Our two Swiss boys had a good day at the office. Xhaka banged home a screamer from range on 55 minutes to give Switzerland 3 vital points. He celebrated with an eagle sign, a big fuck you to the Serbians, FIFA no doubt going to step in to punish him because they’re super hot on anything unless it’s proper racism. A bit of gentle goading about some genocide back in the day is sure to garner a ten game ban.
Lichtsteiner played his part, barking orders from the sidelines. I found this piece from a Swedish ref Jonas Eriksson on our new signing.
‘I have met several international players and to judge a person you have to meet them several times – and not just once when they have a bad day because everyone can have it. But I have met Lichtsteiner several times, and he is one of the most unpleasant players I met.’
PERFECT. Get me some of that unpleasantness in our side. Not because I like mean players, more because we’re a soft touch with refs in general.
There are some reports that we’re chasing Russian superstar Golovin. The 22-year-old has been impressive this year; we felt his talent first hand in the Europa League. Juve are favourites, but his current employers are pushing for £25m. He looks a player, can’t believe Everton aren’t chasing him down, looks like an Usmanov centrepiece.
In coaching news, Le Grove favourite Julian Nagelsmann shocked the world when he announced he’ll be joining Redbull Leipzig next season. It’s an odd move when you consider Bayern were very interested in his talents, but from a learning perspective, it’s really smart. He’ll get to work with Ralph Rangnick, who is a bit of a management idol from a mentor perspective. He’ll also have money to support him, a smart scouting network, and he’ll be able to raise a family with his lady.
The big transfer chases going off at the moment for Arsenal centre around Soyuncu. The Freiburg centre-back is going to wait until July to decide where he goes next. Then there’s Banega, who met with Gazidis this week. The Argentine, who has been missed this World Cup seems to be playing games. He’s working out his second stint at Sevilla, and he was upset that Sporting Director Oscar Aries left the club. Seems to me like he’s either looking for more money there or more money with us. So we’ll see how this pans out.
There’s a bit of chatter about Petr Cech heading over to Napoli. I wrote yesterday that we’d pushed our wage bill up a lot so far this year. He’d be a good one to ship off the list. Who wouldn’t want to retire to Italy?
Also, I missed off Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla off the out list yesterday. I didn’t do it on purpose. I promise.
Finally, there’s a great write up about Raheem Sterling, by Raheem Sterling on the Players Tribune. It’s rightly being received very well because now people are looking at this guy like a human. Every year, fans of football clubs grow a little. This summer, it seems we’re not about the nasty attacks the press perpetrate on our players. They’re our boys; we’re here to the support the, and the fans will control the narrative. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Tapping out early, but tune in at 4ish tomorrow because I’ll be on Love Sport Radio chatting about our amazing summer.
SPEAK THEN. x
CC
I disagree. Poachers don’t start moves they finish them.
Lukuka starts a lot of his teams goals driving from deep, releases the ball and then combines with the playmaker to then finish the move.
Or he holds up play when a long ball is recieved and then distributes, inter links and then finishes.
Poachers don’t do this they are involved right at the end like a hernandez and don’t really do anything in the build up.
Portugal haven’t been great.
Dominated by Spain, was a real smash and grab job getting the draw.
And Morocco throughougly outplayed them, game decided by a well taken set piece.
It’s funny the way I dig out some of Harry Kane’s stats can make it seem like I’m a fan which is funny because i absolutely detest the lad. Think he’s a little up jump prick with a muggy face but it’s as obvious as the sun and the stats back it up he’s up there as one of the more prolific goal scorers in the world.
Disagree all you like London if one guy is getting 135 goals and the other is getting 98 those guys are not the same level. Still a very good striker though
Group G is Lukaku’s level.
London
You can disagree, but Hernandez too is capable of exactly what you described. It’s not the fact they’re capable or not, it’s that more than not Lukaku is a poacher. Every United fan I know mid season were slating him for being absolutely useless until the ball was in the box.
How does he rate statistically? His pass accuracy, number of passes, key passes, assists etc. I think you’re elevating him based on a liking of the guy tbh.
Over lukuka premier league career
45 percent shooting accuracy
Big chances missed 71
Aguero
42% shooting accuracy
Big chances missed 104
Tbis isn’t me saying lukuka is better just showcasing he is a clinical striker and that he is better than many would presume
London gunner
Your African bias is showing
CC “I think you’re elevating him based on a liking of the guy tbh.” Thats you on xhaka dude. “It’s not the fact they’re capable or not, it’s that more than not Lukaku is a poacher.” Thats the whole point. You were describing him as limited player now you’re alluding to the fact that he is capable of doing more… And I’m not saying he is a playmaker just that he is involved in build up plays and that he isn’t hovering around the 6 yard box like an actual poacher that he is all over the pitch, hell he… Read more »
Hazard’s touch is class.
What’s Belgium weakes link
Belgium are looking like the most convincing team right now along with Croatia. Can’t see too many weaknesses in their starting 11.
This is the most open world cup I can remember.
Defensively they can definitely be got at.
Would 100% sell Mustafi and Chambers.
Both awful players…..they have had their chances and have done everything but taken them.
I saw someone earlier say Chambers had “a reasonable loan” at Boro.
So the standard at AFC is now players that have a reasonable season while getting relegated?
Chambers doesn’t have the tools to be a top CB. He was a stupid buy and will never have any interest from a top 6 club again in his career.
Redruth, your relentless negativity is showing.
At least your racist stereotyping hasn’t hasn’t reared it’s ugly head yet.
Sergio Aguero 124 goals the last 4 seasons Lukaku 98 goals
Group G is the weakest group in the World Cup
Belgium have played Panama and Tunisia relax okay
Shaqiri would be a good squad buy. At £12m certainly.
Put it this way, we’ve seen Iwobi and Welbeck sharing wide duties recently….Neither are very capable.
Shaqiri isn’t improving our first team though.
London No, I rate Xhaka in certain aspects which are rarely noted because people like to bitch about his defensive acumen (something I too criticise). So at least be fair if you’re going to get defensive because I questioned your opinion. I didn’t say Lukaku was limited, I actually said he plays as “a poacher, a well-rounded one” and is criticised often for his inability to do the things you’re waxing lyrical about. Being able to do them isn’t something to write home about, it’s actually doing them that’s the difference. He cost 90 mil mate, for that money I’d… Read more »
Shaqiri not a bit of an egomaniac?
Can’t see him being happy to have a bench role.
To be fair this focus on link up play certain people have at times is a bit strange. I’ve heard Auba is awful linking up play but Lacazette is good at it I mean they’re all fine at it even Lukaku.
Now we are being linked to Kovacic.
“Btw Pedro ‘Drogba’ should be on the banned list.”
Lolz. I concur.
Re Shaqiri take a look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOujW5mM0wM
And to just look at his goals and assists from last season —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAFwTjiW-eY
Meunier looks good everytime I watch him.
Plays RB and CB too.
Gambon
Shaquiri would not improve our first team???????????.
Well rather him than Iwobi or Sick Note on his off day’s.?
No chance we sign Kovacic, Real will want at least 40 million for him.
Probably end up with Banega for 15 million.
Wouldn’t it be either Torreira or Kovacic? Can you guys see them playing together?
Agree with that Gambon
Shaqiri as a squad player is a solid buy for that money.
If he wants to be the main man he can join a mid table club.
I know Gelson is free but I don’t think he looks all that. Seems to have a poor end product and is also untested in the English league.
For the price Shaqiri would likely be wouldn’t we be better suited to go for a Pavon or Lozano? Shaqiri 15-20 million you’d probably get Pavon for about 20-30 or Lozano who cost PSV only 7 million last summer you’d imagine you could get him for around 20-25 million I mean Justin Kluivert went for 15 million and he was as good as Hirving last season
Impressive keeping there.
‘No chance we sign Kovacic, Real will want at least 40 million for him.’
Apparently we will sale Ramsey and get Kovacic in. Net investment zero.
WE I can see it. I’m telling you I just have this feeling of one statement marquee type signing. Been spending quite reasonably so far I can see it.
Na PSV will be watching this WC and adding on 5 million pounds every time Lozano gets on the scoresheet.
They’d be silly to sell for anything less than 40 million.
Batshuayi can’t buy a goal.
Isn’t Kovacic a defensive midfielder and being benched by Casemiro at RM? What about Torreira then? Should be one of two no? If we sell Ramsey and get 2 DMF is a bit too much lol
Marko
We’ve sold nobody though.
Toreirra, Soyuncu, Sokratis, Leno is already 70 million, you really see us dropping an additional 40 mill on Kovacic?
is also untested in the English league.
But everyone’s untested in the premier league until a club actually takes a chance to bring them to the premier league
De Bruyne has been fantastic yet again.
Na Kovacic is B2B, incredible player.
Rated as the most talented Croatian since Prosinecki by many in his homeland.
Boban also said he has a higher ceiling than even he had.
Actually closer to 90 million, not 70.
Na PSV will be watching this WC and adding on 5 million pounds every time Lozano gets on the scoresheet.
You’d imagine but they’re a little bit more reasonable about prices in Holland and we seem to have an actual negotiating team now. But honestly Justin Kluivert was as good as Lozano last season and he just went for 15 and they only bought him for 7 million last summer. 20-25 million is a great deal for him. But my point is that the money would be better spent on him than some short arse from Stoke
I think we want to rap up our signings first and sell players surplus to our requirements post the word cup. Remember we can buy only till Aug 9 while we can sell players to other leagues till 31st August. So that 70M investment will probably end up 40-50M net by the time window comes to a close.
Marko
Championship players are going for that kind of price range, Lozano is looked upon as the next Mexican superstar.
Would be amazed if he could be snagged for that cheap.
With our kit deal being negotiated before the end of the season, how important is it that we are looking good for a CL slot by the turn of the year?
Shouldn’t the club be more ambitious with investments?
Would it be too wishful to think we’ll sort out most positions economically and last minute flash some cash for a top class winger? In other words, our negotiating/ recruitment team play a blinder.
*wrap up
It’s 90 mill though Vick and dropping another 40 on Kovacic would mean we would have to recoup about 80 million in sales to get a 50 mill net spend.
Who could we sell to rack up that kind of dough?
Toreirra, Soyuncu, Sokratis, Leno is already 70 million, you really see us dropping an additional 40 mill on Kovacic?
We’re not paying everything up front and we haven’t even begun to sell some of our players yet. So I absolutely do think that we can do it yes afford someone in the region of 35-45 million yes. And yeah we haven’t sold anyone yet but we will and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve taken a forward thinking positive approach to the window and looked at buying before waiting around to sell. It’s progressive thinking
“But everyone’s untested in the premier league until a club actually takes a chance to bring them to the premier league”
Obviously that’s true but from what I’ve seen he doesn’t look amazing so not sure if it’s worth the risk IMO.
Maybe if we were to offload Welbeck and Iwobi we could bring in Shaqiri and Gelson – they have contrasting style to each other so there could be some benefits.
I’d say Shaqiri and Gelson are potentially better options than Welbz and Iwobi.
Belgium could be into double figures here
WE,
heard great things from RM fans about the Croatian.
He is looking for a new team.
http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/06/23/5b2dfce122601de60e8b4674.html
I imagine a lot of clubs will jump on him. Where will he play though? His stats look poor for someone that could play with Torreira and Xhaka in a midfield three – 3 goals and 7 assists total in 3 seasons with RM. Doesn’t make sense.
Moving Xhaka and getting Mateo would have made perfect sense. Sadly…
Aubergine
haha! My point, been a freak physique since he was born at 3ft, 15 kgs.
Sloppy at the back, as good as they are going forward they will be caused serious problems by Spain, Brazil or Germany.
Assuming Kovacic signing goes through, we can rake up good money from sale of Ramsey, Mustafi, Chambers, Cech, Perez and possibly one of Iwobi or Welbeck.
Marko
Yeah look if we can manage to raise some cash by selling Ramsey and Mustafi I could see it happening.
Did Ramsey not just sign a contract though?
PSG played a 4-3-3 in a 34 of their 38 league games last season, has Emery said something which indicates we will play a 4-2-3-1?
Raptora
He’s like a bigger framed more robust Wilshere when Jack was good and faster too, he’s absolutely rapid.
As good a penetrative dribbler though the middle as you’re likely to see, he doesn’t play far enough forward to rack up good goal/assist stats but he does everything you’d want from a CM.
He’s been a bit starved of opportunities at Real though because they have the best CM on the planet.
In his last season at Inter he scored 8 goals which isn’t bad considering finishing is the weakest aspect of his game.
I don’t see us bringing like what? 6 defensive players in one transfer window? Whilst losing Cazorla, Wilshere and selling Ramsey. No way Kovacic is as good as Cazorla or Ramsey going forward and we need someone dangerous if we are playing 3 in the middle. Both Ramsey and Santi are/were a 15+ goals a season players. The players that we are buying can’t even score 5 goals a season together. And that’s with having 2 wings in Ozil and Mikki who are playmakers and not real goalscorers ala young CR7, Messi, Neymar, Alexis, Hazard etc. So that would leave… Read more »
It’s around 62 million so far not counting Caglar Soyuncu who people are assuming will cost 35 million but could be closer to 25 million.
Yeah look if we can manage to raise some cash by selling Ramsey and Mustafi I could see it happening. Did Ramsey not just sign a contract though?
I hope not.
There appears to be a pattern emerging to Arsenal’s transfer business in recent years and that may well explain to some extent the departure of Sanchez. Most of Arsenal’s recent arrivals starting with Mertesacker have been either players who have played in German League and/or speak German. Most German and Swiss players speak also English. So if you look at our transfers over last 5 years we have recruited Mertesacker, Ozil,Mustafi, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Sokratis, Torreira who have played in Bundesliga plus Lichsteiner and Elneny who have played for Basel and Switzerland. Our only other players who have been… Read more »
I don’t think Ramsey will stay.
Looks as though he had a plan to drag it out and milk us for a mega deal, but that seems as if it’s about to backfire with the changes we are making.
As much as I would like to see Ramsey under a new manager if the choice was selling him and getting Kovacic or keeping Ramsey I would sell, I think Kovacic could be a great player in the midfield.
If he was in the midfield along with Torreira our midfield suddenly looks balanced for the first time in years.
——————-Xhaka———————–
——-Torreira———–Kovacic———–
Martins————————Mkhitaryan
—————-Aubameyang—————–
That has a great look to it, really nice balance.
I think in the last 10 years we should have been taking our chances in the South American market especially in the offensive side of the game. Get a top prospect, make him a star, sell him while reaping rewards while he is playing.
Alexis has been our only star (fk nozil) in the last 6 years. The previous good generation we’ve had although not winning a trophy was RvP, Cesc, Nasri. Arshavin. It’s not comparable.
Why is noone talking about Welbeck? The donkey is in his final year of contract too.
4 years he’s been at the club. Can’t think of many other useless signings.
Atleast recoup some money by selling him.
I’ve seen around 30 mins of this Gelson Martins dude. I hope I’m wrong but he does look like a Renato Sanches/Gervinho/busy player but terrible end product.
Ramsey hasn’t scored 15 plus a season since 13/14 season.
13/14-16 goals
14/15-10 goals
15/16-6 goals
16/17-4 goals
17/18-11 goals
That’s all competitions too. So that’s quite a long way off 15 goals a season.
Spain, Germany and Brazil have got some serious improving to do if they’re to go all the way . The quality of this World Cup has been below par from the top teams. Still think Brazil are favourites but they’re not even sure of a place in the knockouts.
“Tapping out early, but tune in at 4ish tomorrow because I’ll be on Love Sport Radio chatting about our amazing summer.”
Talking to the great Ian Stone?
Rambo Ramsey
Welbeck may be viewed by some posters and pundits as a donkey, but he is
a useful squad player to have because of his versatility and style of play.
It should not be forgotten also that he has scored more goals for England than
any other player in their squad.
The key difference between him and Wilshire or for that matter Walcott is
that the latter two expected to play in Arsenal’s starting lineup. The same does
not appear to apply to Welbeck.
Last 3 years banega scored 20 goals in all competitions. Ramsey 21………
It seems that Kovacic has a £44 Million release clause, if Ramsey is gone then we basically swap players for nothing or near nothing.
The problem of course is convincing Kovacic when we have no UCL and he will have a lot of offers from teams in a better position right now. The other side of that is that he would instantly be the top player in our midfield, one of the first names on the team sheet.
Rambo
“Why is noone talking about Welbeck? The donkey is in his final year of contract too.”
Shhhhhhh
[whispering] Paulinho loves the lad. Don’t make yourself a target.
Last year Ramsey – 30 apps, 11 goals, Banega – 50 apps, 4 goals. Please.
Last 5 years: Ramsey – 177 apps, 47 goals; Banega – 158 apps, 18 goals. I enjoy showing selective stat period.
You’re right ramsey has a better goalscoring record per game. Thing is he misses 40% of the season through injury. 200k a week for 60% of the season. Please
If anyone is judging Ramsey’s performances in midfield (a midfield two) by how many goals he scores they legitimately need to stop. Kovacic is by far a much better midfielder than Ramsey not because of his goals but because when he is picked as a midfielder he actually plays as a midfielder
Emiratesstroller, he’s got a terrible injury record.Plus he’s already on 80k per week salary I think.
You think its a good idea to give this player another contract to play a squad role? I’d rather promote a youngster like Nkietiah.
The other side of that is that he would instantly be the top player in our midfield, one of the first names on the team sheet
That’s how you convince him. He’d be vital to our plans and we’d likely get back into the champions league sooner rather than later with people like him playing for us
Wenger is probably the only person who thought that Ramsey could work in a midfield two. I know Eriksen is much more technical than the Welsh but imagine if he was to play in a midfield two with only Dier and that’s that. Would be dire stuff.
Really like the Mexican kits today. I’d give anything to dump Puma for Adidas.
I hope Kovavic comes, I just don’t see him wanting to join us. #wengerlegacy
Nobody will pay 40 million for Ramsey in his current contract situation. 20 million max, not a good deal for Arsenal. Better to get him signed on a long term deal and review his situation next summer.
These revisionist approach to Welbeck is puke inducing.
It’s as if he’s not the same payer who’s been at Arsenal for 4 seasons and scores only 15 goals.
The term donkey is a very good fit for Welbeck. I recall when people will slate Giroud and praise Welbeck for his “pace and power”
He’s one of the worst 25 players we’ve ever signed in the last 2 decades.
**15 league goals** Danny Welbeck
If Welbeck starts more than one game next season, then our transfer business is shit.
He’s got to be amongst the first out of the door since he’s on the last year of his contract. He wont fetch more that 10-12 million because everyone knows he’s a cart horse.
Rambo
“Nobody will pay 40 million for Ramsey in his current contract situation. 20 million max, not a good deal for Arsenal. Better to get him signed on a long term deal and review his situation next summer.”
Catch 22 though.
It will be near impossible to move him on an a mega wage long term contract.
Nobody will pay 40 million for Ramsey in his current contract situation. 20 million max, not a good deal for Arsenal. Better to get him signed on a long term deal and review his situation next summer.
Then we’d be in another Ozil situation with a player on massive wages unable to get rid. And even if he’s got a year left you’d get more than 20 million for him. Either way sell sell sell
Lozano looks like a heck of a player. It’s no wonder Barca are sniffing around.
Raptora
When do Santi ever score 15 goals?
I’ll wait.
You say our new players won’t score 5 between them, you realise they are defenders right?
You also realise that we have our best strike team in years, since Henry left actually.
I don’t get your negativity.
Torreria used to be a striker and will probably be our designated free kick taker.
He will score more goals than Santo did.
Last thing we have to worry about is scoring goals, and with those defensive players coming in, we can attack with more confidence.
Ramsey should fetch 35m+ at the bottom least. City offered us 60m lowball offer for Alexis. Ramsey 2 years younger than the Chilean should be around 40m+.
Autocorrect is the Devil…
It’s not about negativity. It’s about having a good plan. I said that I don’t see us getting 6 new players and all of them more defensively oriented. That would mean a hell of a lot Welbeck, Iwobi, no winger, no pace Ozil on the flank etc.
It would not be a good balance.
What a kind by the Koreans. Wife is happy though. Our boy Vela!
What a kind gift*** by the Koreans.
either Son from korea is very pacy (some thing I missed when he is playing for spurs) or those mexican defenders don’t have any speed to them…
Son has always been very pacy, nothing surprising here
I hate son. Annoying player
Viva Mexico
To all you trump lovers
Anyone have an opinion on Layun? Good player