Arsenal FC | 2024/25 Season

[Amjid Javed]

Yes thanks for your input.
I didn't actually read it but I'm sure it was full of positivity

Keep up with the "fake positive" and celebrating "progress"

Its no wonder club keeps failing when most of fan base are happy with failure

 

[Amjid Javed]

So Arteta says Arsenal won't be spending heavy this summer.

number 1 - but but the kronkes have changed, but but be positive

number 2 - but but kronkes bought rice, but but they have shown ambition. But but Arteta will win 2 out of the next 3,4,5,6 PLs

 

[MK7Z]

Calafori will go down as a club legend like tavares, Zinchenko and kiwor. I heard he's already been given tomiyassu seat in the club's physio room.

Merino has asked for club legends fabio vieria's shirt as he wants to emulate his hero's achievements.

See here is the issue. You ridicule arsenal fans for gassing up a player before he even kicks a ball for the club after we sign them.

Yet at the same time you find flaws in them and basically write them off, label them before they even kick a ball.

What's the difference??

Who really watches European leagues to form a proper opinion on a player. I personally don't but will give them a chance and you know SUPPORT them.

Kinda hypocritical to get on Arsenal fans for bigging up a player when you do the same thing but just the opposite.

 

[Amjid Javed]

See here is the issue. You ridicule arsenal fans for gassing up a player before he even kicks a ball for the club after we sign them.

Yet at the same time you find flaws in them and basically write them off, label them before they even kick a ball.

What's the difference??

Who really watches European leagues to form a proper opinion on a player. I personally don't but will give them a chance and you know SUPPORT them.

Kinda hypocritical to get on Arsenal fans for bigging up a player when you do the same thing but just the opposite.

My point on signings right now is a simple one. Arsenal keep falling short at the end of each season. This so called "project" that fans like to hide behind is now approaching its 5th year.

Arsenal should be looking at game changers, players who take the team up a level to win title and win in Europe.

You look at Liverpool they became a top 4 side, then went and signed fabhino, van dyk and Allison. Players that ultimately helped them go up a level and win the league and CL, and compete on all fronts.

You have Arsenal buying yet another left sides defender and a average midfielder. These signings made of the back of an international football. Are either of these going to take Arsenal up a level in PL or CL, no they ain't.

We both no the reality that when the window shuts, arsenal will be short in some areas of squad as usual.

The club and most of fans like put out the PR nonsense that making CL means we would get world class players and go up a level. Everyone knows the reality isn't the case.

calafori is a good player. Is injury record at bologna is as bad as tomiyassu. On top of that how many players join the club and continually get injured?

go look at Arteta and edus quotes after signing tavares, Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, kiwor etc.. same over hyped nonsense and with 12 months most these players Arteta had no use for them. So why should I trust the next 2 uninspiring the club is looking to make.

You think man city or really or any other teams in CL are scared of such recruitment.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So against Liverpool we see that same issues occur with Arsenal as usual

Jesus can't finish his dinner
Havertz stunk the place out in midfield
Zinchenko got his bum hole ripped by salah and was a liability as usual

Be positive
Be delusional

Anyone thinking Jesus and Zinchenko are going to improve is deluded to day least

Anyone thinking Arteta wont use havertz in midfield again, where he failed all last season is deluded as well

The result of game don't matter, but its clearly obvious these liabilities will be used during season.

Trust the process guys

 

[MK7Z]

So against Liverpool we see that same issues occur with Arsenal as usual

Jesus can't finish his dinner
Havertz stunk the place out in midfield
Zinchenko got his bum hole ripped by salah and was a liability as usual

Be positive
Be delusional

Anyone thinking Jesus and Zinchenko are going to improve is deluded to day least

Anyone thinking Arteta wont use havertz in midfield again, where he failed all last season is deluded as well

The result of game don't matter, but its clearly obvious these liabilities will be used during season.

Trust the process guys

I didn't see any discussion about when we beat Man United in a FRIENDLY the other day. Yet we have whole paragraph when we lose a FRIENDLY......

 

[MK7Z]

You have Arsenal buying yet another left sides defender and a average midfielder. These signings made of the back of an international football. Are either of these going to take Arsenal up a level in PL or CL, no they ain't.

We both no the reality that when the window shuts, arsenal will be short in some areas of squad as usual.

The club and most of fans like put out the PR nonsense that making CL means we would get world class players and go up a level. Everyone knows the reality isn't the case.

calafori is a good player. Is injury record at bologna is as bad as tomiyassu. On top of that how many players join the club and continually get injured?

Point 1 - give them a chance

Point 2 - yeah that is infuriating.

Point 3 - Those fans are delusional. Kroenkes have always been the same. I go back to what I said a while back. This is the best Arsenal some of these younger fans have seen. 20-26/27 year olds. We have seen how the story goes.

Point 4 - lets hope

 

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

Only a friendly, doesnt mean much .

However it seems Arsenal have a good first XI but overall the squad is very thin on quality.

A couple of elite attackers need to be bought in imo

 

[KingKhanWC]

What Arsenal don’t want is to lose their best young talents, one is due to move to Man Utd .

It seems Arteta is so confident he believes he has enough to win the league this year .

 

[MK7Z]

What Arsenal don’t want is to lose their best young talents, one is due to move to Man Utd .

It seems Arteta is so confident he believes he has enough to win the league this year .

I will be honest I had no idea who he is and I don't think most did. I have heard of a couple that are good prospects.

Also he basically left for more money. Arsenal offered him a very good deal but Man Utd like to throw bags at teens.

 

[MK7Z]

Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

Only a friendly, doesnt mean much .

However it seems Arsenal have a good first XI but overall the squad is very thin on quality.

A couple of elite attackers need to be bought in imo

Didnt watch the match for obvious reasons but from what AJ said Zinchenko was getting torn by Mo as per usual.

Harvey Elliot apparently played well to

 

[KingKhanWC]

Didnt watch the match for obvious reasons but from what AJ said Zinchenko was getting torn by Mo as per usual.

Harvey Elliot apparently played well to

Elliot was outstanding, he should have started more under Klopp . Zinchenko is done as a defender, he’s a liability but won’t leave Arsenal while making good money & Arteta seeems too timid to force him out due to his city alliance.

 

[MK7Z]

Elliot was outstanding, he should have started more under Klopp . Zinchenko is done as a defender, he’s a liability but won’t leave Arsenal while making good money & Arteta seeems too timid to force him out due to his city alliance.

Also you have to feel sorry for him cos he cries as his country is at war which he likes to remind everyone at every opportunity while supporting another oppressor. Actually hate the guy

 

[Amjid Javed]

I didn't see any discussion about when we beat Man United in a FRIENDLY the other day. Yet we have whole paragraph when we lose a FRIENDLY......

I was away for the weekend for a friends bday (Ironically hes a united fan) and didnt watch the united friendly so I can't comment on a game I didn't see.

Also the results win or lose are irrelevant. The fact same liabilities are still here and doing same things. That's asking for trouble.

I clearly also said this on the Liverpool game.

 

[MK7Z]

@Geordie Ahmed Salaam bro long time.

Looks like Merino is heading to Arsenal, what's your opinion on him now as to when he was with you guys?

 

[Amjid Javed]

@Geordie Ahmed Salaam bro long time.

Looks like Merino is heading to Arsenal, what's your opinion on him now as to when he was with you guys?

So Far Arteta has signed Vieira to play left side number 8 - waste of 35M

Then paid 65 for havertz to play their, not good. He's been useless, everything he's played in midfield.

Now the solution a player who looked decent in the Euros in merino

Ball recoveries good, in the air good. Passing is mediocre at best for both club and country. Like I said a b-tech xhaka. In a possession based team like Arsenal you need to be able to pass the ball and be incisive. We saw how timid havertz was passing in midfield. Merino is no different.

But the excuses will be. Oh he only cost 20M so doesn't matter if it doesn't work.

Is anyone going to call manager out on the recruitment? Of course not.

 

[Kroll]

So Arsenal going for the treble this season, a third successive second place finish...

 

[MK7Z]

So Arsenal going for the treble this season, a third successive second place finish...

Threepeat is a better word.....Treble is normally in the same season unless you mean runners up in FA CUP , PL and UCL.

God forbid that happens. It would finish me

 

[Amjid Javed]

So Arsenal going for the treble this season, a third successive second place finish...

Two Arteta fan boys are already getting ready for that parade

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

@Geordie Ahmed Salaam bro long time.

Looks like Merino is heading to Arsenal, what's your opinion on him now as to when he was with you guys?

Wa'alaykum As'sallam, been busy with work but looking forward to the new season

I loved Merino, we had him when he was still young, unfortunately he got a bad back injury and he struggled to get back in the side because Diame was in the form of his life and he was also homesick so unfortunately he ended up leaving

But in the short time he was with us his quality stood out and I've followed his career with interest since

Ever since the takeover I was quietly hoping we signed him back

I think you'll look back at his signing and see it as an overwhelming success, does he improve your team? I believe he does but he easily improves your squad

Calafiori and Merino are two very good signings, get a top striker and perhaps someone to really challenge Martinelli and that more than closes the gap to City, though a lot will depend on what they do (so far it's been quiet for them)

 

[MK7Z]

Wa'alaykum As'sallam, been busy with work but looking forward to the new season

I loved Merino, we had him when he was still young, unfortunately he got a bad back injury and he struggled to get back in the side because Diame was in the form of his life and he was also homesick so unfortunately he ended up leaving

But in the short time he was with us his quality stood out and I've followed his career with interest since

Ever since the takeover I was quietly hoping we signed him back

I think you'll look back at his signing and see it as an overwhelming success, does he improve your team? I believe he does but he easily improves your squad

Calafiori and Merino are two very good signings, get a top striker and perhaps someone to really challenge Martinelli and that more than closes the gap to City, though a lot will depend on what they do (so far it's been quiet for them)

Thanks fella

I don't really recall him from the PL before but seen bits of him in La Liga nothing to really form an opinion but your reply gives me a bit of confidence. I liked what I saw at the Euros but then the pessimism on this thread kinda got me thinking after he got labelled B-Tech Xhaka. Whatever that is meant to be.

Yea the striker talk is quiet, Eddie leaves for Marseille hopefully triggers more movement but i really think if we dont get a striker its what we will be talking about in crunch time of the season.

Man City have been really quiet but they tend to do their deals in like 48hrs. They'll probably pull Musiala out of nowhere or something. Maybe Peps last season they dont want to invest heavily in his choices.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Thanks fella

I don't really recall him from the PL before but seen bits of him in La Liga nothing to really form an opinion but your reply gives me a bit of confidence. I liked what I saw at the Euros but then the pessimism on this thread kinda got me thinking after he got labelled B-Tech Xhaka. Whatever that is meant to be.

Yea the striker talk is quiet, Eddie leaves for Marseille hopefully triggers more movement but i really think if we dont get a striker its what we will be talking about in crunch time of the season.

Man City have been really quiet but they tend to do their deals in like 48hrs. They'll probably pull Musiala out of nowhere or something. Maybe Peps last season they dont want to invest heavily in his choices.

Just remember merino was spains 5th choice midfielder and a bench player

Rodri, ruiz and pedri were 1st choice. Olmo came in when pedri was injured.

So your essentially talking about a player who was an impact sub. Also he's not even Sociedads main midfielder. Both zubemendi and brais mendez are seen as better players and more important.

Merino pass % is in the mid 70%-.

This is why pedri and others were ahead of him in Spain team, also why other sociedad players are seen as better than him aswell.

Yes he's good in air and ball recoveries. But when you passing is average at best that ain't going to help when at a better team.

Xhaka's pass % is in the 90s. So like I said b-tech xhaka.

Arteta personally wants the "player"

Arteta has personally wanted plenty of underwhelming players he's already signed.

Also just remember in a year's time partey and Jorginho will be gone (both in final year of their contract)

That means Arsenal will be left with Rice, oddegard, merino and Vieira.

That's ain't going to win you anything.

People just want to Bury heads in their sand

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

This is the problem if you simply rely on stats, it doesn't give you the full picture

De Bruyne has a pass completion of 74% whilst Kalvin Phillips is 85%

Merino plays a lot more creative and adventurous passes so looking at pass completion is not entirely relevant

Feel free to revisit this comment in 6 months, subject to injury his signing will be a success

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is the problem if you simply rely on stats, it doesn't give you the full picture

De Bruyne has a pass completion of 74% whilst Kalvin Phillips is 85%

Merino plays a lot more creative and adventurous passes so looking at pass completion is not entirely relevant

Feel free to revisit this comment in 6 months, subject to injury his signing will be a success

The guys a Spain reserve and not even Sociedads best midfielder.

He might be ideal for some middle table rugby team, we are talking about a team wanting to win titles and CLs.

Xhaka has played in the same position for the Swiss, Arsenal and Leverkusen and has a 90% passing rate. Merino is nowhere near as good as xhaka when it comes to incisive passes.

Arsenal need game changers not another average midfielder.

We heard the same with Vieira a guy who cudnt even get into portos 1st team regularly.

Tournament football is completely different to league football as well.

The excuse his passing is so low purely just on how many supposed attacking passes he makes is a load of nonsense.

Players like pedri who was 1st choice does same job and passes in high 80s

Phillips is a CDM who passes backwards and sideways, so God knows why u brought that up.

KDB is a completely different player to merino.

Atleast compare players in same role like I did like pedri, xhaka who miles better

 

[Amjid Javed]

Passing stats attacking midfielders

Fabian Ruiz - 90%
Pedri - 87%
Xhaka 91%
Musiala 84%

Wirtz 85%​

Brant 85 %
Bernado Silva 89%
Foden 89%
Ødegaard 87%

Merino 78%

think certain poster needs to stick to rugby, and leave football conversation to people with common sense

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is the problem if you simply rely on stats, it doesn't give you the full picture

De Bruyne has a pass completion of 74% whilst Kalvin Phillips is 85%

Merino plays a lot more creative and adventurous passes so looking at pass completion is not entirely relevant

Feel free to revisit this comment in 6 months, subject to injury his signing will be a success

Passing stats attacking midfielders

Fabian Ruiz - 90%
Pedri - 87%
Xhaka 91%
Musiala 84%
Wirtz 85%
Brant 85 %
Bernado Silva 89%
Foden 89%
Ødegaard 87%

Merino 78%

Maybe do comparison on players who play attacking midfield or plays as one of two players who play advanced roles in a midfield 3.

So your theory about his passing and giving ball away is nonsense.

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is the problem if you simply rely on stats, it doesn't give you the full picture

De Bruyne has a pass completion of 74%

His passing stats are 83/84%

 

[Amjid Javed]

But but he's the xhaka replacement

Merino passing stats at Euro 2024

But but mikel wants him..

But but edu has done has research on 180 page report

59% passing accuracy

Trust your process

 

[KingKhanWC]

Merino is decent but more of a lower, mid table team player . Not sure the point of this signing , Arsenal should only be signing the best players not underachieving ones

 

[MK7Z]

I loved Xhaka but wasn't the thing fans didn't like about him the fact he passed sideways and backwards? Hence the high passing accuracy. I know he has since moved up and plays good progressive passers

TBH I prefer the eye test and will make judgement once I see him rather than ridicule him before he has kicked a ball for us because his stats say so.

Also is Merino an attacking mid?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Merino is decent but more of a lower, mid table team player . Not sure the point of this signing , Arsenal should only be signing the best players not underachieving ones

Exactly the guy would be ideal at Newcastle Rugby club or some other mid table club.

Yes he was a good impact sub for Spain. He's good in air and wins ball back, havertz did that in midfield aswell. The issue was the slow ponderous and clueless passing.

On top of that signing players players based on tournament football is not a good idea. Prime example gapko who looked half decent for Holland but has been trash for Liverpool.

Arsenal fan base is easily pleased with its toxic positivity, trust the process guys.

Arsenal ain't doing anything to not only to bridge the gap to man city or any big sides in Europe. Atleast for a short period FSG gave klopp backing to compete on all fronts then reverted to type. The kronkes only care for CL money, so as long as Arteta makes top 4 they won't sake him. Sadly the losers in fan base are happy with that as well.

 

[MK7Z]

Passing stats attacking midfielders

Fabian Ruiz - 90%
Pedri - 87%
Xhaka 91%
Musiala 84%

Wirtz 85%​

Brant 85 %
Bernado Silva 89%
Foden 89%
Ødegaard 87%

Merino 78%

think certain poster needs to stick to rugby, and leave football conversation to people with common sense

Chill. If you mean Geordie, he is has good ball knowledge.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I loved Xhaka but wasn't the thing fans didn't like about him the fact he passed sideways and backwards? Hence the high passing accuracy. I know he has since moved up and plays good progressive passers

TBH I prefer the eye test and will make judgement once I see him rather than ridicule him before he has kicked a ball for us because his stats say so.

Also is Merino an attacking mid?

Xhaka stats since he's moved forward are still high. Don't get me wrong he was crap at Arsenal apart from 18 month spell.

But his passing is miles better then merino. Merino was used in a double pivot in some games.

Otherwise he's played advanced role in a midfield 3

Yes hes good in air
Yes he's good at winning ball back
Poor pass completion
Doesn't score many goals

You pay 25M and your getting a average midfield. Nothing exciting about it

 

[Amjid Javed]

Chill. If you mean Geordie, he is has good ball knowledge.

You want some context. A past his sell by date David silva went back to sociedad and played their 3 seasons in same midfield as merino

Merino
(23/24) 77.7%
(22/23) 77.83%
(21/22) 77.67%
(20/21) 76.79

Silva
(22/23) 85.92
(21/22) 88.18
(20/21) 84.91

Any new signing should be given a chance, but warning signings are their this guy is mediocre when it comes to passing. The guy will be playing an advanced role where he's suppose to be helping Martinelli or trossard.

If looked at other Arsenal signings made I said similar things and people think it's negative

I said Jesus was a poor finisher, poor fitness
Zinchenko was a liability
Tomiyasu injury record at bologna was poor

Yet the club has done its research with 180 page reports..

People literally got giddy over a few decent super sub appearances at the Euros. No offence but him supposedlt ooking good in a Newcastle team years ago nowhere near the level what Arsenal need right now.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal are NOT ready to bulge from their £30m valuation for Eddie Nketiah. Marseille’s current offer has been deemed too low

----
Well done to the idiot who gave him a 100k contract, same goes for Nelson.

Anyone wondering why ESR got a 27M fee? Because he was only on 40K a wee. So overall package for Fulham to pay wasn't to risk.

Because Arsenal have to "sell" to buy looks like unless nketitah and Nelson go, we won't get a striker or a winger

 

[Amjid Javed]

Good luck

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Chill. If you mean Geordie, he is has good ball knowledge.

Honestly fail to see the joy he gets out of football

Anyway, I've said he's a good player and he'll be considered a success, haven't the time to post pointless stats when I've literally watched the guy play a lot of football and see the quality he has. Let's see in 6 months to a year whether he's a flop or not.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Honestly fail to see the joy he gets out of football

Anyway, I've said he's a good player and he'll be considered a success, haven't the time to post pointless stats when I've literally watched the guy play a lot of football and see the quality he has. Let's see in 6 months to a year whether he's a flop or not.

what constitutes success at a midtable rugby club and a team looking to compete on all four fronts is different.

Watching someone play loads of football many seasons ago and current day is different. Or let me guess you watch every sociedad game?

The fact that you think a players success is based on 6 months? On that basis Jesus and Zinchenko were success at Arsenal. Soon after to be exposed as liabilities.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Honestly fail to see the joy he gets out of football

Anyway, I've said he's a good player and he'll be considered a success, haven't the time to post pointless stats when I've literally watched the guy play a lot of football and see the quality he has. Let's see in 6 months to a year whether he's a flop or not.

Wirtz is a fantastic talent. Got to remember last season was his first full season since he damaged his ACL.

Next season youwill see the best of him.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Honestly fail to see the joy he gets out of football

Anyway, I've said he's a good player and he'll be considered a success, haven't the time to post pointless stats when I've literally watched the guy play a lot of football and see the quality he has. Let's see in 6 months to a year whether he's a flop or not.

Pointless stats, when I compared players in similar positions? Then exposed your nonsensical made up stats on KDB.

Merino not even rated thar highly in his position, maybe you should resign him. He would be ideal in your park the bus low possession kick and rush rugby style.

 

[Amjid Javed]

A player that couldn't get much game time ahead Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey at newcastle that says it all. But but he's a good player I watched him loads. Yeah 25 games 8 years ago is great way to judge a player. But but his pass % is low coz he tries to pass ball forwards. But but his % passing is more then KDB which is 74%

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

what constitutes success at a midtable rugby club and a team looking to compete on all four fronts is different.

Watching someone play loads of football many seasons ago and current day is different. Or let me guess you watch every sociedad game?

The fact that you think a players success is based on 6 months? On that basis Jesus and Zinchenko were success at Arsenal. Soon after to be exposed as liabilities.

This is where being angry all the time doesn't help you, you need to take something to calm down before you post because it just seems constant rage which can't be healthy

You make these constant digs at Newcastle as if firstly it's relevant and secondly I care

It's obvious when I talk about him being a good player it's with the context of Arsenal

And no, I haven't watched every single game of Sociedad but that's not relevant, unless you believe an opinion on a team/player can be formed only be watching every single minute?

I suppose that explains why you still go on about us being a rugby side but maybe heed your own advice about watching every Newcastle game

The point about 6 months is you think he's average to poor because you've looked at stats as if this is Cricket/Baseball but you've clearly not watched him play much but when you see him play you'll see the qualities he'll bring to the side

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I loved Xhaka but wasn't the thing fans didn't like about him the fact he passed sideways and backwards? Hence the high passing accuracy. I know he has since moved up and plays good progressive passers

TBH I prefer the eye test and will make judgement once I see him rather than ridicule him before he has kicked a ball for us because his stats say so.

Also is Merino an attacking mid?

He's not an attacking mid, he's what the kids call a number 8 but he's a bit of a hybrid in that he's quite versatile and if needs can be can easily play as a 6 which is useful for in game tactics if say Rice was to push forward

It will be interesting to see how Arteta plans on using him and whether he sees him as a first choice player or someone to offer an alternative

On paper I like the look of Rice, Merino, Odegaard as a midfield trio (had a season playing alongside Odegaard too, and Isak)

As I've said I don't care solely for stats but take his whoscored rating, which imo is more useful than just looking at pass completion as it allows you to compare players across different positions if necessary.

In the league his past 4 seasons are

7.18
7.13
7.16
7.24

In comparison Zubimendi (who I rate btw and plays slightly different role)

6.88
6.71
6.76
6.62

And last I checked whoscored don't support a Rugby team and aren't basing their stats from 8 years ago

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

That 7.18 rating had him as the highest rated Sociedad player last season and 8th in La Liga overall (he's in the top 10 for the previous 4 seasons that I've checked) but perhaps whoscored only give him a higher rating because their data is ran by a Newcastle fan that watched him 8 years ago, I can't absolutely rule that out

 

[BouncerGuy]

Full confirmed list of Arsenal ins and outs after Emile Smith Rowe transfer exit

Arsenal have sanctioned another transfer exit with Emile Smith Rowe becoming the latest player to depart the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old had been in the Arsenal books since the age of 10 when he joined the youth set-up. Having now completed the move to Craven Cottage, Smith Rowe has become Fulham's club record transfer as the deal could rise £34million with add-ons.

His exit comes after Riccardo Calafiori's arrival with Arsenal signing three players in the current summer transfer window so far. The Italy international completed the £42m move from Bologna after a lengthy transfer saga and met his new teammates in the United States on their pre-season tour.

With Arsenal hoping to sign another midfielder this summer, Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino could be the next player to arrive in north London. It is claimed a deal is close with Merino prioritising a move to Arsenal.

With that said, football.london takes a closer look at all the transfers completed by Arsenal so far this summer.

Ins

David Raya - Brentford - £27m

Tommy Setford - Ajax - £1m

Riccardo Calafiori - Bologna - £42m

Outs

Emile Smith Rowe - Permanent transfer to Fulham

Chido Obi-Martin - End of contract

Albert Sambi Lokonga - Sevilla - Season-long loan

Amario Cozier-Duberry - End of contract

Reuell Walters - End of contract

Cedric Soares - End of contract

Mohamed Elneny - End of contract

Arthur Okonwo - Permanent transfer to AFC Wrexham

Nuno Tavares - Permanent transfer to Lazio

SOURCE: https://www.football.london/arsenal...enal-transfers-confirmed-summer-2024-29402250

 

[Amjid Javed]

He can be used as a number 6? yet more clueless nonsense. He's been on very rare occasions in a double pivot. Otherwise he's been used as an advance 8 in a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-3-2 (when David silva was in team). The guy has a volumes of fouls and his trash passing, you think that's going to work in an Arsenal system where the number 6 needs to be able to pass and play progressive passes. Partey and Jorginho play in that role and you think merino is thar level.

Yes I have seen him play. It's funny how you keep ignoring his mediocre passing stats, when you compare it to any top quality number 8, it's down right mediocre. You then claim you have seen him play a lot, then give no evidence of when. Yet another poster making stuff up.

Brais mendes, zubemendi and David silva (now retired) are better then merino. Also fact he was 5th choice for Spain Says it all. Fabian ruiz and pedri are light years ahead of merino interns of quality.

You keep going on about how pass completion isn't important, that might be case in a team like Newcastle who kick the ball forward and can't string 2 passes together. Havertz played in 8 and has similar duals won and ball recoveries and is passing waz trash, merino passing is worse then havertz.

It's clearly obvious you ain't see this guy play, also In this Arsenal team you need to be able to pass the ball and fluidly.

go ask anyone who watches la liga and they will tell you this guy is nothing more than an average steady player.

 

[Amjid Javed]

That 7.18 rating had him as the highest rated Sociedad player last season and 8th in La Liga overall (he's in the top 10 for the previous 4 seasons that I've checked) but perhaps whoscored only give him a higher rating because their data is ran by a Newcastle fan that watched him 8 years ago, I can't absolutely rule that out

But but he's sociedads best player

but but his passing dont matter have a day off bro.



Imanol Alguacil’s team see plenty of the ball, with the fifth highest average possession in La Liga last season (55.5%). A lot of their midfield tempo was set by Martín Zubimendi and number six Beñat Turrientes who respectively boasted open-play passing accuracy of 85.7% and 87.1%. Merino only completed 77.3% of his open-play passes in La Liga, also behind fellow midfielder Brais Méndez (81.0%).

Arsenal fans might be concerned by that 77.3% open-play pass completion rate Merino recorded last season, with Rice and Thomas Partey boasting rates of over 90% in the Premier League, while Jorginho had 89.9%. Even the more attack-minded Ødegaard recorded 86.1% accuracy.

Even allowing for the difference in playing styles between Mikel Arteta’s side and Real Sociedad, it’s not as if Merino’s low percentage was down to playing a lot of risky passes. Only 519 of his 1,402 passes in La Liga in 2023-24 went forward (37%), while 562 of his passes were in his own half (40.1%) and just 60 were classed as long passes (4.3%).

Mikel Merino: From Newcastle Squad Player to European Champion and Arsenal Target | The Analyst

Mikel Merino is being linked with a move to Arsenal. We analyse the former Newcastle midfielder, who just became a European champion.

theanalyst.com

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I've literally shown how for the past 4 season he has been Sociedads highest rated player but you are cherry picking stats and doing your usual waffling and completely missing the point and getting excited by it (I didn't say he was a 6, simply that he can play as one if needs be, you need to concentrate on the specific words I use rather than see what you want to see)

I'll keep it really simple and I'd like for you to try and do the same so I have two questions, if you can these without waffling or diverting or cherry picking stats

1) Why do whoscored have him as Sociedads highest rated player for the previous 4 seasons?

1) Why do whoscored have him as top 10 in La Liga for all players for the previous 4 seasons?

(Answer the above in the context of him being "average steady player")

 

[Amjid Javed]

I've literally shown how for the past 4 season he has been Sociedads highest rated player but you are cherry picking stats and doing your usual waffling and completely missing the point and getting excited by it (I didn't say he was a 6, simply that he can play as one if needs be, you need to concentrate on the specific words I use rather than see what you want to see)

I'll keep it really simple and I'd like for you to try and do the same so I have two questions, if you can these without waffling or diverting or cherry picking stats

1) Why do whoscored have him as Sociedads highest rated player for the previous 4 seasons?

1) Why do whoscored have him as top 10 in La Liga for all players for the previous 4 seasons?

(Answer the above in the context of him being "average steady player")

Let me keep keep this simple

Sociedads best midfielder last season was brais mendes. But but your cherry picking stats








The guy out performed merino in all aspects playing in at number 8. But according to your ball knowledge merino was Sociedads best player. Clearly shows you haven't even watched this guy play.

Then when I compared orher top number 8 vs merino, I'm cherry picking. How else do you compare players, other than players in same position.

he could play in the 6, based on what? The guys % backwards and sideways pass completion is poor, never mind forward passes and you expect him to dictate
play at number 6.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I've literally shown how for the past 4 season he has been Sociedads highest rated player but you are cherry picking stats and doing your usual waffling and completely missing the point and getting excited by it (I didn't say he was a 6, simply that he can play as one if needs be, you need to concentrate on the specific words I use rather than see what you want to see)

I'll keep it really simple and I'd like for you to try and do the same so I have two questions, if you can these without waffling or diverting or cherry picking stats

1) Why do whoscored have him as Sociedads highest rated player for the previous 4 seasons?

1) Why do whoscored have him as top 10 in La Liga for all players for the previous 4 seasons?

(Answer the above in the context of him being "average steady player")

You acuse me of "cherry picking stats" then you want me to Answer your questions on based on 1 website you've conviently found to try and back up your weak opinion.

So "whoscored" is now the gold standard orcal of knowledge is it? And no other sources of information or websites matter.

Do yourself a favour and don't accuse someone of cherry picking, when your only using 1 websites data to conviently use in this discussion.

Hypocrisy at its finest.

So yet again I've exposed you waffling.

1 - lied about KDB passing stats
2 - merino passing stats are low because of forward passes attempted
3 - says he's can be used in 6, when he's not been used there
4 - merino has been sociedads best player in last 4 season, based on 1 website. Yet I found data else where to suggest otherwise

 

[BouncerGuy]

Please no personal remarks.

Keep the healthy discussion going on without any personal attacks.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

You acuse me of "cherry picking stats" then you want me to Answer your questions on based on 1 website you've conviently found to try and back up your weak opinion.

So "whoscored" is now the gold standard orcal of knowledge is it? And no other sources of information or websites matter.

Do yourself a favour and don't accuse someone of cherry picking, when your only using 1 websites data to conviently use in this discussion.

Hypocrisy at its finest.

So yet again I've exposed you waffling.

1 - lied about KDB passing stats
2 - merino passing stats are low because of forward passes attempted
3 - says he's can be used in 6, when he's not been used there
4 - merino has been sociedads best player in last 4 season, based on 1 website. Yet I found data else where to suggest otherwise

Feel free to pick a different statistical source but go with overall rating rather than cherry picking stats which is what you are doing

I see you failed to answer the question so I think I'll stick with 1 question since 2 is seemingly difficult and I have no interest in taking the discussion further unless you can provide a sensible answer to this question

Why for the previous 4 seasons has Merino been in the top 10 for La Liga players if he is an average player? (Note, that's 4 seasons, not a one off which average players are capable of. To show the ratings are not worth much can you show another "average" player that's been rated top 10 in their league for the previous 4 seasons?

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Actually, a slight correction to the above, it's the previous 5 seasons.

5 consecutive seasons he's been rated in the top 10 La Liga players but I'm sure that's only because I support Newcastle United

 

[Amjid Javed]

Feel free to pick a different statistical source but go with overall rating rather than cherry picking stats which is what you are doing

I see you failed to answer the question so I think I'll stick with 1 question since 2 is seemingly difficult and I have no interest in taking the discussion further unless you can provide a sensible answer to this question

Why for the previous 4 seasons has Merino been in the top 10 for La Liga players if he is an average player? (Note, that's 4 seasons, not a one off which average players are capable of. To show the ratings are not worth much can you show another "average" player that's been rated top 10 in their league for the previous 4 seasons?

Why do I need to answer your question why uve cherry picked one website. Yet you dismiss other stats.

Like I said is that site the hlgold standard of stats?

I can quite easily find a site and show he's an average player and ask you questions solely based on that.

When you can validate that site is only meaningful site and others aren't then come back with discussion.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Feel free to pick a different statistical source but go with overall rating rather than cherry picking stats which is what you are doing

I see you failed to answer the question so I think I'll stick with 1 question since 2 is seemingly difficult and I have no interest in taking the discussion further unless you can provide a sensible answer to this question

Why for the previous 4 seasons has Merino been in the top 10 for La Liga players if he is an average player? (Note, that's 4 seasons, not a one off which average players are capable of. To show the ratings are not worth much can you show another "average" player that's been rated top 10 in their league for the previous 4 seasons?

I'm supposedly cherry pick stats and your conveniently using one site for your info.

I gave u stats from another site showing merino was out performed by others yet you called it meaningless stats? Based on what? Keep embrassing urself.

It's funny you avoid all the lies and points I exposed you on.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Ah well, more avoiding the question and diverting, not surprised

People can make their minds up on what to believe

They can believe 5 consecutive seasons being rated top 10 La Liga players (by a comprehensive statistical source that looks at a number of different data sets, literally the opposite of cherry picking)

Or someone that seems to take zero joy from football and is fixated solely on pass completion

Feel free to have the last word on this subject as I suspect it's important to you. I'll just check back on Merino further into the season

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Arsenal’s failure to usurp Manchester City as Premier League champions in each of the last two seasons can be excused by several factors. Pep Guardiola’s side have only known winning for the last four campaigns, while Mikel Arteta’s players are trying to get over the line and deliver a first league title for more than 20 years.

After missing out on top spot by five points in the 2022-23 season, Arsenal strengthened in every area last summer, signing the goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on loan, the defender Jurriën Timber from Ajax, the midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham and the forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea. After investing more than £200m in the squad, Arteta’s team were expected to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, and that they did, this time missing out by just two points. They won 16 of their last 18 league games but a devastating defeat against Aston Villa sealed their fate.

The season concluded with supporters agreeing about the areas they needed to strengthen: left-back and holding midfield. Arteta has acted quickly to address the team’s inconsistencies at left-back, signing the Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42m. The manager chopped and changed at left-back last season, starting with Timber before his injury and then bringing in the attack-minded Oleksandr Zinchenko before opting for the defensively strong Jakub Kiwior. Now he can develop a settled back four.

With the defence in better shape, the priority for Arteta and sporting director Edu is to recruit another midfielder. Rice’s outstanding performances towards the end of last season came largely when the England midfielder moved from playing a more conservative No 6 role to a more advanced No 8 position. Jorginho and Thomas Partey both operated as the deepest players in a midfield three last season to free up Rice but, approaching their mid 30s, they are more in Arsenal’s past than their future.

So who should the club bring in to take their midfield up a level? Which player would take this team from one that finishes second in the table to one that finally pips Manchester City to the title? It looks like Mikel Merino, the Real Sociedad player who helped Spain win the Euros earlier this month, is the man for the job. The 28-year-old has less than a year on his contract with La Real and has yet to agree to an extension.

Merino had a nomadic start to his career. He started out at the club where his father played, Osasuna, making his debut a decade ago, before signing for Borussia Dortmund and then Newcastle, where he worked under fellow Spaniard Rafa Benítez. He showed some promise during his one season with Newcastle, but was sold to Real Sociedad for around £10m in 2018. He was just 22 years old when he returned to the Basque Country.

Merino has really progressed over the last six years. He was Real Sociedad’s best player last season and was our highest ranked central midfielder in La Liga. Those performances have been rewarded at international level. He made his Spain debut in 2020 and emerged as a hero for the team at the Euros this summer, scoring the crucial 119th-minute winner against Germany that took Spain into the semi-finals. He featured in all seven of Spain’s games, a fitting reward for his performances at club level.

Under Imanol Alguacil, Merino has been deployed most frequently as a left-sided No 8, in a 4-3-3 setup not dissimilar to Arteta’s chosen formation for Arsenal. The Spain international is also more than capable of anchoring a midfield trio or forming a double pivot. His versatility in the middle of the park, combined with Rice’s ability to swap positions, would mean the pair could interchange depending on the opposition and game state.

Why Spain midfielder Mikel Merino would be ideal for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a left-back and a central midfielder this summer. One down, one to go

www.google.com

For the Arsenal fans that actually take joy from supporting their team this is worth a read, a lot of similar thoughts to mine about what he can bring to the side

 

[Amjid Javed]

Ah well, more avoiding the question and diverting, not surprised

People can make their minds up on what to believe

They can believe 5 consecutive seasons being rated top 10 La Liga players (by a comprehensive statistical source that looks at a number of different data sets, literally the opposite of cherry picking)

Or someone that seems to take zero joy from football and is fixated solely on pass completion

Feel free to have the last word on this subject as I suspect it's important to you. I'll just check back on Merino further into the season

Avoiding question? I told you before you conviently cherry picked a site and can't even validate that is some sort of gold standard, compared to other sites.

It's funny how when I did compare merino to other number 8s u chose to ignore it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Ah well, more avoiding the question and diverting, not surprised

People can make their minds up on what to believe

They can believe 5 consecutive seasons being rated top 10 La Liga players (by a comprehensive statistical source that looks at a number of different data sets, literally the opposite of cherry picking)

Or someone that seems to take zero joy from football and is fixated solely on pass completion

Feel free to have the last word on this subject as I suspect it's important to you. I'll just check back on Merino further into the season

I said previously he was good in air and ball recoveries, and his passing is trash.

Havertz played in midfield and was good in air and in duals and his passing was trash. Merino passing is worse than havertz.

Yet you think that's going to improve the Arsenal team lol.

Then u waffled bout playing in the 6. Partey, Rice and Jorginho complete 90% of their passes, compared to mid 70s for merino, yet you think passing isn't important.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Not sure what Arteta did to Smith-Rowe , he was a great young talent 3 years ago . I think with the right coach & development he will be a top mid for Fulham . Selling him & bringing in merino shows a lack of improving football players within the club . Saka got lucky

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Not sure what Arteta did to Smith-Rowe , he was a great young talent 3 years ago . I think with the right coach & development he will be a top mid for Fulham . Selling him & bringing in merino shows a lack of improving football players within the club . Saka got lucky

Smith-Rowe has been more injury related hasn't he?

Was really good a couple of seasons ago but been injured a lot since

I think he needs a run of games which he wasn't going to get at Arsenal so him moving on is best for both parties

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arsenal Julian Alvarez £70m transfer dream for Mikel Arteta now on as Edu outbids PSG in new saga

The race has started. The final sprint is on. There are just four weeks (one month) until the transfer window shuts. Arsenal have some holes to fill.

There is an eerie gap up front heading into the season and questions over the balance of the side. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino (once signed) will go some way to answering those but Mikel Arteta may well prefer if they didn't carry on with uncertainty into the season's beginning.

That is the task at hand for sporting director Edu Gaspar and his recruitment team. It is not an easy one but it is the type of challenge that the best teams embrace, and the best of the best is what Arsenal are striving to become.

Here, football.london has the latest on their attempts to reach that pedestal and how the transfer market is helping them get there.

Alvarez watch

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on developments between Julian Alvarez and Manchester City after tensions rose following a global back-and-forth with Pep Guardiola. The Mirror reports that the Gunners are ready to head into the new season without a new statement signing but could be brought to action for Alvarez.

The Argentine was initially linked with a move to Chelsea after suggestions that he had grown frustrated with a lack of opportunities in big games and instead of playing down what had been written, Alvarez played up to it. "There is a lot of talk," he said while away with his country. "I am focused here [at the Olympics] because it is a short tournament. At Manchester City I feel very good, I played a lot of minutes. But we will see after the Games.

"First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide. Maybe it's annoying to be out in big games, players always want to help on the pitch. But my season was good, so I'm very happy."

Alvarez has already won the Copa America since lifting his second Premier League title in as many years but crashed out of the Paris 2024 games on Friday to France. Before that, Guardiola was asked about the comments of Alvarez. "I know he wants to play important moments, yeah," the head coach said during City's pre-season tour in America. "But the other ones [do] too.

"18, 19 players as well want to play the big games. I read he wants to think about it. Okay, think about it and after that he will inform us what he wants to do."

Guardiola hasn't stopped even high-profile stars from leaving previously, and Alvarez didn't back down when his boss' response was put to him. "I heard what Guardiola said," he told TyC Sports. "I don't have much to say about it.

"I never said anything bad. I just said that I was going to think about it like I do every season to make an analysis of what happened last season, a projection of what may come. I always say that I am comfortable and happy at City, which is a great club. I didn't say anything bad."

Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs writes that Atletico Madrid are in early talks and Paris Saint-Germain are interested. The valuation is set at £70million with City preferring to keep their man but being open to other outcomes as well.

Osimhen battle

The one that won't go away. Arsenal are still said to be in the mix for Victor Osimhen this summer as his future continues to cause a saga.

Having held talks with PSG and Chelsea, it is claimed in Italy that Arsenal have made their intentions to pay more for (and to) Osimhen clear. It comes after an agreement for the striker to move to France had been reached on personal terms.

The wages PSG put out to Osimhen are significant but Arsenal aren't taking no for an answer and are seeking to get a greenlight from Napoli first in order to advance things. Chelsea remain in the conversation too, due to having the Romelu Lukaku trump card.

SOURCE:https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-julian-alvarez-70m-transfer-29672530

 

[KingKhanWC]

Smith-Rowe has been more injury related hasn't he?

Was really good a couple of seasons ago but been injured a lot since

I think he needs a run of games which he wasn't going to get at Arsenal so him moving on is best for both parties

Sure , a little similar to Curtis Jones at LFC but Jones when people usually plays well, fits in the team naturally.

Maybe it is best for both parties but I feel Arteta abandoned him a little . A surprise Arsenal aren’t seeing a bunch of young home grown academy youngsters players coming through ? You kind of need this to win sliver regularly . Merino could turn out very decent if he can fit the pace in the PL but Arsenal squad after 13/14 players is pretty avg . Last season Arsenal had very few injuries, they need the same this year to challenge imo

 

[MK7Z]

Sorry bro @Geordie Ahmed . I tagged you into the convo to have a civilised football chat. Just catching up with the thread and it's took the usual turn of being chased off the thread so it stays doom and gloom.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Sorry bro @Geordie Ahmed . I tagged you into the convo to have a civilised football chat. Just catching up with the thread and it's took the usual turn of being chased off the thread so it stays doom and gloom.

No doom and gloom at all.

Arsenal need players to take them up a level in PL and in the CL

Liverpool did that by signing van dyk, Allison, fabhino etc..

Arsenal are signing a guy who was essentially a super sub for Spain. Pedri, rodri, ruiz, Zubimendi and olmo all seen higher in pecking order than him.

We are signing a player who isn't going to bridge that the gap to man city. Nor is it going to help Arsenal win the CL etc..

That's the reality of it, zubemendi and brais mendes are seen as more important players then merino at sociedad.

You will soon find once this guys in an Arsenal shirt, he will be a fish out of water. His passing is nowhere near the level of any of the other midfielders. It's even worse than havertz in midfield.

We play possession based football and you know full well a lot of teams will play low blocks. We struggled in 1st half of last season due to haverz being slow and ponderous with ball, (duals won, recoveries similar to merino). We are bringing in someone whose passing is similarly average.

Il let reality sink in for the rest when you all start going "omg this guys passing is not up to the level"

As far as calafori goes, he looks a good young defender. At the same time let's look at the facts.

1 - the guy had a serious knee injury, since then has had numerous muscular injuries since then.
2 - Tomiyasu a similar poor injury record at bologna before we sign him
3 - Arsenal training is meant to be highly intense, as well the physicality and pace of PL Is different to serie A.
4 - signing a player based on 1 good seaaon in Italy
5 - how many italian defenders have come to the Premier league and successful

I always give logic behind why I do or don't rate a signing when it's made.

Just pretending to be positive in reality is just being fake.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Sorry bro @Geordie Ahmed . I tagged you into the convo to have a civilised football chat. Just catching up with the thread and it's took the usual turn of being chased off the thread so it stays doom and gloom.

Haha, it's all good

My days of getting involved in seriously lengthy debates on this forum are long, long gone. I have 3 kids so don't have the time for that

I generally take an interest in signings all teams make but Merino I've followed closely as I was disappointed he left as there was evidently a quality player there and he's spoken well about us since

If you can get a striker in then I seriously believe you have bridged that gap to Man City (although as I said before a lot will depend on what they do)

 

[MK7Z]

No doom and gloom at all.

Arsenal need players to take them up a level in PL and in the CL

Liverpool did that by signing van dyk, Allison, fabhino etc..

Arsenal are signing a guy who was essentially a super sub for Spain. Pedri, rodri, ruiz, Zubimendi and olmo all seen higher in pecking order than him.

We are signing a player who isn't going to bridge that the gap to man city. Nor is it going to help Arsenal win the CL etc..

That's the reality of it, zubemendi and brais mendes are seen as more important players then merino at sociedad.

You will soon find once this guys in an Arsenal shirt, he will be a fish out of water. His passing is nowhere near the level of any of the other midfielders. It's even worse than havertz in midfield.

We play possession based football and you know full well a lot of teams will play low blocks. We struggled in 1st half of last season due to haverz being slow and ponderous with ball, (duals won, recoveries similar to merino). We are bringing in someone whose passing is similarly average.

Il let reality sink in for the rest when you all start going "omg this guys passing is not up to the level"

As far as calafori goes, he looks a good young defender. At the same time let's look at the facts.

1 - the guy had a serious knee injury, since then has had numerous muscular injuries since then.
2 - Tomiyasu a similar poor injury record at bologna before we sign him
3 - Arsenal training is meant to be highly intense, as well the physicality and pace of PL Is different to serie A.
4 - signing a player based on 1 good seaaon in Italy
5 - how many italian defenders have come to the Premier league and successful

I always give logic behind why I do or don't rate a signing when it's made.

Just pretending to be positive in reality is just being fake.

I get what your saying. All I'm saying is let's see...

On the positive side pleases don't be disappointed if he doesn't succeed as you are fully expecting him to not.

If he is poor I will call him out as I did with Havertz but at the same time I will praise him if he does well just like Havertz.

 

[MK7Z]

Oh sigh.The cry baby got a new shirt number which means he ain't going anywhere. WHEN he costs arsenal next season I will be joining the Arteta critics for this particular cause.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Oh sigh.The cry baby got a new shirt number which means he ain't going anywhere. WHEN he costs arsenal next season I will be joining the Arteta critics for this particular cause.

Number 17 which was worn by Edu, petit, sanchez, Monreal, Alex song.

Zinchenko will be used at LB during season and will be usual liability. Why isn't he leaving? Because no one wants to pay his 150K wages elsewhere.

Havertz will be used in midfield in parts of the season even though, even stevie wonder can see it don't work. Up front he will miss chances galore as well.

Jesus will be the usual, brilliant build up play, misses galore and will get injured at some point.

Supposedly the manager is "ruthless" and learns from his mistakes.

Edu in interview said that Arsenal 4 years ago had to many players on high wages and weren't performing. Somethings never change, but now it's conveniently ignored.

The squads not allowed to have player with egos, or that killer edge or nasty attitude.

Crychenko and Jesus inparticular were suppose to bring arsenal a winning mentality, irony is they both now are liabilities.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal are ready to sanction Eddie Nketiah’s departure to Marseille on loan with an obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €30million.

Personal terms are in place on a five-year deal, as The Athletic reported last month, and the ball is now in Marseille’s court to decide whether or not to proceed.

 

[topspin]

One word to sum up this summer transfer window - shambles. There's 3 reasons for this:

1.

Arsenal have 6 Left-backs in:

• Califori
• Timber
• Tomiyasu
• Kiwior
• Tierney
• Zinchenko

Three of these should be sold. Zinchenko, Tierney and then either Kiwior/Tomiyasu.

2.

The only new addition to the squad is Califiori, who I think is a good signing but he shouldn't have been anywhere nowhere near the top of our priorities because what we actually need are the following:

• CAM - to compete with/cover for Odegaard
• Right winger - Saka needs rest, can't keep burning him out
• Number 8 - Arsenal have yet to replace Xhaka. This should have been right at the top of our priorities
• Number 9 - After Havertz, Arsenal have Jesus, Trossard and Nketiah. Not enough depth in the centre forward department
• Right Centre Back (who can ideally also play RB) - to cover for Saliba and White. We all know Tomiyasu is made of glass

3.

If Arteta isn't going to play the likes of Nelson, Ramsdale, Vieira, Tierney and etc, then why haven't they been sold? Arsenal could've easily generated £100m+ from player sales, but we all know this isn't possible when you've got Edu. If he was at any other big club, he would've been sacked a long time ago.

I can't put into words, how alarmed I am by the lack of activity that I'm seeing behind the scenes.

If Arsenal are unable to significantly bolster their squad during this transfer window, then I don't have much hope of us winning the league. If that ends up being the case, we have to move on from Arteta, who should take Edu with him, because he's been given more than enough time to win the league at Arsenal after all the resources he's been given. The less said about his track record of developing younger players, particularly from the academy, the better.

 

[Amjid Javed]

One word to sum up this summer transfer window - shambles. There's 3 reasons for this:

1.

Arsenal have 6 Left-backs in:

• Califori
• Timber
• Tomiyasu
• Kiwior
• Tierney
• Zinchenko

Three of these should be sold. Zinchenko, Tierney and then either Kiwior/Tomiyasu.

2.

The only new addition to the squad is Califiori, who I think is a good signing but he shouldn't have been anywhere nowhere near the top of our priorities because what we actually need are the following:

• CAM - to compete with/cover for Odegaard
• Right winger - Saka needs rest, can't keep burning him out
• Number 8 - Arsenal have yet to replace Xhaka. This should have been right at the top of our priorities
• Number 9 - After Havertz, Arsenal have Jesus, Trossard and Nketiah. Not enough depth in the centre forward department
• Right Centre Back (who can ideally also play RB) - to cover for Saliba and White. We all know Tomiyasu is made of glass

3.

If Arteta isn't going to play the likes of Nelson, Ramsdale, Vieira, Tierney and etc, then why haven't they been sold? Arsenal could've easily generated £100m+ from player sales, but we all know this isn't possible when you've got Edu. If he was at any other big club, he would've been sacked a long time ago.

I can't put into words, how alarmed I am by the lack of activity that I'm seeing behind the scenes.

If Arsenal are unable to significantly bolster their squad during this transfer window, then I don't have much hope of us winning the league. If that ends up being the case, we have to move on from Arteta, who should take Edu with him, because he's been given more than enough time to win the league at Arsenal after all the resources he's been given. The less said about his track record of developing younger players, particularly from the academy, the better.

Welcome back 1st brother.

Pretty much nailed on the head with your posts, glad some fans are finally see the flaws in squad, manager and DOF I've mentioned for ages. Whole purpose of building this so called squad is to try and win numerous titles, CLs and compete on all fronts, or should I say this is the PR that the club pedals out via josh kronke, edu, Arteta and oddegard before season ticket renewals and before merchandise is released.

The marquee signing of Rice, wad no different to partey or ozil in past. Once in while kronkes will Authorise 1 big signing and pretend they are showing ambition.

As long as Arsenal make CL, Arteta and edu are safe. Arteta new contract will be announced soon regardless of if Arsenal fail again.

If the window shuts again and Arsenal are short in positions again, that's on Arteta and edu for clueless recruitment. How many times if left back and goal keepers issue going to be readdressed whilst other holes in squad neglected.

Havertz and Jesus ain't going to fire Arsenal to title or CL this is reality.

Reason why like of Tierney, nketitah, Nelson and Zinchenko have been hard to shift is stupid wages they are on.

As far as Vieira goes, no one wants this trash player. So Arteta will just try and save face by keeping him.

 

[topspin]

Welcome back 1st brother.

Pretty much nailed on the head with your posts, glad some fans are finally see the flaws in squad, manager and DOF I've mentioned for ages. Whole purpose of building this so called squad is to try and win numerous titles, CLs and compete on all fronts, or should I say this is the PR that the club pedals out via josh kronke, edu, Arteta and oddegard before season ticket renewals and before merchandise is released.

The marquee signing of Rice, wad no different to partey or ozil in past. Once in while kronkes will Authorise 1 big signing and pretend they are showing ambition.

As long as Arsenal make CL, Arteta and edu are safe. Arteta new contract will be announced soon regardless of if Arsenal fail again.

If the window shuts again and Arsenal are short in positions again, that's on Arteta and edu for clueless recruitment. How many times if left back and goal keepers issue going to be readdressed whilst other holes in squad neglected.

Havertz and Jesus ain't going to fire Arsenal to title or CL this is reality.

Reason why like of Tierney, nketitah, Nelson and Zinchenko have been hard to shift is stupid wages they are on.

As far as Vieira goes, no one wants this trash player. So Arteta will just try and save face by keeping him.

I agree, everyone raves about progression but there’s been nothing to show for it so far.

What we have to remember is last season’s City wasn’t Pep’s peak City for the following reasons:

- Haaland wasn’t at his best
- KDB was unfit
- They had to go into the season after losing Mahrez and Gundogen, who both played starring roles in their treble winning campaign

Yes Arsenal’s choice of wages for fringe players hasn’t been good but we also have to look at Chelsea, who managed to raise £150m from Havertz, Mount and Kovacic. I highly doubt Edu could’ve accomplished this.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

On the subject of LB surely that will be Timber, Calafiori and Kiwior playing there

I doubt you'll see much of Zinchenko in that position

I wouldn't be surprised if Zinchenko has more minutes playing in midfield than he does at LB

 

[Amjid Javed]

On the subject of LB surely that will be Timber, Calafiori and Kiwior playing there

I doubt you'll see much of Zinchenko in that position

I wouldn't be surprised if Zinchenko has more minutes playing in midfield than he does at LB

Timber had an injury set back in training, I can already see him probably only being able to play 1 game a week, he will have to be managed.

Calafiori we will see what all the hype is about once he settles in and if he can handle PL, very few Italian defenders have done well in PL.

Kiwor won't stay now as he's down the bottom of pecking order of defenders and will go back Italy.

Tierney is out till January and tomiyassu injured again as usual.

So won't be a shock when Zinchenko starts 1st game vs wolves next week.

Anyone thinking Zinchenko won't play much is kidding themselves, Arteta showed his blind faith in this guy last season, same with Jesus. Both will be used regularly this season.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I agree, everyone raves about progression but there’s been nothing to show for it so far.

What we have to remember is last season’s City wasn’t Pep’s peak City for the following reasons:

- Haaland wasn’t at his best
- KDB was unfit
- They had to go into the season after losing Mahrez and Gundogen, who both played starring roles in their treble winning campaign

Yes Arsenal’s choice of wages for fringe players hasn’t been good but we also have to look at Chelsea, who managed to raise £150m from Havertz, Mount and Kovacic. I highly doubt Edu could’ve accomplished this.

Most of our fringe players

Nketiah, Nelson, Tierney, Tomiyasu, Jesus, Zinchenko are all on silly wages. Most buying clubs won't pay the combination of wages + transfer fee for such players.

Edu went on about players over 28 and high wages etc..from 4 years ago. He's not exactly fixed the problem. Just younger players on stupid wages, which he can't sell.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal failed to take their chances to overhaul city. Pretty much because both owners are happy with CL money rather then winning trophies

 

[topspin]

On the subject of LB surely that will be Timber, Calafiori and Kiwior playing there

I doubt you'll see much of Zinchenko in that position

I wouldn't be surprised if Zinchenko has more minutes playing in midfield than he does at LB

This was the starting XI for the Emirates Cup Final against Lyon, earlier today:



This is Arsenal’s full strength team which featured Zinchenko at Left-Back. He’s always been Arteta’s golden boy. He continue to get picked and will end up playing in this role.

Arteta/Edu were in no hurry to rip up Aubameyang’s contract but continue to let this national league defender stand out like a sore thumb.

If Arsenal fall short of winning PL/CL, questions will need to be asked as to why players such as him were not sold to raise funds for the acquisition of new players.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

This was the starting XI for the Emirates Cup Final against Lyon, earlier today:

View attachment 145688

This is Arsenal’s full strength team which featured Zinchenko at Left-Back. He’s always been Arteta’s golden boy. He continue to get picked and will end up playing in this role.

Arteta/Edu were in no hurry to rip up Aubameyang’s contract but continue to let this national league defender stand out like a sore thumb.

If Arsenal fall short of winning PL/CL, questions will need to be asked as to why players such as him were not sold to raise funds for the acquisition of new players.

I guess I'm not close enough to the detail to know what will happen in terms of selection but I thought he started to trust him less

Didn't know Timber had a set back but injuries aside I don't think he'll trust Zinchenko too much, especially in big games

In terms of sales, we have the same criticism at Newcastle but ultimately it's easy to say sell players but you need buyers for those players. And usually the reason you want them sold is because they aren't good enough, so they won't have teams queuing up, especially from teams that could afford their wages

 

[topspin]

I guess I'm not close enough to the detail to know what will happen in terms of selection but I thought he started to trust him less

Didn't know Timber had a set back but injuries aside I don't think he'll trust Zinchenko too much, especially in big games

In terms of sales, we have the same criticism at Newcastle but ultimately it's easy to say sell players but you need buyers for those players. And usually the reason you want them sold is because they aren't good enough, so they won't have teams queuing up, especially from teams that could afford their wages

True, but I must stress that Chelsea were able to raise £150m from Havertz, Mason Mount and Kovacic.

All of these players were sold at a premium when they were all out of favour at Chelsea.

 

[MK7Z]

I guess I'm not close enough to the detail to know what will happen in terms of selection but I thought he started to trust him less

Didn't know Timber had a set back but injuries aside I don't think he'll trust Zinchenko too much, especially in big games

In terms of sales, we have the same criticism at Newcastle but ultimately it's easy to say sell players but you need buyers for those players. And usually the reason you want them sold is because they aren't good enough, so they won't have teams queuing up, especially from teams that could afford their wages

I think other players didn't trust the cry baby either. Ben White and Gabi have both been visibly frustrated with his lack of brain cells.

I think Califiori will be 1st choice while timber gets back to his best. I think it would be odd to have signed him and probably Merino and then play cry baby down the left.

The positive side is we do have a bit of depth in defense now although tomiyasu's inury record is pathetic. We have Defenders who can play FB and also CB.

Time is ticking for the striker though.....