Business travel is all about projects, to yourself, the true person you want to be.
I downloaded 10 episodes worth of Ken Burns documentaries, packed a Christopher Hitchens memoir, a notebook with a mechanical pencil for jotting down semi-important musings, and I carried my laptop so I could catch up with admin.
You know what I achieved in 2.5 hours on a packed plane? 5 Stroopwafels, 2 bags of Cheetos, 1 Nesquik milkshake, 3 episodes of Rick and Morty, all whilst tearing through a gossip magazine that totally gave me the inside scoop on Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s ILLICIT courtship.
Such a sobering experience. I’m like that Chanel guy when he realised he wasn’t going to be who the people wanted him to be.
However, at least I wasn’t sitting on the internet like a transfer pervert like most of you lot were. You are fucking embarrassing, grown men, hoovering up content like it was the last line at a festival before the Klaxons arrive.
UPEMECANO PEOPLE.
I was literally on a podcast with Dan the day before pontificating on why we’d bother with Umtiti when players like the Leipzig man and Lewis Dunk would represent better value and lower risk.
Rumour has it we’re in for him for €60, but they want more… obviously.
This player is exactly what we need. He’s built like Sol Campbell. He’s a towering figure. He has everything we want, most notably, fitness. He’d be a great partner for Sokratis this season, and by the time he’s adapted to the league, we’d be bringing Saliba to town.
Wow, wow, wow… we’d have two of the best young centre backs in France powering our backline for ten years. Saliba is 19, Upemacano is 20… that would be unreal business.
I’m so excited at the prospect I don’t know what to do.
Every time there’s a problem, Raul and Edu just deal with.
THEY ARE PUTTING ME OUT OF BUSINESS.
The only thing I’ll have left to moan about is Emery… and if that doesn’t work out this season, they simply won’t renew his deal then that’ll be sorted.
At least I’m safe in the knowledge that if it all goes to shit here, I’ll be able to land a cheeky CHIEF FOOTBALL WRITER role at any of the major news publications… amirite?
No. I’m not. An Ebola outbreak isn’t getting me that coveted role at The Daily Star and that’s the brutal truth.
Anyway, not much from me today.
See me in the comments and tell me how you’ll celebrate if we buy Upemecano!
Also, listen to the damn Podcast. No Patreon bullshit here. Just free content on the proviso you do NOT criticise the work.
x
Pierre
CC is correct.
What you could also be saying is how appealing were Arsenal under Mr Wenger prior to Emery’s arrival.
Exactly!
Makes that “equation” a wee bit more relevant.
Don
The reason Ceballos joined was because of guarantees of regular first team football at Arsenal this coming season. Emery basically promised him a first team place by and large.
What’s more naive? Thinking Ceballos can make some sort of impact this season or Willock?
Pierre
Don’t forget that Saka is delivering those balls on his weaker foot
He’s right footed and looks to have some serious dribbling qualities
Certainly a very exciting young player.
Vickings….if we sign a decent LB and CB and we’re able to play 4 at the back I think the defence will be massively improved. If not it’ll be tough to blame Emery fully with the line up he’ll be choosing from.
Charlie
“What is in Spurs favour is Coutinho had a 6 month loan under Poch at Espanyol I read. That could swing it”
It does often come down to the manager when a player chooses a club .
There’s no way Coutinho would ever choose playing for Emery over Pochettino.
I’m sure that if Coutinho had a 6 month loan period playing under Emery previously, it would not be the clincher for Coutinho to join Arsenal , the opposite in fact.
Ish
So why didn’t he get more game time at Madrid if he is that good? And again you’re just assuming he adapts to the climate and tempo.
Wenger Eagle
Pépé best wide man in the country?
He’s not even the best one at The Arsenal
Future Ballon D’or candidates Nelson and Saka are above him I’m afraid. He’s lucky Arsenal legend Jenkinson doesn’t want play as a #7. Otherwise, he’d be the fourth best wide player at the club. Will Pépé make the 18 man matchday squad? I’m not so sure….
Un, is Saka right footed, I assumed he favoured his left?
I would go and say that we’d be better off without Coutinho. Ceballos loan and eventual buy makes sense cause we are terribly short in class in our midfield. I know same can be said about LW/AM as Coutinho would be a giga upgrade on Iwobi, Mikki, Ozil and co. But it goes to the point that Phil is a star. And there is probably a well established hierarchy in the squad. I’d rather we go for super highly rated young players desperate to make the next step and become world class playing for us, than buy a star that… Read more »
Ishola Haha I’m not going to get into Upa again mate had it out with Marko yesterday because I dared suggest Konate looks the better prospect and he was behind in the pecking order, he’s a prospect and much better than what we have so sign me up. Charlie Can’t say I’ve seen too much of Ceballos, as you say has no real end product to speak of but if he can improve us in transition and give us that ability to slip past challenges like Wilshere did it’ll open up running lanes for the front 3 and make us… Read more »
And ish
Willock over the last 3 months has looked our best midfielder
Why is it naive to expect him to do well this season? Ceballos has shown us nothing yet but you’re all jumping on him to carry the team in the middle of the park
Pierre, you do have ‘anti-Emery goggles’ on at all times!
Zz was actively trying to get rid of him
Dream
He learn nothing from Malcom?
Shame we bought him really, already have outrageous talent in wide areas.
Un na naai
“So why didn’t he get more game time at Madrid if he is that good? And again you’re just assuming he adapts to the climate and tempo.”
Just highlights how average the Arsenal midfield has been doesn’t it that he can come in and be promised a first team place.
Un, or ZZ thought it was a win-win letting Ceballos get game time at AFC.
Anybody who can carry the ball , evade the press and pass well will instantly improve our midfield. Ceballos looks the part , hes very much in Cazorla category . Hes already miles better than Xhaka .
Just seen the Kos social media video on sky.
Fudge off Arsenal, I’m a Bordeaux player now.
I understand the guy is upset but, after 9 years, you’d expect a bit more discretion and respect.
I wonder if he’ll also find his comfort zone in France.
Ceballos might not work out but this is Spain’s captain and most influential player at the recent U21 championship that they won. Could it be that he’s a really decent prospect but can’t get enough game time at RM?
if we sign a decent LB and CB and we’re able to play 4 at the back I think the defence will be massively improved. If not it’ll be tough to blame Emery fully with the line up he’ll be choosing from. @Bob, that’s a big IF. Didn’t emery have good defenders at psg? Look at man city defenders and tell me which one is an outstanding defender but the set up makes them look good and they get the job done. What of Barca? Give emery the best defenders in the world, he’d still not come good. Just let… Read more »
Graham, distasteful departure by Koscielny but did you ever see him not play in a totally committed way? ‘Comfort zone’, does that mean not being overplayed after coming back from major Achilles surgery?
Saka is all left foot
@fsaf, ceballos loan and eventual buy? Seems you know something we all don’t know yet cos ceballos as of now is just a loanee with no buying condition attached.
Ishola
“The reason Ceballos joined was because of guarantees of regular first team football at Arsenal this coming season. Emery basically promised him a first team place by and large.”
Did he , we were led to believe that Emery has no input on transfers and now supposedly he is promising him a place in the starting line up ..sounds like complete bullshit to me .
Liepzig have said they have no intention to release
Upamecano who has a release clause of 92 million.
Arsenal have bid 55 Million.?
So that looks dead..
A commentator on Sky said he lacks concentration
so this might be a good thing we hardly need another
switch off in the side.
You may have a point Vic but I still maintain he’d have a limited choice of good defenders to choose from.
I think City have some decent defenders, Laporte is excellent. They are well organised and the midfielders work exceptionally hard to deny time and space to the opposition.
Kos is a disgrace to the badge. Whoever defended him before should be ashamed of themselves. Basically the conversation for the ad they pulled of his transfer could have went either way: Bordeaux: Laurent, how about we make a clip where you take your Arsenal shirt off and you put on ours? LK: Sure, excellent idea. I hate those fuckers myself. Top diss for them madafakas. or Bordeaux: You have any ideas about the clip we gonna make? LK: Yeah. How about I diss them madafakas by taking off their shitty shirt and putting on yours!!! Genius, aye?!… Either way… Read more »
Pierre
It was widely reported that Emery spoke personally to Ceballos and give him some guarantess.
As for coaches/managers having no input in any transfers……..well bullshit. And no I’m not giving a youtube link on that.
Pierre, Emery does pick the team though!
Bob
Nooooo
Zidane wanted to sell him. Didn’t want the loan option. Perez pulled rank
Ishola
Nooooo
That’s not what’s being argued. What’s being argued is that ceballos is an instant upgrade on Rambo just because….
It’s the typical short sighted, bull shit, shiny new toy philosophy at arsenal.
fsaf
“Kos is a disgrace to the badge”
Kos is and was a Wenger boy through and through.
When Wenger left not much for Kos to really care about to the extent for his devotion to Arsene.
vickingz,
yeah I know Ceballos loan doesn’t have the option of us buying him at the end of season. But if he does well and he really enjoys his time with us in here, he might push for a transfer. That’s the outcome that I’m hoping for. Obviously it’s a long shot but who knows. Either way Cazorla type of player is what we have missed so, so much.
James.wood
“A commentator on Sky said he lacks concentration
so this might be a good thing we hardly need another
switch off in the side.”
He’s a beast physically though.
Davey
Is he left footed?? Ok. I’ve seen him cut in a few times on his right and thought that was his preferred foot.
I love a left footed player anyway. Us Left footers tend to be more skillful.
I like the look of Ceballos, impossible to say if he will be a success ..
Could he play a similar role to chelsea’s Jorginho , he has similar attributes . Both like to receive the ball in deep positions and dictate the play , both rarely give the ball away , both are not prolific in the final third , both read the game well and can manoeuvre themselves out of tight situations with quick feet .
“Does anyone know much about Rugani? Is he any good? Why is he not getting game time at Juventus? ”
Un na nai he was rated as the next big thing sometime back, then fell off a clip, His game has become riddled with mistakes and he doesn’t do well against physical forwards. In my opinion he is the last defender we should be looking at but here we are
Jorginho has quick feet???? Never noticed
Hairline
Yes I recall him and romangnolag (whatever his name is) being talked about along with that young keeper at Milan.
Does rugani need to beef up or is he just naturally timid? Maybe a season in the prem could make him. Toughen him up? Suggesting more out of hope as I really have never seen him play
Un na nai he was rated as the next big thing sometime back, then fell off a clip,
Rh
Hair clip or paper clip?
Rugani looks passive as a defender.
The only reason Arsenal may sign him is because of this being able to play out from the back malarkey.
Just read the over night posts. Apart from Pierre and Un Everyone is talking Garbage. Shows you the promotion of Freddie to first team affairs to nurture our youngsters was BS and all a front.. What youngsters?? Also shows the appointment of Edu as Teck Deck was BS Was he not going to impose the same playing styles throughout the club – and here we are contemplating the likes of Coutinho etc. The Spiv ‘s ducking and diving with regards to players makes peak Redknapp look sedate. We have no plan, no strategy. Just a scattergun approach to recruitment The… Read more »
“Does rugani need to beef up or is he just naturally timid? Maybe a season in the prem could make him. Toughen him up? Suggesting more out of hope as I really have never seen him play”
Nah…i personally don’t think he will cut it here, too physical for him.
He’s better than Mustafi and chambers though??
Otherwise why bother?
Saying that our if our new transfer super team have done their homework and used the data analysis available then maybe they know someone we don’t?
He could be another Chambers.
Piff paff.
Cliff not clip sorry
Don’t even know how he ended up on our list of targets. Chelsea might be able to carry him because they defend a certain way we don’t
We were also told yesterday that we have no class, only to see wonder man Kos pull of a distasteful stunt like that.
Who lacks class now?!
Inshola 8.52
Yes a beast of a player who is quick is what we want.
As long as he has that VVD concentration.
That would be good the lack of concentration does pose worries
though as well of the prohibitive cost of the player.
Un na nai it’s obvious we want Upamecano…..Rugani is a loan option for them but Juventus want him gone for good hence the insistence on outright sale or obligation to buy
Page 12 of soccer management
Only Buy Brazilians who still live in a favela.
As soon as these Brilliant Brazilians get a few bucks and have bought their first villa they slacken off Big time!!
(Think Neymar, Coutinho)
It’s in their DNA.
If courtinhio cant be bothered to make it work at Barca against those teams, on those pitches ,with his teammates-
Questions have to be asked about his APPETITE.
dont need him
Let’s Spurs have him.
We have Willock, Nelson,AMN ( central midfield) ESR, Eddie
WE DON’T WANT MERCANERIES!
Un na naii One reason why I don’t think that Arsenal is remotely interested in Coutinho is his “wage bill” If you look carefully at Arsenal’s business sofar this summer they have offloaded six players whose combined wages are around £550K pw. The combined wages of players coming in is significantly less. For example Martinez costs £10K pw in contrast to Cech and Ceballos costs less than half of the wages of Ramsey. Pepe is only costing marginally more than what we were spending on Welbeck. If we bring in Tierney and Rugani their wage bill will be probably half… Read more »
Pierre, There are some similarities but not really enough. Jorginho is super safe in his passing game except when he goes for long passes. Ceballos is high tempo player. He has long legs, great technique, nice speed and trickiness in his game. I don’t think that Ceballos likes to sit where Jorginho/Xhaka do. He is more offensive, covers a lot of ground and is really creative with his passing and dribbling. One thing to mention – from the U21 Euro a month ago, he came back with 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games. This is very decent outcome… Read more »
And even worse with clown Kos, pulling that stunt to leave us for a bigger club is on thing but for Bordeaux? A team that finished 14th in Ligue 1.
The guy is a first class clown.
Ishola
“As for coaches/managers having no input in any transfers……..well bullshit. And no I’m not giving a youtube link on that.”
Correct , it is bu!lshit , however we were told over and over again by many on here that no blame whatsoever can be attributed to the manager regarding the loan signing of Suarez as he has little or no input on transfers..
And now you are telling me that the manager has promised Ceballos a starting place in the team …has the manager’s role changed regarding transfers?
New post.
Emiratesstroller
“If we bring in Tierney and Rugani their wage bill will be probably half of what we were spending on Lichsteiner and Koscielny.”
Lichtsteiner was being given a decent wage?
Nice work if you can get it.
Stroller
Yeah I said that last night. With ozil and Mkhitaryan on the bench at £600k pw I can’t see it unless they offload those two. Even then Barca would want a huge transfer fee next summer if he does well.
UNN Obviously all transfers are based on the fact they can hack it where ever they go no? Ceballos is not just a “Spanish u21 loanee”. He’s been playing first team football at a high level got 4 seasons. Was the bees knees in his last year at Betis that got Madrid and Barcelona on him at a relatively young 20 years. He’s not some unknown academy player from Madrid that’s after game time. Every time he has played consistently he has shown his class. His few cameos for Arsenal so far will tell you what he’s about and it’s… Read more »
Bob
Being in a “comfort zone”does not neccessarily equate to showing commitment.
To feel safe or at ease does not stop you from giving 100%. Imo, Kos was well aware of all the frailties around him but took it upon himself to accept/tolerate it,
just like so many others.
Kos knew the score at Arsenal but continued on his merry way, without batting an eyelid. As soon as the club changed it’s ways, he was found out.
You know where I’m coming from on this.
So all interested parties can draw a line under Zaha.
£80m+.
That’s it for Everton………….I think.
Rumors that Eriksen to Man Utd off. Good news. Don’t want a rich club doing Spurs a favour by paying 60m plus for a player that can leave for free next year. They’ve already bought Ndombele who is class and will be sold for a fortune to a super club in two years time.
Arsenal made the right choice moving on from Zaha to Pepe. Absolutely ridiculous money and Palace are demanding the bulk of it up front.
Hopefully Sanllehi ate his Weetabix this morning, big 2 days.
The negativity in here is alarming… One will think we will be pleased with the window so far …..With competition for places being fierce, players will naturally step it up a notch or they get benched or sold and gradually we will be rid of players on ridiculous wages ,this squad gets you Top four and we can build from there….
Iwobi for 30 million….any truth in that?
Iwobi didn’t improve under Emery. His numbers and output were still fucking atrocious.
Good riddance.
Cannot work out for the life of me how any side with a scouting network could possibly believe that Iwobi is worth £30m..Fingers and toes crossed that Everton come back with a bigger offer and that Arsenal accept it.He brings absolutely nothing to the squad except the premise that he qualifies as “homegrown”.Saka,Willock,Smith-Rowe and Nelson have far more to offer.Iwobi should definitely be considered to be part of Arsenals stockpile of “deadwood” and needs to be offloaded.Hos sale would also generate the money needed to bring in a decent left back.