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You can chill those Heinz Baked beans, it seems that the deal to bring Pépé to Arsenal is basically done. Fabrizio Romano, who has been on top of this story even when it was a ‘OH DO FU*K OFF’ pipe dream, reckons the deal is done and the player is wetting his bed in excitement for the move.
I don’t need to continue to wax about this, but really, it’s the most exciting transfer of the last 10 years for Arsenal. We know he wants to move to us, he’s not a reject, his career is on an upwards trajectory.
… I still can’t quite believe it’s happening.
I’m also glad that this summer has well and truly seen the death of the ITK crowd. We’re back to journo’s knowing more. I much prefer things that way.
We still have our cuck fanbase praising Wenger for being part of the deal. Sure, Pépé wants to come to Arsenal, but be real, Raul having a relationship with Jorge Mendes is why this is happening, nothing to do with what we were doing 20 years ago. The pound notes speak and we’re finally dealing with the right agents that can make things happen.
Interestingly, Monaco are rumoured to be entertaining a €30m bid for Mustafi. Jorge Mendes has deep ties over there. He’s moved lots of names in and out of that club. It really wouldn’t be surprising to see us shift out players because we’re greasing the right sort of wheels with the Pépé deal.
I think moving on Mustafi would be the biggest deal of the summer. It would be absolutely unreal. I think I would write Raul a thank you note.
It’s been very amusing to watch certain Arsenal fans sanctimoniously slamming fans when it comes to his treatment. He’s a leach. He’s here because we make it too easy for him to stink out our defence. Why shouldn’t fans hound him out? To say it’s not Arsenal class to boo player just shows a lack of understanding of our history. I’ve been there when we’ve booed Eboue. Fans in the 80s were militant about moving on Terry Neil with protests. Away fans hounded Wenger at Stoke station. Arsenal fans were booing players as far back as the Chapman days. Fans were even booing in 2004!
Sure, it’s not nice. But this is elite sport. This isn’t dopey Dave the intern that keeps messing up the coffee run. He shouldn’t be given the choice to stay. He should go to Monaco and enjoy the good life. Then we should go out and sign someone better so we can crack on with a better defence.
If Gareth Bale can be shoved out a year after signing a new deal in Madrid after netting 4 European Cups, then Mustafi can be as well.
There is no class in accepting mediocrity.
Right, that’s me done, see you in the comments.
Leno, Jenkinson, Sokratis, Chambers, Monreal, Guendouzi, Ceballos, Willock, Nelson, Aubameyang, Nketiah
Line up tomo vs angers I’m reading
Chambers is getting a good amount of game time.
Interesting midfield as well.
CA
Looks like emery wants to have a look at the 3 lads vying for his 3rd spot in the middle before Barca at the wknd and then he will play full strength
They’ve got 9 days to sign Pepe, Tierney and a centre half
If they don’t at least add tierney then Pepe will not gloss over the failure to address the backline this summer
Yes it’s an exciting transfer but if not one defender comes in then it’s emtirely wengeresque
Marc
Cheers
Dead here tonight
WOB ” Pierre has come to the reasoned conclusion that Pépé runs around uselessly like a chicken that’s just been beheaded by Emery. The problem is Pepe’s got no end product.” Actually Pierre has come to the “reasoned conclusion” that Pepe is an excellent signing by Raul, Pepe will fill the void that Sanchez left , he will provide goals , assists and will get the crowds off their seats with his direct play (ala Sanchez) and most importantly ,help to improve our away form. Let’s hope Emery manages to set the team up in a way to get the… Read more »
Un
To be fair in terms of CB options he’s got nothing basically. It is good to hear they are apparently chasing a CB with a host of names linked to us, some good, some not so good.
I guess it depends on what money we can make from sales because Tierney is likely to take up the last part of our budget.
“They need the freedom to express themselves knowing that the midfield and defence is tight and compact …”
Well that leaves Ozil out then doesn’t it or do you see a way of putting him into midfield where it will still manage to be tight and compact?
It’s so boring Le grove going on and on about how much we will get for this and that player , who gives a toss .
Un na
It’s not only a good shout it’s a great song.
Pierre,
Only ribbing you!
“and they call it Pepe love”
Pierre
If it makes the difference in getting a CB or not, a better CB option or not then I think we should all give a toss.
Its boring reading the posts of a bitter liar too Pathetic Pierre.
Cmansf
Oh dear!
Good spot though but no I will not be signing that. It’s actually worse than when someone tried to push “So Nacho” as a song for Monreal.
Marc “Well that leaves Ozil out then doesn’t it or do you see a way of putting him into midfield where it will still manage to be tight and compact?” Maybe it does leave Ozil out , if we play a 4-3-3 then Ozil is out of the side as we will probably copy Liverpool’s system of having 3 solid midfielders , fine by me as I have been advocating for a long time that we need to control the game from midfield. We didn’t manage it under Wenger with the ill disciplined Ramsey in midfield and we definitely didn’t… Read more »
Cmansf
And the call it Pépé love
Just because they never know
How a Gooner really feels
When you’re tearing down the wing
Skinning fullbacks just for fun
And scoring all those lovely goals
CA
What central defenders are you seeing us linked to?
WOB
The bullshit link nearly came your way …
Pierre
I don’t think there’s that much difference between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1.
It’s just how advanced one of the CM’s is and that player should still be expected to put a shift in. That can be tracking back or pressing from the front but the PL is just too competitive to have passengers.
Of all the CBs that has been linked to us this summer, only really Konate, Upemecano and Kimpembe (not counting Umtiti here because that’s not happening) have all the physical attributes to be a success in the PL. Rugani too slow, Kamara too slight etc. Of those 3 I don’t think Konate is possible with 4 years left on his contract. PSG losing out on De Ligt might want to hold on to Kimpembe now. Upemecano was linked a couple of weeks ago and the reported price was 30m, even if it’s up to 40m I think we should be… Read more »
I thought my one year old granddaughter had an insight into what was going on at Arsenal as she excitedly kept saying ” pepe “.
Then pepper pig came on the box and she shouted ” Pepe”….
Marc
I don’t think we had the players( offensively) before Pepe arrived to plays 4-3-3 similar to Liverpool .
Most of their goals come from the wide players with firmino providing the link , Aubamayang and Pepe could be as lethal as Salah and Mane in a 4-3-3 .
Playing a 4-3-3 means our offensive players would defend from the front and not have to track back to their own box as the cover from the 3 midfielders will be there .
This allows our offensive players to save energy for where they most need it ,in the final third.
Pierre
We’ve been chronically short of width for a while now.
Got a feeling Zaha is heading to Arsenal as well. Two Ivorians in either wing!
I would personally like to see a 3 man midfield of Willock Torriera and Guendouzi/Ceballos to compliment our front 3 .
Marc
You like the blues? Listen to Elmore James. The man is a legend. They say he invented the slide guitar with a mop bucket and other house hold items
Dirt poor but the sort of genius you will never see the likes of again with this new shite they produce these days
How many kids pick up a guitar or sit down with a piano or a harp or a sax??
So so sad the way music has died
I do like seasick Steve too.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8BgRO81Y5fU
Proper music
I love Native American and Tibetan flute too. And Celtic hymns. When in the mood
This Kamara guy from Marseille is a tad too short for a CB.
I’d cringe watching him.
According to what I’ve read, he’s not fast enough too.
For someone under 1.8m, it’s worrying. No height, no pace to complement
Pierre
Willock and Ceballos are closer in position/style than Guen/ Ceballos.
Don’t know where you’ve got this crazy idea that Ceballos is some kind of Xhaka clone, the guy is a top dribbler and has a burst of pace, pretty much the polar opposite to Xhaka.
We will go for Ruben Dias. Benfica. Excellent DC. Young and already good. Can be expensive but thats the way we are going now. Prospects.
I wouldn’t go making assumptions on Ceballos just yet
The same rubbish was spouted about xakha when he first came and played a few games scored a couple of beauties and then came the critics
I really hope we’re not looking at him. I’d rather keep Bielik.
Don
Like with all signings it’s possible that he doesn’t adapt to the pace and power of the PL, still doesn’t make him a similar player to Guen, or Xhaka, or Arteta like you claimed.
I hope we see the early season form from Torreira and Guen during the whole season this year, the less we have to see of Xhaka the better.
Also expecting Willock to get some game time.
Hopefully Ceballos adapts quickly and Ozil can park his bleached ass on the bench.
Pepe don’t take no messin’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5_j91FjsXM
fred Sometimes fans look at new players through rose -tinted glasses and only see the positive side of new arrivals……I didn’t say he was a clone of Xhaka , or course he isn’t , you say he has a burst of pace , watching him live on Sunday I would say he doesn’t look to have the running action of someone who has a burst of pace, he can dribble but I will be surprised if he leaves players for dead with his “burst of pace ” …dribbling wise he looks more like a Joe Cole, hence he could play… Read more »
Pierre
I didn’t say he’s a speed demon, he clearly isn’t that, but he has the ability to dribble past players using trickery and pace. Joe Cole is probably a fairer comparison.
I’ve given up on Xhaka so I don’t really think anyone can compliment him, he’s just too slow and full of errors, we’ll see though.
I’m not judging him on a 20 min cameo in preseason in his first appearance for the club though.
Freddie
I’ve only watched him for real and he seemed arteta like to me
Arteta was a good player in his day too don’t forget.
Even though a CB is urgently needed, I’d prefer it if we only bought in a real top quality one.
I’m hearing that Rugani is prone to mistakes. But the little that I’ve seen of him on YouTube, he seems decent, but no that quick, which is a worry.
But a loan for him for one season until we get a real beast at CB.
So next year go really big on say a Koulibaly or a Varane etc. Big shot, but it can be done I think.
As radiohead said, no surprises
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/comments/cjxwrs/pepe_confirmation/
Joe Cole is probably a fairer comparison.
Not on your nelly. Joe Cole was a flair master. This fella passes more than he dribbles and he doesn’t have the same level as Cole of beating a man. No chance
GS88
A koulibaly signing next summer would be interesting as a copying Liverpool style signing. The attack is set. We will need a mid to replace Ceballos but a big shoot your wad for a top top defender im all in favor for. Champions league dependent of course.
Assuming we get Tierney and a CB that likely starts alongside Sokratis, whats our best starting XI?
So Dybala Lukaku swap done
Don “Those technical qualities were apparent during this summer’s U21 Euros. As well as contributing two goals and two assists, Ceballos created more chances and completed more dribbles than anyone else at the tournament. He even made the most passes, attempting 375 with a 93 per cent accuracy rate across Spain’s five games. He has already won six caps for the senior side. It would be no surprise for that number to start rising soon. Only Neymar and Lionel Messi made more dribbles than Ceballos in La Liga that season – and that’s despite the fact that he was frozen… Read more »
Last year, Emery wanted to win every competition. He didn’t rotate enough the starting 11. This year, I hope he plays youngsters and backups in those cup games and early round of the Europa Cup competition. It is important to keep the starting 11 always fresh.
So one of his u21 team mates talked him up? Big deal
Countless people talked up jack Wilshere and you lot laugh him off but he was better at 19 than ceballos is now.
Anyway
You like him so good for you
I hope you’re right Freddie
For Arsenal’s sake
Sal paradise.
Leno
Willock Sokratis Rugani Tuerney
Torreira Guendozi/Niles/Chambers
Ceballos
Pepe. Lacazete Auba
Yes I put Willock as the right full back and I think there’s one more spot in the midfield up for grabs.
And I don’t consider Xhaka or Ozil as good enough.
Westworld is so deep.
Cali.
Yeah totally.
And a good model to follow.
Yeah can’t beat the Godfather of Soul.
Another one — Pepe’s Got A Brand New Bag.
Don Actually it was his team mate at Betis that talked him up, but that’s not really important. Tell me again how a player that had the 3rd most dribbles in la liga is not a flair player, I’m struggling to see the logic you’re using there. Also the most dribbles, key passes and passes along with 2 goals and 2 assists at the u21 euros. Sounds very Arteta/ Xhaka like right? I hope we get more use out of him in 1 season that we got out of Jack in 3, don’t get me wrong Jack had talent but… Read more »
Really pleased with the fighting spirit of our management team this summer but still concerned about Raul’s statement on selling players if they don’t renew when they hit the two years remaining mark on their contract. What are the plans regarding Aubameyang. I don’t believe he’s extended. There’s a small piece of me that thinks Auba’s situation had something to do with our move for Pepe. Let’s hope we extend Auba’s deal before the window closes or we’ll have just deferred the drama until the next window. Regardless, I just love what management has done this summer. Saliba looks like… Read more »
I isn’t say he was like xakha
I’ve seen him play during 90 mins and all he did was pass pass pass
Sorry but it will take more than one of his buddies endorsing him or a highlights reel for me to change my mind. He will have to perform and show these dribbling skills for arsenal.
I didn’t
“18-24%of the Pépé (and other players) fees leaving the game and going to agents and financiers is pretty depressing, it has to be said.”
Usually I’d say that c.20% leaving the game is bad.
But when you realise how Lille have pissed on us, i couldn’t care less.
Lille have made €70m up front on a player whose true valuation was more like €25m-€30m.
Agents getting paid is standard so that’s a non-starter to be honest!
Derby paying up to £10m for Bielik? Wow, ok then.
Goes to show how mad football is; equally that’s good business.
Chances of Bielik getting picked up for £20m in a couple of season…crazier things have happened
Bacary
If we don’t sign at least one defensive recruit this summer then it’s flattering to deceive
Missing glaring deficiencies in the team is wengeresque at his worst
This summer will be no different if we don’t address the defence
Don
No you said Arteta, your buddy Pierre compared him to Xhaka, both are equally wrong which is why I added both names.
Ok, so the FACT that he had the most dribbles after Neymar and Messi 2 years ago in la liga despite missing 3 months of the season doesn’t convince you that he’s a flair player because he didn’t dribble in that 1 game you saw him?
Alrighty then, nothing much to add to that then.
Carts
Pretty sure I read Angers gets € 10 million, that’s where he was playing before joining Lille.
Here’s hoping the agents don’t get it all.
Karim
Ah, ok fair enough. Hopefully Angers negotiated that into the initial sale of Pépé. Good for them.
Agents fees, at times, are wild. Makes me wonder why clubs don’t mandate a maximum %, though I’ve read that FIFA have outlined a recommended % but that doesn’t seem to deter vermins like Raiola who’s in a compete different league when we’re talking agents fees.
Freddie
I’ve seen him play 2 or 3 times
Yes, him having a dribble doesn’t necessarily mean he’s joe Cole. Walcott dribbled but he had no trickery. He just ran into space. A dribble doesn’t necessarily mean he’s run took 2-3 players out of the game with skill. For statistic purposes it’s just ball carrying
Who scored also said he was a highly defensive cmf and bla bla bla while you claimed he was a no10 not dissimilar from joe Cole
If were comparing Ceballos to anyone more Iniesta for me, i’m not saying he’s that good but has that ability to push forward with ball and unlock defense. Can play at the tip of a 433 or deeper alongside the holding MF in a 4231 as we used Ramsay to great affect at times.
Don I said comparing him to Joe Cole is probably fairer than comparing him to Xhaka, doesn’t mean they’re exactly the same player. He can play both as a 10 and as a CM, but considering the rest of the midfield options we have I’m not sure where he fits in, it’s a matter of opinion whether you think Ozil or Xhaka is the biggest problem in there and needs replacing. Emery seems to think it’s Ozil so that’s where I’m guessing he’ll be playing most of the time, but we’ll have to see, unlike Valentin I don’t have direct… Read more »
Carts
Yeah, Raiola gets outrageous fees, think he got € 25 million out of the Pogba to Man U deal …
Pig.
Karim
You dirty french dog, get yourself a Pastis and put it on the Le Grove tab… cliche but its the thought that counts!
How you rating this summer?
Freddie
Fair enough. From what I’ve seen I’m still very much on the fence over him. If he is what you say he is and we get him permanently then great. I’m just unconvinced he will go that route for us.
Karim
Raiola has everyone over a barrel. Scandalous!!
Freddie,
Disappointed that you don’t have direct access to Emery’s thought processes.
Still, hopefully after half a season or so assisting him, you’ll be able to enlighten us….
Words
I’m working on it as we speak.
Don’t want to supplant Valentin as the go to source for all undisputed and unprovable facts about all things Arsenal though, he can keep that role.
Freddie,
Shame, being the King of The Unprovable Factoid is always a good position to be in…
Thorough are we allowed to play 13 players then ???
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-nicolas-pepe-transfer-confirmed-18802366.amp
Here he is lads
In the red and white
Confirmed
Tierney is apparently now suggesting to Celtic he wants to move.
This is a change of position for him.
Cesc that must be hard for Thierney as he is a massive Celtic fan
Mr Serge The whole way through the window most of the Jock press has been laughing at the idea he would eventually ask to move because he is a Celtic fan. But when the chance to play in the EPL for Arsenal and earn then type of money that is offer it must be difficult. I would imagine he has sat quietly thinking the deal would happen without him saying or doing anything. But he must be looking at 8 days left of the window and while he certainly isn’t kicking up a fuss he might now be suggesting that… Read more »
Un is that picture straight?
Umititi rumours persisting… great player, but no good if he’s injured all the time.
Might as well keep Mus…
10m will help for sure ca
Get Tierney over the line now
Sell Mustafi for 15 to get Rugani
Pépé leaked photos ate legit
Now Tierney and a cb
We will get top 4 wow
Hearing that Tierney is virtually a done deal.
I know you can’t always believe ITKs, but both Robbie from AFTV and Lee The Gunner have suggested that the deal will go through within the next few days.
Let’s see what happens.
Ceballos
Tierney
Saliba
Pépé
Who would have thought
Also selling Mustafi maybe?!!!!
I’m excited again
If we can get Tierney over the line it will officially be a very good summer
If we can also get a cb who improves us it would be a great summer
If we can flog some of our shite on top, it will be a fabulous summer
Reports from mustafi’s dad that he plans to stay and fight for his place
This is where our management team have to earn their crust. He needs to be told in no uncertain terms that we appreciate his effort over the years and thank him politely for his contribution to our FA cup wins etc but that he’s not part of our plans and there’s zero chance of that changing, that he would be left in the reserves if he’s not willing to take a move etc
Don’t be too nice arsenal, do what you have to do
Get him out and ozil out too
We all now what will happen this season
A good game here and there and nothing else
I can see more sulking and ozil drama all season
He can now say ptsd as an excuse for his shitty performances
I want him out more than Mustafi
Whatever is the opinion about transfer fees in general and Pepe’s fee in particular the reality is that this fee is not that special when you see what is going on elsewhere.
What has changed is that Arsenal are now beginning to punch their weight in the transfer market something that we have failed to do when in the past we had the opportunity to buy players of this calibre.
The concern about our defence remains the same. We need to buy at least one new player this summer.
Most probably that will be Tierney at left back. This deal has obviously been put on the back burner and my guess is that Arsenal are also attempting to raise some cash from sales.
I am less convinced that Arsenal will buy a second CB or for that matter sell
Mustafi. Let’s be honest there is a dearth of good CBs available in the market
and we are seeing just how resistant Leicester are in selling Maguire to Man
Utd.
What is it about The Arsenal & not building a proper defence?
Pepe is great news and he could become on par with Bergkamp, Rix, Brady, Charlie N and others predating Wenger. Time will tell if Pepe can pull tress in the PL. Pepe has every advantage to become a worldly playing with Auba and Lacazette with Ceballos feeding and driving play WOB “Ah, Thomas…..I don’t think I’ve ever come across, whether in real life or in the virtual world, a more relentlessly and consistently negative person than Thomas.” He never got over being named after a tank engine. Pierre and CG make the perfect couple to have pity parties together. Let’s… Read more »
Serge
I said ‘one space in the midfield was up for grabs’ which is the who partners Torreira at the base of the midfield. Cant quite make up my mind on any of the 3 listed, that’s why I used ‘/’ in between the 3 names.
Don “How many kids pick up a guitar or sit down with a piano or a harp or a sax??” Isn’t that down to the environment parents create for their children? My 21 year old daughter plays guitar and piano where her 21 year old BF plays guitar to decent jazz live. My 10 year old son has been learning the guitar for the last 8 months. I know I have a solid background in music engineering and management, but we never make our kids take up hobbies or crafts they don’t want to do. Pepe song? Pepe, Pepe to… Read more »
Pepe’s got a brand new bag – James Brown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnDEr9R0snU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKRARDgYD0Y
So many good blues musicians and songwriters Don. Difficult to single one out as the best.
Top 5 Blues tracks anyone?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7303169/Nicolas-Pepe-pictured-Arsenal-kit-time-Gunners-ready-announce-72m-deal.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7303163/Transfer-news-Arsenal-closing-Kieran-Tierney-capture-restructuring-25m-deal.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmZce9udLxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk8bEbmwOh0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9kdOHB4r08