Matteo G has been training on his own. Sad to see so much talent, with so little control. There are folk painting this as ‘caring too much’, but it’s nonsense. He’s badly behaved, he’s unpleasant to the staff, and he refuses to get on board the new direction the club is heading.
He had issues with Freddie before him, so it’s not just a Mikel thing.
So what do you do? Do you truly believe that elite players behave like this? They don’t. If he won’t play by the rules, he has to go. We’re not far enough along in the process to absorb a player like that. This is not Nik Anelka here. The delivery on the pitch doesn’t merit the problems off it.
Barca had something similar when Pep landed. He booted out problematic players way more accomplished than Guen, all in the name of making sure Messi and the kids coming behind him could thrive. Arsene Wenger did it when he landed, moving on senior players he thought were a bad influence.
We’re not quite Barca, or the squad Arsene inherited, but we have a lot of youngsters giving more than Matteo, and preferential treatment would not be helpful. That is Emery-style thinking.
The only shame of the blow-up is it might reduce interest in him, or lower the asking price.
I think it might work out well for us though. He’s a pretty sexy make-weight. Might be perfect for Simeone. He’d look like a smart move and allow them to save face on the Partey deal. Let’s see where it goes, but don’t cry over someone that thinks they make the rules at 20.
In news that I didn’t speak on, Tim Lewis joined the Arsenal board. I’m going to stick my neck out here and say that sort of hire from the Kroenke’s makes for ominous reading if you are Raul.
A few things stuck out for me:
- The KSE group don’t exactly have a lot of trusted confidantes in London. I’m pretty sure this guy worked with them on the stadium or takeover move. He’s trusted.
- Tim is a lawyer. They ask questions, they probe, they get to the bottom of things. What Arsenal need right now is someone assessing how we landed on deals and why we did them. Having someone with laser focus and the time to assess is going to be very valuable to the family. We don’t have a counter to Raul, a Clifford Chance partner; if activated with a mandate, is a force for good.
- He’s a ‘lifelong Arsenal fan.’ I don’t know the guy. I’ve never had a beer with him to assess how much a fan he is (‘DO YOU GO TO AWAY GAMES MATE’). But if he is like you or I and spends over 16 hours of screentime on Newsnow, reads all the blogs, pays for The Athletic, mainlines AFTV, and has a google alert set up to catch transfer stories from Eastern Europe and beyond, my hope is he gives a fuck about Arsenal and wants the club to do right by the fans.
- This move has happened as leading bloggers and journos write about the wacky goings-on at Arsenal… combined with very senior people at the club clearly leaking hard. I just do not believe that billionaires don’t pay attention to their most valuable assets. For me, being a total amateur, this looks like a statement addition to the hierachy.
My hope, at the absolute minimum, is this means Raul and Edu have a very long think about how they want to conduct this summer. Do they want to bring in players that have been recommended by Arsenal people? Or do they want to continue suckling the contacts teet of Kia and Canales?
We shall see. We’re rooting for you, Tim.
Arsenal has a huge game later today. Spurs beat Everton in a horrendous game. We need to make some space before Sunday. If we go to 52 points, and beat Spurs, we’ll be 4 points clear of them with 3 games to go. Lose tomorrow, and lose Sunday, we are in biiiiiig trouble.
Let’s see what we’ve got.
I’ll leave you with a solo podcast. It’s a good one. So listen. x
Boom
2
3
Tr4phy
Damn DM
Trop4y?
7th?
Saka did score at the weekend, but his performances recently have been sporadic at best. I say, play him where he receives the ball in areas where he can do most damage. Since lockdown , I can’t remember Saka going on a mazy run with the ball and I can’t remember him putting in a delivery into the box that is his speciality. Arteta likes to play Tierney and Aubamayang on the left and he also likes Xhaka left /centre midfield. At the risk of repeating myself( but I will) , Saka creates a conundrum for Arteta, and he is… Read more »
Pierre
I suppose scoring goals is now a speciality of Saka’s…
Pedro
This isn’t even up for any debate that a player can set his own agenda and get away with it under any coach who values a merit base system.
This goes for Guen, Ozil, or even Pepe with his lofty transfer fee.
Anyone saying some players are exempt from putting in a maximum effort in training ( for example) because their talent will get them through on the game day are kidding themselves.
This never works long term and it’s the ultimate team spirit killer.
Whether Arteta is the Arsenal’s savior or not his approach is absolutely correct.
Saka is at his best when he operates from a deep position on the left side of the pitch. Tierney on the left side of a back 3 and Saka as a left side wing back although in a slightly advance position would be a good combination. Auba can play through the center, Pepe on the right and Martinelli on the left.
The FA did not charge Guendouzi for the Brighton incident and a member of the training staff overreacted. Let’s see how the situation unfolds because I’m not buying into the bs that this kid is such a bad apple but managed to play over 50 games for Arsenal. Edu is a bigger concern than Raul. It seems he’s incompetent and scared to make the correct decision that will have major impact for the club to move forward. His inability to point out to Mikel his role and responsibilities will cost him his job sooner than later. He’s allowing Mikel to… Read more »
I personally don’t see Saka and Pepe in the same side
except for late introduction when we are in a comfortable
position in a game.?
Both players go missing.
Both players a quite light weight.
Both get sporadic goals.
But good sides will have them well worked out.
Saka in front of Pepe but only just as long as he is in his best
position.?
Guendouzi appears to be aiming to emulate Rabiot, incredibly gifted and incredibly suspect with his off-field behaviour.
It’s sad, but it’s a reality of football and what’s warming finally is that the club are setting the bar far above indulging such a thing which will only help us long term.
Read on the other post that Receding has no doubts this is “personal”. Really have to wonder with folk that champion such views.
Un
“Arteta clearly is no mug and will see what Saka can do in the left channel. I have a feeling we will see Tierney tuck in as lcb tonight and Saka on the left behind auba”
You could be right .
That would probably be the best combination…
Guendouzi may be only 20 but he has to learn that he must show respect and discipline.
Arteta is dealing with this the correct way. This is not “personal”. He is showing that insubordination at any level will not be tolerated.
This could be the making of Guendouzi.
Too late for Mesut though.
Un
Are you suggesting someone is gonna pay 40m for Guen?
Valentin
Arteta will go to a back 4. We play a back 3 because of the players we have. Even Emery played a back three after playing a back 4 most of his career.
I don’t think we will be signing Upamecano this year (maybe during the January transfer window) since he’s down to a year on his contract.
I believe Sokratis and Mavropanos will be sold to fund purchases else where. Those 2 can fetch $20M.
Is Guendozi a talent? Yes
Is he sellable? Yes.
We move on.
Un
I think you’re going to be disappointed there.
Iwobi went for that amount because he was a proven PL performer with 48 goals and assists over four years across all competitions for Arsenal.
From previous thread,
T
July 7, 2020 10:04:59
Sid so you want another go with a younger version of ozil??
In season 2019/2020 Buendia has won 31 ariel duels and 95 tackles
Ozil won 2 ariel duels and 28 tackles.
Xhakalson has won 41 ariel duels and 46 tackles.
Un, “In fact I’d give all your bank details for your mum to look after” Dude, you like to always talk about others mom, wtf is wrong with you kid. Why you have to always go way left in a football talk? Listen man, if you about certain life I’m just go ignore from now on. I know its a faceless blog and all that ish but I don’t really fcuk with dudes who be on the ish you be on most of the time. You got away with racist insults and now you’re back with your bs. Don’t mention… Read more »
You don’t rate the kid but continues to think he’s valued 40m, kind of end all conversation really.
Iwobi didn’t go for that amount. He went for £28m.
Sal
David Ornstein on Thiago Alcantara:
“There has been interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in the past. Whether that materialises this summer I’m not too sure. London has always appealed to him and his wife as a stop in his career.”
Pipedream activated 😂
Sid
“28 tackles” won by Ozil!😂
What constitutes a tackle?
Makes sense though because Ozil isn’t supposed to do any of the physical stuff.
He’s too precious.
Yep..Thiago would be a dream signing.
Un,
“Chill your batty crease. It’s called banter. My gist was if you believe the story you’re putting out then you’re gullible. I don’t know your mum. I wasn’t insulting your mum. Let’s keep it on track”
I know you have questionable character and I was in the wrong to entertain you. Good luck playing both sides!
For fuck sake. Guedenzi is a pile of shit. Headless wanker and a wanker. He also looks like a cunt. He’s basically a triple threat. Shit player, arsehole and ugly.
Sell him and move on. Arsenal can’t be made to look like dickheads because of this no talent lump of sideshow bob candy floss haired mincing bastard.
Alcantara. 29. Short. No.
Jesus.
Lacazette apparently has interest from Juventus and Atletico, with talks over player swapping taking place.
Who are some of the players we could benefit from in that kind of deal from both?
Atletico: Partey (CM), Lemar (LW), Hermoso (CB).
Juventus: Rugani (CB), Ramsey (lol), Bentacur (CM), Ronaldo……
Most obvious to me seems Partey for Laca, with both clubs gaining from it imo. Be interesting to see how business is conducted this summer though, money might not be as plentiful around Europe and there could be a lot more swapsies.
UN na
Yes they are, but both are too light .
NIETHER track back.
Both have poor heading ability.
You just can’t have two light weights
in a side with a non athletic midfield
like we have.
Un
Exactly. I can’t stand this rewriting of footballers talents when we either:
Sell them
Might sell them
or five years after they left.
He is a headless wanker who is now fancying himself as a bit of a lad. This has to be stamped out or the rest of the squad start taking the piss.
Crush them before they get a foothold.
Still can’t believe we squeezed £34m out of Everton for Iwobi.
Did that really happen?
Other than the post BHA match feud what exactly has Guendouzi done in training etc that points to behavioural problems? Media reports imply, allude to etc such issues but details are lacking…. no doubt Guendouzi can be a brat, just wanted to know his alleged crimes. Today’s game vs LEI would be a more appropriate test for Arteta : • with a few games since restart players should all be back in form • LEI is a proper top 6 team with some better players that can matter • Brendon R. is an experienced PL coach and not some wannabe… Read more »
this is what I found on the interweb re; Lewis
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lawyer-of-the-week-tim-lewis-gxnlfcxzg5d
Graham –
We didn’t, and it didn’t. We squeezed £28m out of Everton. The rest is potential add-ons. Wouldn’t surprise me if he was sold before any come due. 2 goals in 26 appearances this season in all comps for Everton. Bang average.
The players Pep booted were on the decline, the equivalent of Laca, Ozil
Guend is on the up, Man u made the same mistake with Pogba,
i would like to see Pogba stats at 21 yrs
Then he goes to Juve played with Pirlo, lichstener, vidal guys with longstuff
Meanwhile at arsenal Xhakalson, mustfinovs, ozil singing kumbaya
“ For fuck sake. Guedenzi is a pile of shit. Headless wanker and a wanker. He also looks like a cunt. He’s basically a triple threat. Shit player, arsehole and ugly.”
😂😂😂
Jamie
£28m or £34m.
Still can’t believe it.
Graham –
I’m with you, crazy money. English/HG premium!
In defence of Guendouzi, he has, over these past two seasons, had to endure a great deal.
Three managers(including Freddie)
Xhakagate.
The never ending Ozil saga.
Numerous systems and tactical changes.
Absorbing all the shite that surrounds the club.
No wonder he’s lost the plot.
Jesus, I’m a fan and I’m cracking up.
I have advocated for more than 2 years that Arsenal needed to reboot our Board of Directors. It is unrealistic that all the Non Executive Directors were in late 70sand 80s. No-one disputes that they were distinguished people with a passion for Arsenal, but they joined the Board in a different era and the club needs people who will keep their eye on the ball something which has been lacking for a long time. Tim Lewis is the start of the revamp. He is a senior partner at Clifford Chance the largest London Firm of Solicitors with a global business.… Read more »
Un – I haven’t said we couldn’t get £40m for Guendouzi, I said we didn’t get £34m for Iwobi. I’ve never been a huge fan of Guen. Laughable chat last season when it was suggested that we double his wages because he’s ‘worth £70m’. You’re right, though. We’ll find out soon enough what another club genuinely thinks he’s worth. Only one club (Hertha Berlin) put up a real offer for our ‘best midfielder’ Xhaka, and it was for around £20m. Guendouzi’s current belligerence towards his club isn’t going to push his price up.. As you say, his numbers are fairly… Read more »
Azed, Your argument that Arteta plays 3 at the back because of the players at his disposal means that if we do not buy a new defender and a new DM, then we will continue with the same formation at least until the winter TW. Maybe Saliba will enter the discussion, but until Mori is fit we will still have a problem on the left side of defense. It has been proven that Luiz cannot play as part of a back 4. Mustafi cannot play on the left side of a back 4. Arteta does not trust Holding and Mustafi… Read more »
The recurring theme at Arsenal is players being played out position or not knowing their best position. I look at Liverpool, City , Chelsea, Tottenham and United and they don’t appear to have this problem. If you named more or less any player from those sides and you could immediately say what position he plays . Not at Arsenal though.. Last season we had Torreira being played all over the place, Ramsey the same. Monreal, Kolasinac , AMN were either full back , wing back or centre back This season it’s the turn of Aubamayang ,, Saka , AMN,Kolasinac, Ceballos… Read more »
Valentin
I expect both Sokratis and Mavropanos to be sold this summer on two counts.
1. Neither is required by Arsenal. Mavropanos was loaned out in January and
Sokratis is now likely to be fifth or sixth in pecking order. Also if we play
three at back Tierney has previous experience playing in that position as
was case with Monreal.
2. The sale of both players will cover cost of buying Mari.
With a back 3, Xhakalson should be shipped out let one CB do the long balls, Luiz actually does it better
Prefer Tierney left of the back three with Saka as LWB – and Kolasinac on the bench holding Ozil’s umbrella.
The reason that players are being played out of position is a result of poor players recritment since wenger years,
8 CBs non of whom is outstanding
1 No10 who isnt interested in playing
The less said about CM the better
Sid
100% correct.
This has been the case for over a decade.
Sid,
Agreed, if you’re including the back end of Wengers reign as well?
I hope to God that Arteta is just trying to scare Gwen, there’s just no way we should even be considering getting rid of him, whether its for Partey etc… doesn’t matter. He clearly has issues but one has to remember he’s French and only 20. A season at a team like Watfrod/Wolves would do him the world of good. His going to be a 100mill player no doubt
“I hope to God that Arteta is just trying to scare Gwen, there’s just no way we should even be considering getting rid of him, whether its for Partey etc“ Arsenal sold Anelka and many were losing their shit. You sell higher than you buy and grow, every other enviable club makes these moves. Liverpool watched Sterling leave them at 21 despite his obvious talent (and much higher performances for them). Clinging desperately onto a young player that isn’t pulling his weight is a culture killer. Says to every other youngster than you can act a cunt and still start… Read more »
If we can get £30 million plus for Gwen Dozy,take it & run.To cover your back Chuck in a sell on clause as well & job done.We can & hopefully will do better.We have had enough of “ Big time Charlie’s” over the years & at this stage can’t afford anymore…..
Swap Laca for Partey and sell Guen and use the proceeds to buy Soumare. Would leave us with maybe 10m in the red, that’s the savings on Mikhi so pretty much even and we’d have a proper base in midfield for the first time since Vieira – Petit.
Get rid of the rest of the deadwood and activate Szoboszlais release clause. Job done. Top 4 here we come.
Then add the remaining missing pieces next summer for a title tilt in the next couple of seasons when the team has had time to gel.
If Guendouzi was shit, isn’t pulling his weight, has attitude issues, is arrogant blah, blah, blah.
…then why are people throwing out all these big transfer numbers around?
If he’s so much of a problem then he shouldn’t be worth that much.
Make up your minds, where id all these tabloid reports reports of big clubs circling around for such a piss poor 20 year old player.
Reminds one of when Inter sold Coutinho to Liverpool.
Dissenter
It’s a bit like a nice girl going out with a bad boy, they are always the ones who think they can turn the bad boy respectable.
Sometimes the guy grows up, sometimes not, remains to be seen with Guendouzi. However as Pedro said, we are not at the stage where we can indulge him, and he isn’t producing right now what may justify indulging him.
So if he was a makeweight in a deal for Partey, then we should go for it.
These leaks on Guendouzi can’t be helpful if the club ate looking to cash in. Who’d pay a premium for a troublesome player? As it’s Ornstein releasing all this info you can only assume it’s got club approval. A very stupid move.
I’m not sure why biggest shitcunt in the club – Ozil – hasn’t been subjected to such organised media assault.
“sideshow bob candy floss haired mincing bastard.” ha ha that’s some funny shit
I shan’t shed a tear for Guendozy. Energetic? Yes. Creative? No Always made me think of a clockwork stoat. Pedro, your faith in Stan is unbounded. The lawyer that gives you added hope will be an employee of Stan’s. So far Stan’s ‘hands-off’ policy has failed miserably. So if the appointment is recognition of this, I get a small buzz, myself. It’s the owner of a club (not the manager) who is the prime mover when it comes to identity and direction. It’s astonishing that many Arsenal fans still do not recognise this. The story of Arsenal, the ups and… Read more »
What you are saying makes sense. Another reason might be that they might have to skate around the edges of FFP if they plan on spending money in the summer. Advise of corporate lawyer might be a nice thing to have.
Arsenal cannot manage Guendozi. Real does not rate Ceballos.
Both team can hit the reset button with a swap deal.
Un
That fucker needs to be hounded out, pitch forks and all.
Saka on the wing with auba up front please
It needn’t be rocket science putting two quality players in their best positions…
Unai “Anyway diss all we as fans can do here is speculate. Nobody expected £28-£35m for iwobi or £10m for Bielik so let’s see what he goes for. I’d be astounded if he doesn’t go for around £40m” I agree with those sentiments but there’s no need to demonize the kid. If we are selling him, sell him . That said he needs to be re-integrated into the squad and sell him quietly without all the drama of the club selectively leaking information to portray him in a negative light. Guendouzi was a major recruiting asset for us. He was… Read more »
No matter how many times Legrovers comment
Auba up top
Auba up top
It aint gonna happen. Arteta has stated he wants him on the left and hus goal numbers are very good coming in from the left.
He’s also made it clear he wants a different kind of striker ( Laca’s mould). Thats also the reason Gabi hasn’t starter as a Striker under Arteta.
‘I agree with those sentiments but there’s no need to demonize the kid. If we are selling him, sell him . That said he needs to be re-integrated into the squad and sell him quietly without all the drama of the club selectively leaking information to portray him in a negative light.’ Agreed. Will also reduce our negotiation power on the table if the world knows how desperate we are to offload him. ‘Guendouzi was a major recruiting asset for us. He was very active in trying to help recruit other young french players for us. He had a role… Read more »
I think we have to give Arteta the benefit of doubts. We heard only rumors of Guen’s bad behaviors. If it was just what happened at the end of the BHA match, then the club’s response is overkill. With the heavy schedule, hopefully, there is no new injures. I can’t see we can make the top 5 anyway.
Nelson
According to Ornstein, Matteo didnt respond well to Mikel and Edu in a meeting after the Brighton incident.
Martinez
Mustafi Luiz Tierney
Bellerin Xhaka Ceballos Saka
Pepe Nketiah Aubameyang
Pierre we don’t often agree but yeah couldn’t agree more with your last comment
Tho it started in the late 2000s when we started playing CMs and AMs out wide oh the regular
Ozil, Ramsey, Diaby, rosicky, hleb, arshavin, nasri, all did time out there (ozil and Ramsey just occasionally). But none of those were ‘true’ wingers even if a couple of them did well. Then there was lord bentdner, Welbeck, iwobi, ox, the list is endless
Shitting myself about tonight. Leicester worry me. Come on Arteta, prove me wrong , please I’m begging you 🙏🏼
Shakespeare – “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”
Jwl,
Shakespeare lived in less crooked time otherwise the lines would have been.
The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lobbyists, the mlm (multi level marketing) agents, the sport agents then all the lawyers.
Can someone seriously tell me, what does Guen bring to the team and has done for us given all the games he has played? I am baffled that some on here see there is something in him. A big kid, strong, who falls over like a leaf, who does not give assists, goals, nothing of value. And we want to keep him? If he is so great and needs to develop, why not send him on loan? We cannot afford to keep a player like this. We have other good kids in the team, who want to be here and… Read more »
We are going to smash Foxes today. They will go running with their tails between their legs into the forest.
Many of their top players are injured so we should take them easily
Rodrigo Bentancu would be such a dream transfer if we could get him but just can’t see Juve wanting to get rid/swap him for Laca.
Also with them looking to move Ramsey and Pjancic already they are definitely looking to trim the wages and Bentancu is not on the same £ or close to a Rabiot or Khedira
Not sure why people always mention Rugani but he is pretty average no better than what we have.
Guns of SF,
If we deal with the Wolves we can deal with the Foxes.
*dealt
“Pipedream activated 😂”
Dreams coming true from Davie Pornstein, I love it.
Also today is the battle Vardy vs Auba for Golden Boot.
I expect lots of service to Auba. I am sure the team knows about this race.
Auba 2 goals today.
Vardy 0
Also not sure what all the fuss with Guendouzi is. I like him as a player, but he’s hardly the finished article. Whether you judge him with the naked eye or on the basis of his stats, he’s not really all that. At the moment, Xhaka, Torreira, Ceballos and Willock are ahead of him.
Whether he’s got a Bad Attitude or is the Life and Soul of the Party, if the manager doesn’t like his attitude and his work rate, and he shows not sign of change, then sell him for a good price and upgrade.
it’s Brenda so I’m not really that overconfident
for Guen good riddance
we need to upgrade on whatever and wherever we can….
Guen can fetch us some $, or use in partial trade deal..
it’s Brenda so I’m not really that overconfident
for Guen good riddance
The best fantasy scenario is for a Grand Reconciliation, with Guen apologising to the club and to Arteta, coming good and playing brilliantly for the last few matches of the season, raising his value by XX millions, and being sold to Atletico early in the transfer window…..
That “Shitting myself about tonight. Leicester worry me. Come on Arteta, prove me wrong ,” How the game pans out will depend on how Leicester approach the game. If Leicester play similar to Wolves and sit off Arsenal , then we will have a very similar game to the one at the weekend . Lots of passing along Arsenal’s back line from side to side , with very little ambition and a lot of fear of making a mistake. We will basically try and bore Leicester to defeat. however , if Leicester decide to push high up the pitch and… Read more »
Arsenal wont get squat for Guendouzi. Some of the numbers that are been tossed around by some on here is laughable to the point of actually laughing. He runs around like a headless chicken, has a lousy attitude and is more a liability from a positional play perspective than anything else. Plain and simple, he’s a rather unremarkable footballer.
Given his reported attitudinal disposition, he’s not going to fetch as much as some think. There is more downside than upside to him and that never bodes well for a team.
“if Leicester decide to push high up the pitch and pressure our back line, then we will see a completely different type of game.”
I believe this will be Leicester ‘s approach. Attack mode.
lineup when?
fun to speculate but need to see how the team setup especially midfield
will Arteta go BOLD or not
this what makes the sauce
Un,
Guendouzi’s problem is that he is probably playing in the wrong era…
Player’s are not allowed to show emotion on the pitch these days , though to be honest , he is slightly over the top…
“He is currently valued at £36.4m”
By whom? And under what premise, Un?
Guen could have been better if he can actually hold off and protect the ball that way his lack of passing instinct can be compensated for a bit – such a simple attribute that should have been honed by now
and no one finds him imposing at all just because of his tough guy act/posturing
so we go 3-4-3 with that lineup then?
the only way to slot Saka in his favoured position
Ernest
The valuation is provided by Transfermarkt and its not official but the values are generally accepted globally.
Why in the Premier are players still taking the knee it’s madness.
it’s to appeal to the globalists
Lacazette, Pepe, Saka, willock, Tierney, AMN, bellerin, Holding, chambers, kolasinac, Martinelli, Nketiah and Mustafi could fetch a fee?
Saka, Pepe, willock, tierney, AMN, Martin, Nketia coukd fetch a fee they are important to the club, guess who gave the a chance,
Guess who signed the rest lol lol big lolz
Im telling you for free!
I can think of some very good footballers worth that amount Wasi, just not Guendouzi. Sorry, he brings nothing that even remotely merits such an amount.
Saying the above, if there is a dupe partner, such as Everton, who wants to overpay as they did with Iwobi, then have at it and jump at it immediately.
*Laca deadwood