pepe fired the Gunners into the lead but Lewis Dunk equalised before Maupay's late winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said Leno's injury "doesn't look good" but does not believe Maupay deliberately intended to injure the German keeper.

"I always believe players don't have intention to injure people and I am sure he did not intend to do that," added the Spaniard, whose side are eight points off a top-four spot with eight games left.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53122004

 

[MenInG]

We are delighted to confirm that defenders David Luiz, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have agreed contracts to stay with us beyond the end of this season.

In addition midfielder Dani Ceballos has extended his loan from Real Madrid until the end of the current 2019/20 season.

David Luiz, who signed from Chelsea last summer, has agreed a new one-year deal. Pablo will complete his formal move from Flamengo on a long-term deal when the transfer window opens next month. Cedric will also join us permanently on a long-term deal from Southampton.

Technical director Edu said: “I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future. They have been part of the long-term technical plan Mikel and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad.

“David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone.

“With Pablo we’re all disappointed he got injured at Manchester City. Since Mikel arrived here he was asking for a central defender who was left-footed. We were really pleased with Pablo - his behaviour, the way he is training, his mentality and his quality. Unfortunately, he has that injury but of course we are really happy to keep him for the future.

“Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position. We’re also pleased Dani will finish the season here. He is making a good contribution and we look forward to him having a strong finish to the season.”

The deals are subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/four-players-extend-stay-club

 

[Firebat]

Seriously? David Luiz? I don't know if it's lack of funds or what but this is the definition of rewarding medicority, and that's being very complimentary of Luiz.

A 4-year deal for Cedric who hasn't played one second of a game for this club?

Embarassing, they better hope this works out because it really looks bad right now.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mikel Arteta is reportedly open to letting Matteo Guendouzi leave Arsenal because of questions about his attitude.<br><br>It's in the gossip &#55357;&#56393; <a href="https://t.co/Lg7cvSVI9k">https://t.co/Lg7cvSVI9k</a> <a href="https://t.co/KmL3jW92nK">pic.twitter.com/KmL3jW92nK</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1275805884514537473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

This is a terrific win for Arsenal. Big three points. No mistakes at the back, a clean sheet and an honest performance.

Good work from Mikel Arteta. Wolves just not at their best and haven't created anywhere near enough.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to strike a deal with Real Madrid to keep hold of influential midfielder Dani Ceballos.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to reports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not included Matteo Guendouzi in first-team training since their disagreement in the aftermath of the Brighton defeat over two weeks ago. &#55357;&#56883;</p>— Sky Sports (@SkySports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1280517931328299008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal a return to the Champions League will become possible only if the club decides to “go for it” and invest significantly in the squad, with the stark alternative being an extended spell outside Europe’s elite.

Arsenal’s best outcome from a tumultuous season would be a fourth consecutive Europa League campaign, although defeat at home against Liverpool on Wednesday would almost certainly mean their hopes hinge on winning the FA Cup – they face Manchester City in the semi‑finals on Saturday.

Arteta said in April they would be able to do “more, less or nothing” in the transfer market depending on their eventual finish, but made it clear only sizeable outlay would give them a fighting chance of eventually returning to the elite competition, given the extra spending power top-four clubs possess.

Asked how much more difficult Champions League qualification would be with each year out of the competition, he outlined the quandary Arsenal face. “Harder and harder, because that’s obviously something that has to feed each other,” he said. “If you are not in the Champions League and you say: ‘OK, I don’t invest because I don’t have the financial ability to do it,’ but the other clubs invest, then the gap becomes bigger. If I do want to invest and risk, and then I don’t reach it, what happens? So at some stage you have to make a decision: whether I want to aim to make that gap closer and go for it, or I stay where I am.”

Although it was not exactly an ultimatum, with Arteta clearly appreciative of the financial constraints ahead, the challenge seemed clear and he suggested other clubs had benefited from a bold approach. “You see many good examples of teams that have done it and they have come back to their habit [of Champions League football] on it,” he said.

Pressed on whether he felt the club could still attract top-quality players, he insisted their appeal had not faded – the implication being that, with the right money, he would be able to recruit appropriately.

“We’ve an incredible history, an incredible structure, in a beautiful city and a style of play that attracts players,” he said. “And I’m telling you now, because I am closer to the market now – when I speak to people, a lot of players want to play for Arsenal.”

Their spell outside the Champions League is thought to have cost Arsenal about £100m and that figure will increase substantially now, even more so if there is no Europa League campaign to mitigate.

Arteta, who hinted he will make changes to the side that lost at Spurs on Sunday given Arsenal face their ninth game in a fortnight, said talks about the club’s future direction would take place when the season is over.

“What we need to do at the end of the season is see the direction we want to take, agree on the ambition of the football club, realise that where we are the demands are going to be huge – that’s never going to change because it’s linked to our history and our success – and move from there,” he said.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ample-for-arsenal-to-follow-says-mikel-arteta

 

[Rana]

I’ll take Arsenal seriously when they buy a reliable defender worth £120M

 

[Firebat]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss concerned about having finances to compete with rivals

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is concerned that he will not have the finances to strengthen his side in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners beat champions Liverpool 2-1 on Wednesday but still have work to do if they are secure a top-six finish.

Arsenal are ninth, three points behind sixth-placed Wolves.

Asked if he would have funds to strengthen Arsenal for next season, Arteta told Sky Sports: "I don't know. It's a big concern."

He added: "You need it to build a squad. It's not magic. You need to improve with quality, quality players in the squad and you need bigger squads to compete in this competition. There's the challenge."

Arsenal spent more than £135m last summer, breaking their transfer record to sign Nicholas Pepe for £72m as well as bringing in full-back Kieran Tierney for £25m, defender David Luiz, forward Gabriel Martinelli and defender William Saliba - who rejoined Saint-Etienne on loan.

But despite that outlay, Arsenal struggled to mount a top-four challenge and previous boss Unai Emery was sacked last November.

Arsenal came from behind to beat Liverpool, scoring from their only two shots on target and, while Arteta was pleased with fight shown by his players, he said the difference between the two sides remains significant.

"The gap between the two teams today is enormous," he added.

"We can not improve it in two months, but the accountability, the fight is now equal and I am very proud of that. The rest will take some time."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53425833

 

[Firebat]

It was of course a fantastic win, but in all honesty the match proved how that Liverpool team are miles ahead of us, and it was amazing how honest Arteta was in acknowledging that in his post-match interview. Publicly calling out the board too, they really have to back him otherwise we won't be able to fulfil the potential Arteta is bringing.

 

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

I’ll take Arsenal seriously when they buy a reliable defender worth £120M

No need to spend that much.

Saliba at 27m had potential with a Rapha Varane style ceiling. They should definitely bolster the spine of the team- add Upemacano (50m)or Thiago Silva (free transfer)

Partey (40m) or swap with lacazette

Willian- free transfer


Coutinho- 65m


They don't have the funds potentially but one go at strengthening the spine of the team and Arsenal will be back

 

[Abdullah719]

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal FA Cup final win could help striker ‘believe’ - Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says winning Saturday’s Heads Up FA Cup final to secure European football next season may persuade captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club.

Gabon striker Aubameyang, 31, has one year left on his contract.

“I don’t have that feeling,” said Arteta when asked if the game against Chelsea would be Aubameyang’s last.

“Winning the trophy helps you believe. If you wear the armband and lift that cup, that will help.”

Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League, outside the European qualification spots, but victory over Frank Lampard’s side at Wembley would mean a Europa League place for 2020-21.

Former midfielder Arteta, who captained Arsenal to FA Cup wins in 2014 and 2015, says experiencing that success could convince Aubameyang to trust the club are going in the right direction.

“I wouldn’t like to link these two factors [keeping Aubameyang and European football], but financially it would be helpful. We’ve got an opportunity to do both,” said the 38-year-old Spaniard, who took charge of the Gunners - his first job in management - in December after being Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.

“It’s a package. You need a lot of ingredients on the table to persuade a player. At the moment he is with us and I think he should be proud of where he is.

“It generates trust when you win titles. It generates moments when together you go through some good emotions.

“When you are in a process of [development] that makes it even more important. We have a great opportunity tomorrow - let’s go for it.”

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53608791

 

[Firebat]

This is a massive final for us, as is every recent final we've played in, it seems. Being in Europe will massively help our transfer budget, and apparently is crucial in making Aubameyang stay. Also I really just want revenge on Chelsea for Baku. They're probably the favourites but for some reason in this competition we can play like prime Barca. Anything can happen.

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal plan to make 55 staff redundant because of coronavirus pandemic

Arsenal plan to make 55 staff redundant because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gunners' first-team players and head coach Mikel Arteta agreed a 12.5% pay cut in April.

Arsenal's executive team also agreed to waive more than a third of their salaries over the next 12 months.

However, the club said they now face "more significant and longer-lasting reductions in our revenue than we all hoped".

Arsenal said they did not take the decision to propose redundancies "lightly" and had looked at "every aspect of the club and our expenditure before reaching this point".

"We know this is upsetting and difficult for our dedicated staff and our focus is on managing this as sensitively as possible," the club added in a statement.

Arsenal, who won a record 14th FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday, cited the loss of revenue from fans likely not being able to return to Emirates Stadium for the start of the 2020-21 season and only in limited numbers after that.

They said revenue from broadcasters, matchday and commercial activities had all been "hit severely" and that the club are facing one of the "most challenging periods" in their history.

The statement said agreed wage cuts and investment from owner Stan Kroenke had helped "reduce the impact of the pandemic on the club" and "maintain investment in the team".

However, they added: "It is now clear that we must reduce our costs further to ensure we are operating in a sustainable and responsible way, and to enable us to continue to invest in the team."

The proposals will now enter a 30-day consultation period.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53668802

 

[The Viper]

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is close to ending speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Arsenal.

 

[PetroDollars]

That will be like a new signing for arsenal.

 

[The Viper]

Arsenal are close to completing the signing of midfielder Willian from Chelsea on a three-year deal.

 

[MenInG]

Two clubs from the Premier League and one from the Bundesliga are understood to be preparing bids for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with reports of a move across north London on the cards

 

[MenInG]

Willian is expected to become an Arsenal player by Saturday after his release from Chelsea.

 

[MenInG]

Brazil international Willian has signed a three-year deal to join us ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The 32-year-old forward has a wealth of experience and has made more than 600 club appearances in a career spanning 13 seasons.

Willian started at Brazilian side Corinthians, before joining Shakhtar Donetsk in August 2007. In his six years there, he won four Ukrainian Premier League titles and the Uefa Cup in 2009. Four years later, he briefly signed for Anzhi Makhachkala before joining Chelsea, winning the Premier League and League Cup in his second season in England.

Throughout his seven years at Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Europa League. He made 339 appearances, with 63 goals and 56 assists in that time.

“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us," Mikel Arteta said. "We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions. He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”

Willian has made 70 appearances and has scored nine goals for Brazil, making his international debut in 2011. He has since represented his country at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, the 2015 Copa America, the Copa America Centenario, and the 2019 Copa America where he was a key member of the squad that lifted the trophy on home soil.

Technical director Edu said: “I know him very well, since a long time ago because we've been working together for the Brazilian national team and of course I was following him because he played for another club. He has a lot of fantastic attributes as a person, as a football player of course, his character. I'm 100 per cent sure that everybody in the dressing room, the fans, myself and Mikel will enjoy having Willian in our side.“

Willian will wear the number 12 shirt.

The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/welcome-willian-brazil-forward-joins-arsenal

 

[Firebat]

Overall, I think the Willian signing is a positive one. Obviously he's old, 32, and probably on the decline, but he's an experienced proven Premier League winning player and it's on a free, so I don't mind it.

 

[Firebat]

Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal head of football, leaves club in structural shakeup

Raul Sanllehi, the club’s head of football, has left Arsenal, with the managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, assuming responsibility for the director-level football work.

Sanllehi joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2017 but the Gunners are understood to have wanted to streamline their off-field structure. The technical director, Edu, and Mikel Arteta, the manager, will now lead the footballing and recruitment direction at the club.

“Raul has made a big contribution during his time with us and will always be part of the Arsenal family,” said a statement from the club’s owner, Stan Kroenke, and his son Josh, a board member.

“We thank him for all his hard work and expertise and wish him every future success. We have no doubt that Vinai is the right person to take the club forward. He has shown outstanding leadership during the current crisis and is held in high regard internally and externally. We know everyone will rally round him so we can move forward successfully.”

Venkatesham said: “I am thankful to Stan, Josh and the rest of the Arsenal Board for their trust in me. I will miss working closely with my colleague and friend Raul, but I am looking forward to this new challenge.

“There is much work to do to return Arsenal to the top of the game where we belong, which is what our fans rightly demand. While this will not happen overnight, I believe we have many of the critical ingredients to do so. There are many positives to build on across the club.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/15/raul-sanllehi-arsenal-head-of-football-leaves-club

 

[Firebat]

Arsenal begin 'internal investigation' into Nicolas Pepe's record £72million transfer

Arsenal are reportedly using Nicolas Pepe's club record £72million arrival last summer as the principle subject of an internal investigation over their transfer business.

The Gunners are determined to improve their business acumen in the transfer market having fallen out of contention for the top four places in the Premier League.

They remain pleased with the work being done by Mikel Arteta since his appointment as manager in December, with the FA Cup now added as a sign of the impact being made by the club's former captain.

In addition to that, the experienced Brazil international Willian has now joined the Gunners on a free transfer after he left Chelsea.

However, ESPN report that it is the Pepe deal that is still most interesting to club chiefs as they look to try and determine how and why such a fee ended up being paid for the 25-year-old.

The Gunners paid Lille an initial £20million for Pepe last summer, with the remaining £52million of the deal being due over the next five years, leaving Arsenal liable for a large cash outlay in each of the next five summer transfer windows.

ESPN claim that other clubs who were interested in Pepe were stunned when they discovered how much the Gunners were paying for him, and swiftly withdrew any interest on the basis that they weren't willing to match them.

Technical director Edu posed with the new signing at his unveiling, but he is said to have not had much say in the signing having only just arrived at the club himself.

Pepe's performances aren't said to be part of the review into his signing.

Although somewhat inconsistent, he eventually managed eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions in his first season in English football.

The Gunners are committed to a review of all their off-field operations at present, a process which recently led to the departure of a host of scouts including the renowned talent-spotter Francis Cagigao and the former Gunners midfielder and Reading and Leeds manager Brian McDermott.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-transfer-news-pepe-fee-22521376

 

[topspin]

Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal head of football, leaves club in structural shakeup

Raul Sanllehi, the club’s head of football, has left Arsenal, with the managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, assuming responsibility for the director-level football work.

Sanllehi joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2017 but the Gunners are understood to have wanted to streamline their off-field structure. The technical director, Edu, and Mikel Arteta, the manager, will now lead the footballing and recruitment direction at the club.

“Raul has made a big contribution during his time with us and will always be part of the Arsenal family,” said a statement from the club’s owner, Stan Kroenke, and his son Josh, a board member.

“We thank him for all his hard work and expertise and wish him every future success. We have no doubt that Vinai is the right person to take the club forward. He has shown outstanding leadership during the current crisis and is held in high regard internally and externally. We know everyone will rally round him so we can move forward successfully.”

Venkatesham said: “I am thankful to Stan, Josh and the rest of the Arsenal Board for their trust in me. I will miss working closely with my colleague and friend Raul, but I am looking forward to this new challenge.

“There is much work to do to return Arsenal to the top of the game where we belong, which is what our fans rightly demand. While this will not happen overnight, I believe we have many of the critical ingredients to do so. There are many positives to build on across the club.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/15/raul-sanllehi-arsenal-head-of-football-leaves-club

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

Good riddance! This guy was responsible for buying Pepe who is not even half of his total transfer fee (£72m) and for prolonging Emery's stint.

What angers me is how Arsenal were in prime position to sign Ziyech in the 2019 August transfer window but because of Raul we went for Pepe instead merely because we could pay for him in instalments.
Ziyech always wanted to come to Arsenal. This was his dream move as a fan of the club. It's infuriates me to see him at Chelsea. He wasn't even that expensive (at £35m-£45m).

This epitomises the incompetence at the club and why it's worst run club in the whole of the Premier League.

 

[topspin]

Arsenal begin 'internal investigation' into Nicolas Pepe's record £72million transfer

Arsenal are reportedly using Nicolas Pepe's club record £72million arrival last summer as the principle subject of an internal investigation over their transfer business.

The Gunners are determined to improve their business acumen in the transfer market having fallen out of contention for the top four places in the Premier League.

They remain pleased with the work being done by Mikel Arteta since his appointment as manager in December, with the FA Cup now added as a sign of the impact being made by the club's former captain.

In addition to that, the experienced Brazil international Willian has now joined the Gunners on a free transfer after he left Chelsea.

However, ESPN report that it is the Pepe deal that is still most interesting to club chiefs as they look to try and determine how and why such a fee ended up being paid for the 25-year-old.

The Gunners paid Lille an initial £20million for Pepe last summer, with the remaining £52million of the deal being due over the next five years, leaving Arsenal liable for a large cash outlay in each of the next five summer transfer windows.

ESPN claim that other clubs who were interested in Pepe were stunned when they discovered how much the Gunners were paying for him, and swiftly withdrew any interest on the basis that they weren't willing to match them.

Technical director Edu posed with the new signing at his unveiling, but he is said to have not had much say in the signing having only just arrived at the club himself.

Pepe's performances aren't said to be part of the review into his signing.

Although somewhat inconsistent, he eventually managed eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions in his first season in English football.

The Gunners are committed to a review of all their off-field operations at present, a process which recently led to the departure of a host of scouts including the renowned talent-spotter Francis Cagigao and the former Gunners midfielder and Reading and Leeds manager Brian McDermott.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-transfer-news-pepe-fee-22521376

No need for investigation. The root cause was Raul Sanllehi's incompetence. He's gone now.

 

[Firebat]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

Good riddance! This guy was responsible for buying Pepe who is not even half of his total transfer fee (£72m) and for prolonging Emery's stint.

What angers me is how Arsenal were in prime position to sign Ziyech in the 2019 August transfer window but because of Raul we went for Pepe instead merely because we could pay for him in instalments.
Ziyech always wanted to come to Arsenal. This was his dream move as a fan of the club. It's infuriates me to see him at Chelsea. He wasn't even that expensive (at £35m-£45m).

This epitomises the incompetence at the club and why it's worst run club in the whole of the Premier League.

There are rumours that the timing of Raul's departure and the internal investigation of the Pepe deal is not a coincidence...

 

[topspin]

There are rumours that the timing of Raul's departure and the internal investigation of the Pepe deal is not a coincidence...

Makes sense now I guess.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

Good riddance! This guy was responsible for buying Pepe who is not even half of his total transfer fee (£72m) and for prolonging Emery's stint.

What angers me is how Arsenal were in prime position to sign Ziyech in the 2019 August transfer window but because of Raul we went for Pepe instead merely because we could pay for him in instalments.
Ziyech always wanted to come to Arsenal. This was his dream move as a fan of the club. It's infuriates me to see him at Chelsea. He wasn't even that expensive (at £35m-£45m).

This epitomises the incompetence at the club and why it's worst run club in the whole of the Premier League.

Pepe is a good signing. The issue was Raul paid more to agents than he should have. And there have been rumours of other dodgy dealings.

I think now we have simplified our approach. Vinai incharge of money,Edu finds the players,Huss agrees contracts, Arteta says what type of players he wants.

 

[topspin]

Pepe is a good signing. The issue was Raul paid more to agents than he should have. And there have been rumours of other dodgy dealings.

I think now we have simplified our approach. Vinai incharge of money,Edu finds the players,Huss agrees contracts, Arteta says what type of players he wants.

I strongly disagree, he's had a very poor season for someone rated £72m. We had a superior alternative (with Ziyech) available at half the price who was already well established after shining for Ajax.

You have to admit that this was very poor business from Arsenal because of Raul's decision making here.

 

[Hasan123]

I strongly disagree, he's had a very poor season for someone rated £72m. We had a superior alternative (with Ziyech) available at half the price who was already well established after shining for Ajax.

You have to admit that this was very poor business from Arsenal because of Raul's decision making here.

I can assure you Pepe is a top signing and much better than Ziyech.

We overpaid for Pepe but he is a top class player.

 

[Firebat]

I strongly disagree, he's had a very poor season for someone rated £72m. We had a superior alternative (with Ziyech) available at half the price who was already well established after shining for Ajax.

You have to admit that this was very poor business from Arsenal because of Raul's decision making here.

Yes, the point is that he's not worth the £72m, that's the issue.

Besides he is still a top signing, he's 2 years younger than Ziyech, and while he may have underachieved in most of the season, he can't be expected to hit the ground running in a brand new league to the one he had been playing in his whole career, and he had to do it under 3 different coaches. Under Arteta since the restart, he's been vastly improved in his consistency, his movement off the ball and dribbling, and he's shown glimpses of some of the crazy goals and finishes he can produce. I have no doubt under a proper pre-season and PL season under Arteta, he will be far far better next year, and by the time he's Ziyech's age he will be better than him.

 

[topspin]

I can assure you Pepe is a top signing and much better than Ziyech.

We overpaid for Pepe but he is a top class player.

Yes, the point is that he's not worth the £72m, that's the issue.

Besides he is still a top signing, he's 2 years younger than Ziyech, and while he may have underachieved in most of the season, he can't be expected to hit the ground running in a brand new league to the one he had been playing in his whole career, and he had to do it under 3 different coaches. Under Arteta since the restart, he's been vastly improved in his consistency, his movement off the ball and dribbling, and he's shown glimpses of some of the crazy goals and finishes he can produce. I have no doubt under a proper pre-season and PL season under Arteta, he will be far far better next year, and by the time he's Ziyech's age he will be better than him.

I'd be delighted to be proven wrong, after all Pepe is one of our own but I genuinely think this talk of him being "better than Ziyech" is coming with the Arsenal hat on.

I'll guess we'll wait and see next season.

The way I see atm, we went for Pepe over Ziyech because we were able to buy him in instalments.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

Good riddance! This guy was responsible for buying Pepe who is not even half of his total transfer fee (£72m) and for prolonging Emery's stint.

What angers me is how Arsenal were in prime position to sign Ziyech in the 2019 August transfer window but because of Raul we went for Pepe instead merely because we could pay for him in instalments.
Ziyech always wanted to come to Arsenal. This was his dream move as a fan of the club. It's infuriates me to see him at Chelsea. He wasn't even that expensive (at £35m-£45m).

This epitomises the incompetence at the club and why it's worst run club in the whole of the Premier League.

Raul is a shady character but he has deep tentacles in the dark world of football transfer market. IMO, this will be a loss in the long run because this Vinai guy doesn’t fill me with confidence. I don’t think he is a capable replacement.

You need a dirty guy like Raul to get big transfers done, especially because of his contacts with the big agents.

As far as Pepe is concerned, in simple words, it was a bad signing - Arsenal overpaid for a mentally weak, erratic player who will never be top class. Arsenal fans will get their heads around it eventually like they did with Ozil.

There is a reason why he was turned down by the big clubs in Europe. He is not good enough, and most probably never will.

He is just a Gervinho with better end product.

I really wish Raul would have listened to Emery and bought Zaha instead. He would have been perfect for Arsenal and is a significantly superior player. People underrate him because he doesn’t have good stats while playing for a bottom-half club.

 

[Firebat]

Juventus are interested in signing Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.