What is UP my darlings?
MESUT LOST HIS DEAL
Ok, Mesut’s deal expired and didn’t get renewed.
Ok fine, Mesut is going to blow up his own brand and he’s not signing with anyone.
No controversy here. Though it was interesting how many journos ploughed into Adidas for persecuting the German company for dropping a client over his defence of Uighurs but failed to note that he’d been, you know, hanging out with a major human rights abuser himself.
Both situations are awful, but you can’t be a moral bellwether when fighting for rights of one group, whilst giving legitimacy to abuse with your fame on the other.
In less serious news…
There are some reports saying Arsenal will keep Auba if they can’t get more than £20m for him this summer. Not sure I believe that, but I do think that at a certain point, 30 goals guaranteed might be worth more than a really embarrassing transfer fee.
The only problem you face with someone heading into their 32nd year with under a year on the contract is that at the action end of the season the player starts to protect their body. They don’t give it their all. They stop playing 3 games a week. It’s natural, if they blow out and ankle, that’s a 5 year deal, gone.
Still, quite incredible that leadership at Arsenal said they’d never let players run down their deals again and here we are, 1 year after Aaron Ramsey left us for a free, 2 years after Sanchez forced his way out of Arsenal at a knockdown rate, and we’re sitting here with a £60m striker who could move on for a very small fee.
How does that happen? We seem to have gotten closer to doing a new deal with Emery than we did Auba.
Still, on the business side of things, if we can get a fee for him, and it’s good, we’d be better to sell than anchor ourselves into a mega-deal again. Someone like Odsonne Edouard might be a good replacement, maybe we have 35 goals between Eddie and Gabriel. I’m sure there’s a solve that could work.
Most important thing for Arsenal this summer is coming out of it with a midfield that is built for the league. Power, finesse, size, and fitness. Give me those things, or I shall be furious.
Let’s talk more tomorrow, stay safe my darlings. x
Un
My brother got me one a year or so ago – it’s not chipped or whatever but there’s a couple of apps that get you all sorts of sport and TV.
I watched the Mandalorian before Christmas for example. Only problem is a lot of the Sport’s coverage has foreign commentary – OK Saturday 3pm kickoffs when there’s no choice but I wouldn’t dump my Sky subscription for it!
Amazon is broadcasting its 4 EPL games for free on Prime as well.
But beIN is my provider of choice. Something like 50 sheets a month for all the games in all the major leagues.
Un
For all the criticism we can give UK Police when you see how piss poorly the Portuguese Police handled this it shows how good our Police are for the most part.
Auba has been a fabulous player for us; of that there can be no doubt. However, he’s importance has been magnified even more because in the past two years our midfield has been poor poor poor in contributing with goals. Pepe was bought in order to solve that problem but in a new league, it was always going to be a tall order. If our midfield started scoring more, our team wouldn’t look so toothless whenever Laca or Auba don’t score. At the moment we are very easy to defend against because along as they cut of the supply lies… Read more »
Pedro: “ Godfather, Arteta likes players called servers… players that can move the ball between the lines. He likes Xhaka because Arsenal don’t currently boast many players that can do that. Longterm, I doubt he stays, but when he’s protected, he’s a far better player.” So XHAKA Can’t run Is technically poor ( has the touch of a rhino) Can’t defend (except to kick and grab) Can’t score Can’t shield and protect the balm under minimal pressure Can’t dribble and initiate offense Can’t win aerial duels But can pass between the lines when afforded protection and time on the ball?… Read more »
” He likes Xhaka because Arsenal don’t currently boast many players that can do that. Longterm, I doubt he stays, but when he’s protected, he’s a far better player”
Has Arteta considered protecting him by putting him in a bunker 3 miles below the surface? I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be exposed them.
Here’s our league finishing position for the last 5 years.
14/15 – 3rd
15/16 – 2nd
16/17 – 5th
17/18 – 6th
18/19 – 5th
Can anybody guess when Xhaka joined and when we started finishing outside of the CL places?
Marc
Howdy
You use the ‘Arteta knows best’ defense for why Soares was brought in in January.
Why won’t you accept that same line of thinking for Xhaka?
Arteta loves him, pleaded for him to change his mind about leaving. Don’t attack the player, he wanted to leave. The club will probably have sold him in January but for Arteta.
Just trust Arteta, like you did with Soares.
Dissenter Huge, colossal, massive bigger than the fucking Universe differences. 1) Soares hasn’t kicked a ball for us yet and I won’t write a player off until I’ve seen him at least play for us. 2) Soares is costing a tiny amount of money in relative terms. 3) Soares was (at least in my opinion) brought in as a back up RB when after Chambers getting injured we had no one to cover the position. 4) Soares is on loan and if he doesn’t work out off he goes. 5) I’ve watched Xhaka for almost 4 seasons – he is… Read more »
Media running stories now that gab n art fallen out…
And that Barca will only pay 18m for auba
Does any other club get shit all the time like this
I reckon in a court of law that would be enough to get the death penalty for Xhaka. Of course that would be far to kind for a player guilty of such crimes against The Arsenal therefor he deserves a fate worse than a fate worse than death – he should be sold to the Spud’s immediately.
RSPC
No because their fans aren’t stupid enough to keep clicking on the links.
Martinelli is a prized asset.
If we are to progress, we need him big time.
Arsenal have become a major media attraction these past few years.
Whether it’s been incompetent management, our uninterested owners or our players and playing structure, it’s been none stop.
I would say no other club, in top flight football, gets as much negative press as AFC.
As much as I don’t know if we can get close to replacing auba’s goals without him, first priority if we sell should be investing in the midfield which still needs it more. Selling auba than spending most or all of the money on a player that will only block martinelli’s chances doesn’t seem like an efficient use of resources, even though it’s an obvious risk not to replace him
CG Just a quick question . Please don’t get offended. How can a man constantly dish out so much negative energy? Since ive been regular on this blog I don’t remember you posting a single positive comment about Arsenal , its coach , its players. You constantly criticize the players , coach , execs , and everything associated with the club. I mean there should at least be one thing about the club that you think is good. Or is there not? And you are still stuck in the past with Wenger and George Graham. I really admired Wenger too… Read more »
Or a better way to put it, if sell auba, buy another striker and start next season with ozil and xhaka in the first team that it will have been a monumentally dumb summer
China
We could have sold Xhaka for over £20 million in today’s money that’s the equivalent of over £200 billion.
Arsenal might never recover.
We have a growing problem with too many ‘senior’ players on huge wages loving the London lifestyle and not wishing to move on. They are not 100% motivated and thus their form will deteriorate over time. Will Abu provide 25+ goals next season? I doubt it. If we receive reasonable offers for any senior players we should take it – Abu, Laca, Ozil(?), Mustafi, Xhaka, Luiz et al. I personally like Abu and wish he would sign a (reasonable) new contract and stay, but that is looking less likely now. He should not be allowed to hold the club over… Read more »
Godfather, he’s not my cup of tea but he’s done a very good job since Arteta arrived. If we had a player of his ability with mobility, we’d be in great shape
If a defensive / holding midfielder lacks pace, it is important that positionally they are spot on and can anticipate danger. I’m not particularly a hater of Xhaka but he falls down in these 3 aspects of a defensive midfield player. Lacks pace Lacks anticipation /awareness and to a lesser extent Lacks positional sense . He is a good passer/ recycler of the ball which is useful when we are dominating possession, but out of possession he tends to struggle. To his credit , Arteta has found a way to use him effectively by making sure he is not receiving… Read more »
Marc “2) Soares is costing a tiny amount of money in relative terms.” “4) Soares is on loan and if he doesn’t work out off he goes.” So we paid 2.5 million [if we stick to the incontestable number] for a RB who was supposed to be available after February- effectively we paid 2.5 million for a 3.5 month loan] Even if he had impressed during that 3.5 month period, we would have still signed him on Bosman because he was on loan. Why not make contact with him in January, shake hands and agree to sign him in June… Read more »
Raul has to over rule Arteta regarding Auba.
We didn’t come this far so that a fresh faced manager can start making the strategic decisions regarding the club. Arteta needs to focus on his job. His job is not to let the club lose out on market worthy assets with one year left on their contracts.
He has to be reminded that he is the ‘head coach”, not the manager.
Dissenter
A decision was made that we needed a back up RB.
Too me that’s a “fair enough” decision. Of all the piss poor decisions we could analyse you’re fixated on one that is without any real consequence.
“SAVING 2.5 MILLION” at the time we were a business with a turnover of almost £400 million – it could be viewed that the loan was a cheap way of assessing a player before signing him (or not) permanently.
“by making sure he is not receiving the ball in areas that he is uncomfortable with.”
Er would that be on the green stuff – forget what it’s called!
Wasi
That’s because he feels guilty.
This tends to happen when you’ve committed a serious offence. For example, the licking of someone’s ass for so long when they’ve clearly past their sell by date.
The only other explanation I have is that he is an imposter.
Anyway, there is a new dawn approaching Arsenal.
Mesut Ozil has one year left on his contract, we can start the count down now.
Lets get a proper AM who isn’t afraid to do the scutwork as well. Orkun Kocku will be great since Ozil can mentor him on his way out. The lad is Turkish so that natural affinity will help.
Marc You don’t think wasting 2.5 million for a lad supposed to be available for only 3.5 months is a lot of money for a business with a revenue of just 400 million? 400 million looks a lot on paper until you see the carve-outs of monies already committed. 2.5 million is a significant sum to waste away. Even if Soares had done well, we would still have signed him as a free transfer at the end of his loan. He wasn’t some unknown foreign player with no premier league experience that needed the benefit of a loan to assess… Read more »
Dissenter
Because it was decided that we needed a back up RB – it was that or play Sok there.
Marc
“Because it was decided that we needed a back up RB – it was that or play Sok there.”
Play Sok there till May
or
………AMN,
We had options till June. at least two options.
That 2.5 million would have come in handy to extend Saka’s contract.
I keep on reading all the negatives whether on here or from so-called pundits in media. There is a constant lack of positivity. What the club needs is a two to three year game plan to get us back on track and not the constant mindless suggestion that we need or must make constant changes to personnel. Let’s focus for once on a SINGLE department of our team and make a couple of significant changes. That has to be the midfield recognising that Ceballos is leaving and Ozil is frankly no longer fit for purpose. Ozil has one more season… Read more »
Dissenter
AMN is out the door and not performing BTS, Sok doesn’t have the pace or mobility to play at RB.
Why are you so hung up about such a small amount? A fucking hotdog and beer costs more in the stadium.
Marc ‘Why are you so hung up about such a small amount? A fucking hotdog and beer costs more in the stadium.” Aaagh I see you’ve been eating hotdogs made of sold gold and sipping molten gold lager beer at the Emirates. Someone ought to treat you for gold intoxication. Really I think that deal is emblematic of the poor way we are being run. That’s why it ticks me off. Arteta stated that “he wont be available to play on Sunday” when he did the pre-match press conference. “”Cedric has big experience, knows what it means. I followed him… Read more »
Dissenter
“Anyway, there is a new dawn approaching Arsenal.
Mesut Ozil has one year left on his contract, we can start the count down now.”
I’ve heard we are looking to extend his contract…
I would stay away from Kocku, im yet to see a great turkish footballer,
Go for tried and tested Argentine, Buendia
You can take that to the bank
Pierre, nice try, but we’re not falling for that one.
Pierre
“Dissenter
“Anyway, there is a new dawn approaching Arsenal.
Mesut Ozil has one year left on his contract, we can start the count down now.”I’ve heard we are looking to extend his contract…”
Fake news
I see you’re trying to start a riot somewhere
“Godfather, he’s not my cup of tea but he’s done a very good job since Arteta arrived. ”
Sorry Pedro, not even Arteta can polish that turd….
Un
I agree with you about people ignoring whats left of this season. We’ve still got 30 points to play for and with City’s European ban we’re only 5 points off possible CL football.
It won’t be easy but the difference CL money would make for next season will be massively amplified compared to normal. If the current situation has given Arteta a bit of a pre season then let’s see what we can do.
But do we need to pay for that tidbit Sid?
Wasi “”””CG Just a quick question . Please don’t get offended.How can a man constantly dish out so much negative energy?”””” Actually very little offends me Wasi ( certainly not you- you are superb) , But men like Raul do. And men as slippery as Kia sitting in the Arsenal directors box- I find very offensive. Raul who has shredded Arsenals unique reputation in the last two years. Incidentally which took over 100 years to build up. As for negative energy, I disagree- I am one of the most positive posters on here. And , I will tell you why:… Read more »
If we sign William I promise you I will wash my hands off the clubs…
Fucking signing rejected older players…
Done with them
Fucking appalling targets
Shocking management
If they get him art should go
“Pedro Godfather, he’s not my cup of tea but he’s done a very good job since Arteta arrived. If we had a player of his ability with mobility, we’d be in great shape” With all due respect why is the bar so low for him? His negatives are ten times more than his positives. He is A dead weight passenger with so many negatives and one attribute! Nah Get-Rid-Of immediately! Ditto for Ozil! We’ve lost Ramsey because he is like a leech sucking out the salary life out of the team. Off the field he divides the fan base and… Read more »
CG It may be truthful to some degree CG but, as usual, you never look at the bigger picture. AFC have been appallingly run for well over a decade. The fans have had to suffer the consequences of a club regressing in front of their very own eyes, either through poor management/ a stagnant owner and board/ an alienation of its fan base and a ignorant and embarrassing line of rhetoric that a ten year old wouldn’t have bought into. I know you think that my own agenda is based on being anti-Wenger, but allowing for the fact he oversaw… Read more »
For all his issues, Arsene wouldn’t have been the worst shout for replacing Chips as Club Chairman.
But after being part of the cabal to sign Ozil, and double down on the stupidity by extending him to the one of the worst contracts of all time, he has forfeited all credibility for consideration .
Deserves a statue though!
RSPC
Why would we sign Willian?
He’s a wide player and prefers the right side, we have Saka, Martinelli, Pepe and Nelson for width and our record signing is a RW.
With cash being short and other areas desperately needing fresh blood the fan base would go mental – the only thing that makes sense is that it’s click bait.
I implore everyone to watch ‘41 times Alec Baldwin nails Trump’.
Brilliant!
I agree, Wenger “deserves a statue”.
Don’t die of shock.
Afternoon, If auba doesn’t want to sign a new deal, then move him on. You only want players who are committed to our club. I dont want him to leave but sometimes you have to bite the bullet. Lacazette can go as well. That’s 50-60 million to reboot the midfield. If ozil and xhaka start next season than Arteta better hope he puts a helluva winning streak together or he’ll be got out the door like Emery. If Auba does go, put pepe and martinelli up top, saka and Nelson on the wings and go 442. Spread aubas goals across… Read more »
“”””Why would we sign Willian?””””
Well , its because that’s what we do now.
keep up…..
He is a Kia/Edu man.
(Obviously after Luiz , gets his contract dotted and crossed)
Raul gets next pick.
We needed a CB and we signed Luiz.
We needed RB cover and we signed Soares on loan.
We do not need another wide player – unless of course we’re going to be selling one of the current players. We end up not being able to get Saka to resign in order to sign Willian and the fanbase – those overlooked ones who are suddenly important because they pay money to go will ask questions.
Why would we bring in willian, if we did move pepe up front & auba and laca moved on, he drops into the right wing with no transfer fee.
Nothing would surprise me when it comes to arsenal.
It would free up more money for midfield though?
U4GN
Whilst that is an option Arteta won’t play Auba through the middle, is he really going to start playing Pepe there?
We’re constantly linked with dozens and dozens of players who never get close to us. I really think this is not worth getting upset about.
Oh dear!
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12000522/coronavirus-tottenham-borrow-175m-to-cover-costs-incurred-due-to-pandemic
Marc, I think we need one If one Of Auba or Lacazette leaves for me. I completely view Martinelli as a 9 and he should be given a backup role next season. that means we would need one more to rotate with Saka on the left. If we sell both strikers I would think we should get a Striker and a Winger. But Priority Must be given to Midfield I agree.
Marc,
It’s an option to play pepe, in the middle if auba and laca moves on.
I could be wrong but wasn’t his best season and the reason why we bought him from lille was because he played so well as a striker?
Bearing in mind how broke the Spud’s are and the history of Willian and Mourinho why aren’t the Spud’s a more attractive destination for him?
U4GN
I know he played through the middle and scored a lot of goals but to me it looks as if Arteta is looking for a player who brings more to CF than just goals.
Not sure Pepe is that player in the PL.
Up 4 grabs now
Hr actually struggled uptop as a two. He is completely a right winger. I don’t know where u got your info.
“There have to be better options and Turkish footballers seem to come with trouble in some way, shape or form when it comes to squad harmony.”
So do footballers from pretty much anywhere on the globe Un, whats your point other than stereotyping as it suits your own agenda?
Habesha,
Bielsa played him as a striker, and he did alright.
If memory serves me, he was then moved out to the wing where he played well.
I’m just saying it’s an option if auba and laca move on.
Habesha
I thought Pepe was playing as a CF last season as well.
Valentin’s the guy who seems to have a close eye on French football.
Walt
“””We needed a CB and we signed Luiz.”””
Yes. But did we need to spend circa £20-24 million on an ageing Chelsea rejected one?
“””We needed RB cover and we signed Soares on loan.””””
Yes. But did we need need to spend circa £5 million on an injured one?
Why cant we be a normal club for a while and do normal things, like not continually buy injured full backs?
Walt-and Wasi :when will you awaken from your deluded states and realize we have utter imbeciles and impostors running the show?
Marc I’m surprised maureen isn’t sniffing around him.
But the spuds are now borrowing money and were up sheet creek before that. Maybe they cant afford that signing on fee, and wages?
Whilst we have the time ie before football is back in 13 days can we come to a consensus of what our transfer spend was in the summer of 18/19 and last summer.
It’s something we’re going to need to stop endless arguments on here when the next set of “fees to agents” figures come out.
U4GN
Don’t forget the VAT!
No income tax, no vat, no money back, no guarantee!
black or white
rich or super agent
we’ll buy your players for an outrageous fee
Doesn’t quite have the same flow to it!
Haha no not the same!
Marc
I’m going to apply a patent on the VAT meme.
Don’t try stealing it from me
I do think money is going to be a lot tighter across the board though. Italy were always on on the look out for cheap deals. Apart from PSG no one in the french league has money. Barcelona are skint, Madrid need to move on some big players on huge money before they go mad again. And Bayern’s dont need to spend big they already have the pick of the crop in germany. Us, the spuds, and Chelsea dont appear to have a pot to piss in. City are already under investigation. The bindippers seem to only want Werner. And… Read more »
Marc sounding like some mafia boss justifying ‘overspend ‘ on a building project.
‘What harm is a little 5m over here?’
Pierre, Mesut could drop 25 assists and Arsenal wouldn’t renew. It’s beyond personal at this stage.
U4GN
Woodward was interviewed a month or so ago saying ManU wouldn’t have as much to spend and would be forced to find new targets as players like Sancho and Kane would now be out of reach.
It’s going to be a strange summer.
Pedro
You know precisely what I meant and even Dissenter was willing to discuss the loan at the correct £2.5 million cost.
Do you think we needed a back up RB? Didn’t you say the other week you had stories about 2 players causing issues behind the scenes – Guendozi and AMN?
Pedro, props to you for keeping the blog going. During this time.
It’s bad enough during an interlull or over the summer but this last few months have blown.
So cheers. That’s enough arse kissing from me.
Pedro
“Marc sounding like some mafia boss justifying ‘overspend ‘ on a building project.‘What harm is a little 5m over here?’”
Also mate it would have been funnier if you’d had said:
“Marc sounding like Daniel Levy justifying ‘overspend ‘ on a building project.‘What harm is a little 5m over here?’”
Marc,
I’m not sure with utd, they always seem to find the money, although that debt is creeping up every year.
I think with them wages are an issue, still paying over 400k for Sanchez just to bugger off to inter for the season. Lol.
Here’s our league finishing position for the last 5 years. 14/15 – 3rd
15/16 – 2nd
16/17 – 5th
17/18 – 6th
18/19 – 5thCan anybody guess when Xhaka joined and when we started finishing outside of the CL places?
In fairness that is also when mustafi joined as well. Let’s spread the credit around.
Cali
Mate we can have a double hanging!
It’s like having the fucking chuckle brothers down the spine of the team.
CG Sometimes its true that you state the truth but a lot of times its just your opinion and not THE truth. Maybe your beleif in your opinions is just so strong that you find them to be truths and thats completely fair. Anyway just answer me these questions- (Please answer them straight and dont take the topic elsewhere about class, Raul ,etc) 1- How long the mismanagement at Arsenal had been going on according to you? (13-14 imo, sale of Henry for change was the beginning I think) 2- Didnt Ivan mismanage the finances since his arrival? 3- Wasnt… Read more »
Marc, That utd team still looks like a dogs dinner, all over the place and unbalanced.
And I’m not jumping onto the bruno Fernandes train just yet.
Ceballos looked a world beater two games in and look how he’s turned out.
I think they still need to spend big to get even close to the bindippers or city.
Marc,
To me, to you!
CG
4 out of 5 players that you say Raul wasted money on and lined his own pockets with are going to be starters for us for the next 5 years and hopefully more.
2 of these have the potential to be the best in the world in their positions.
U4GN
No argument – ManU have players on mega salaries who aren’t performing (we only have one thank fuck) and a second rate manager.
Best of all they have a complete fuckwit running the club. All those who seem to spend their lives slagging off Sanllehi would you swap for Woodward.
CG don’t even bother answering – I really don’t give a fuck what you think.
Marc and Upgrabs he was playing more as a right forward. A winger with licsence to Roam inwards. There was an article on Arsenal.com on it too. Here it is.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/lille-london-nicolas-pepe-story
Habesha,
Wasn’t sure but that’s cool. Still think he could work in a two though.
So in layman’s terms…
what does it really mean spurs borrowing that some of money ..?
Where does it show that there system is failing,..
Trust I’m happy .. but is it reAlly a case that the boat is seeping water?
Wasi I don’t really mind if any Arsenal player/manager/executive makes genuine mistakes or misjudgments but for the right reasons. Eg, Wenger paying £30 million for Mustafi,:selling RVP to Man Utd. or Dein trying to make us play at Wembley or the club moving from Highbury, BUT AS LONG THEY ARE MADE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. (Off course- ill critique, complain or criticise them- like any supporter) The big difference with Arsenal post Wenger but with the exception of Mikel Arteta who is trying his best ( & I will off course criticise him – if i feel he is being… Read more »
Rspc,
They have to be in a pretty bad way to have to borrow that sort of money.
That ground was a millstone around there necks as it was.
And its seriously gonna damage there transfer plans.
Maureen won’t be happy.
RSPC
Well it’s a sign that they are feeling cash flow problems – I’m not aware of any other PL club using this facility?
Having just built a new stadium that ran massively over cost projections and not signed further commercial deals ie naming rights this couldn’t have come at a worse time.
I would imagine most clubs will be considering a loan too!
“And that our Wenger for all his faults genuinely loved The Arsenal (like us)”
How many times has Wenger actually wanted Arsenal to lose matches?
What a cunt.
Must be a lot of Arsenal cnuts then Walt.
How many wanted Wenger teams to loose?
“Pierre, Mesut could drop 25 assists and Arsenal wouldn’t renew. It’s beyond personal at this stage.”
It has everything to do with the fact that Ozil, through laziness or other reason, is a Shit player. Why would any team want to renew the contract of a classic under-performer, for any amount of money?
“How many wanted Wenger teams to loose?”
Wouldn’t know as I wouldn’t tolerate them either – with the exception of supporters of other teams.
Thanks..
But they were the first to furlough…
Maybe the first for a loan…
Just a shame they didn’t go to Wonga….
Terrible news about Spurs eh??
Hopefully this will seal their fall back to midtable mediocrity.
Daniel Levy must be regretting his appointment of Mourinho, how much would it cost to sack him and would they coming knocking on Pochetino’s door again, come back all is forgiven!
This one is for you CG
https://www.football365.com/news/burnley-season-sean-dyche-opinion