SORRY FOR NOT BEING THERE FOR YOU EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY. Sheesh, you lot are so needy when the transfer window is open. I was gone, like, 2 days.
Anyway, I’ve been well and truly talked off the ledge about the Edu moves and I’m now VERY excited about what the summer can bring.
Firstly, I was told that the idea of having scouts in 50 countries is a shitty old school idea that offers very little value to the club. The thinking is that Edu has a few centralised scouts that he trusts in London, the analysts lean on elite technology to pick out players, if the brain trust likes the players, then the club invests in watching them in the flesh.
That’s the loose process. The watch out on this is Arsenal has always been a tech-forward club, they just haven’t used it properly. Jason Rosenfeld of StatDNA recently quit to go to FIFA, he’s a world-class data nerd, if he thought he was getting job satisfaction at Arsenal, he’d still be here. The idea that Edu has had some sort of visionary eureka moment that the future of football is ACTUALLY about data is off the mark, we had that ability in 2013, the question is… can Edu unlock the power of metadata with the people he has left at the club? Or is it just a nice media soundbite?
All indicators suggest no at the moment, but if we’re cool with pretending Kia and the super-agents were just a phase while he focused on a youth system for a year, then I’m game to SHUT UP AND BACK EDU. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled a nobody blogger is giving him permission to do his job.
I’m also slapping myself into getting excited about Willian. Like, what’s the point in not enjoying a new signing? I quite like all the data stories that are doing the rounds in the papers. Yes, yes, I remember when everyone thought Emery was a genius last season for signing Luiz because he played penetrating balls from deep, but this signing is different because there’s no baggage, bar the agent.
The wages seem to land on the lower end of the scale at £100k a week, though The Mirror had £150k a week. I can live with £100k, that’s good value. A lot of the papers seem to indicate that the expectation is Willian will be moved to the middle as an attacking #8, or a more modern #10. Willian played there when he was at Shakhtar, Arteta is hoping to reacquaint him with his 2012 game. A #10 position might give him a little more longevity as well because the role isn’t quite as dependent on pace.
Also, if we’re playing Saka at #10 in training, maybe the succession plan post-Willian is to have the left-back pick up that role. I could live with that. We’re also keeping ESR at the club next season, he can play in those pockets as well, so the future is youth however we cut it.
It was interesting to read Julian Nagelsmann talk about blending youth and experience in his interview with Rapha Honigstein.
“There are players who make teams better actively, through their performances, and those who do that but also improve the team passively, if you will, through the force of their personality and their character. Buying such a player wouldn’t fit into the RB concept 110 per cent but he could improve us as a group, with all these young guns. He wouldn’t be an investment in the classic sense, but would offset that with the positive effects he would have on the development of others.”
Willian is certainly a top professional with a winning attitude. Probably a good foil for the kids who will be looking to takeover.
The transfer stories haven’t really progressed. I’m hoping that our #1 target is keeping quiet because he’s still in the Champions League playing for Atleti whilst doing TikTok dances.
There’s an Instagram Story doing the rounds that shows Willy Auba and his family having an Arsenal party, one would hope in the name of the new mega-deal their main breadwinner has just signed. That really would cap a good end to the season.
… and that’s why I’m excited. Frank Lampard finished in the Champions League, but the loss in the FA Cup Final to a better young coach and the subsequent spanking from Bayern has him getting the same treatment as Unai Emery. No coach has conceded more goals than him under Roman Abramovich. He’s being called tactically naive. There are doubts creeping in. Super unfair when you consider he made 4th after losing Hazard, but that is the nature of this beastly game.
Mikel Arteta is in a different boat. His xG was suspect, no doubt, but he did a few things that gave him credit with the fans. He made us a strong team unit. He did that with players that make errors, but overall, the impact was very positive. Fans could see the shape. He gave weak characters a mental toughness nearly all of us doubted could happen. He delivered wins against Liverpool, City, United, Wolves (a), and Chelsea. Those are progress wins. Then, of course, he won an FA Cup final.
The momentum is with him. The owners, the fans, the players all believe in the journey he’s taking them on. He now has more say over players, he has more confidence to implement his ideas, and he knows he’s on the right path.
There’s still a lot of work to do with the squad this summer, but I think the hope is that if the club can raise £100m in transfer revenue, they’ll invest it right back in. It’s great that PSG are sniffing around a £40m Matteo G, I’m sure someone will offer for LT, Holding is young and appealing, AMN is a £30m player now… most of our players improved since December, so we might find the transfer wheel is a little more greased this summer.
If Edu and Raul can make some deals that shift the profile of the squad, we’ll start the season in much better shape.
I think the Community Shield is going to be followed by an international break, then it’s straight into the league where it’ll be catch up mode with 3 games a week again. If we get off to a good start and keep the momentum of the FA Cup game going, we could be top 4 contenders next season. A lot still needs to go right, but hey, we can dream again.
The key is always a good start with these players. As we saw before the FA Cup, if there’s nothing to play for, it’s hard to get a game out of them. However, when there’s a reason to focus, it’s pretty clear that we have the ability to give anyone in the league a game on our day. We’ve not been in a position to say things like that in a very long time. We have a genuinely top coach running things now and that makes things very different for us.
I’m excited… let’s see where the business goes this summer!
Sevilla is a much better team than Wolves, more chance there to knock out Utd without the odd pen that is.
Hahaha Y’all have lost me now, too lazy to read back. ..anyhow… hope we sign somebody soon. Clearly the natives are getting restless.
The backpass
“Now the funniest part is this, his current girlfriend Telma was mates with him in junior high and she is 25 plus, so how can partey be 35 when his girlfriend since junior high is 25?”
That’s why I say it’s hard to judge age cheats by their pictures or just because they are from Africa.
My God is this Partey age debate still going on? Is that all we want to debate?
I expect Shakhtar to knock Inter out. Though I picked Sevilla to win the whole thing their match against Manure is hard to call. Those manure forwards are a problem.
Taye Taiwo had a monster left foot.
Azed
“That’s why I say it’s hard to judge age cheats by their pictures or just because they are from Africa.”
Exactly, and not that am saying Partey didn’t do it but certainly not by much..2 years maybe.
Ohemaa instead of Telma rather (girlfriends name)
Champagne CharlieAugust 11, 2020 18:56:00
THIAGO
A plan we hatched some time ago, now the crack transfer team have finally found light.
Don you have to stop replying to everything I say we’re not having a back and forth I don’t care what you have to say I don’t respect you you are too stupid
Partey would be the signing of the summer if we pull it off,reminds me of Yaya at City the way he bosses the midfield
Don’t care whether he’s 50 lol, just get it done!
‘I don’t really know much about Partey. When did he leave for Europe, how did he get his first opportunity. Did he play in the Ghanian League?Those things usually play a part in those that reduce their age.’ Yea Azed, I know those things are a factor as well. But I can tell if an African dude is way above 27 just by looking at him. Partey is just two or three years younger than Arteta. By the way, good to have you here right now. Most of the lot here have never left their duty post at a post… Read more »
Karim
“Taye Taiwo had a monster left foot.”
Yeah he did, shame he Left the Left foot when he left Marseille.
“But I can tell if an African dude is way above 27 just by looking at him.“
What are the tells? Can we get some kind of an online seminar here?
Sal
Exactly! Obviously just uncovered my lengthy email about Thiago, must’ve been because I recently Cc’d Kia.
You hate to see a Nuno choke
Like trying to call a black man racist for claiming another black man may be older than he claims
Again didn’t call him a racist called you one. I called him ignorant.
Out of curiosity how old does Prince William look? He is seriously bald. Then
there many people in their 20s who have gone grey or white.
Does that mean that their birth certificates are false? Some of the commentary about Partey’s age is becoming completely ridiculous.
Don’t worry Emirates I’ve enlisted and expert on the subject (see above).
“Again didn’t call him a racist called you one. I called him ignorant.”
Liar, Liar pants on fire
You’re a grown man dissenter
Unai na
Sheath your sword mate.
Always told you that you’re a honest broker even when I vehemently disagreed with you.
You gave hell it and took your just desert with no malice …at least some of the time 🙂
Really just let it go. It’s not worth it.
Marko
Of course I’m a grown man who’s learned to never argue with fools like you because you have the luxury of sheer experience.
In a blog full of bullshitters, you stand out prominently.
I suggest that some of those who post on here and seem to be obsessed about
Partey’s alleged fraudulent birth certificate take a look at lower caste women
in India.
They start bearing children at an early age, live in abject poverty and by the age of 30 look closer to 60.
Does that mean that they are lying about their real age?
He is seriously bald.
___
Ixnay… on the aldbay.. Peds has sensitivity issues. Although Sal.. told me it isn’t an issue. I also Know Sal can be bought off with cheap beer and whiskey. sooo…..there is that.
It’s an internet thing Un… you say that when you actually love to see a super agent side piece lose
out on Europe
Also, can we stop talking about Partey’s age.
“But I can tell if an African dude is way above 27 just by looking at him.”
Perhaps sometimes but certainly not all the time.
I don’t care if Partey is 27 or 37, as long as he gives us 4 solid years of great service, then no qualms at all.
Willian should be announced tomorrow according to certain reports, we need to get our transfer groove going.
Thankfully the summer window will be very short.
Gentlebris But I can tell if an African dude is way above 27 just by looking at him. — You can’t tell with regards to Partey though. You’ll find guys in Nigeria who looks like Partey and are 27. That’s not to say Partey is not older. All I’m saying is that you can’t use the face alone to judge a man’s age. Even in Nigeria. And seeing some of your comments about Nigeria, it’s easy to know that you have many misconceptions about Nigeria and some of your views are outdated. Too many holes in your comments as Victorious… Read more »
But I can tell if an African dude is way above 27 just by looking at him.
This is not true.
Wonder if Bris can also tell if a man is homosexual or not just by looking at him?
Could be no limit to his powers.
Brits,
You’re not from Ghana, are you?
You seem very cynical about Nigerians.
Almost as bad as Un.
Read somewhere Dani may be leaving. Seems Madrid are interested to keep him this year for a squad rebuild, his recent form has some contribution to this decision.
It’s not that simple anymore for transfers.
And I hope that’s not true; he stays here.
Pedro
“Also, can we stop talking about Partey’s age.”
Sign that decree now Don Pedrito
“I can attempt 10 African languages.”
What does it even mean to attempt a language?
I’d settle for if somebody could tell a good footballer on here just by looking at him.. on evidence of dissention on virtually anyone named… I’m starting to think no.
Partey is a rock star compared to our midfield, same with Willian, same with Coutinho. Anyhow, no idea what is or is not still actually in play… silly season and all that. I’m as anxious as anyone I suppose. Willian seems like a lock but I have heard that before. Aka Higuain.
Un,
Sorry, my mistake.
I was under the mistaken impression that you’d lost quite a bit of money in one of these email scams when a Nigerian guy (“the future Nigerian Messi”) asked you to wire some money to fund a fake birth certificate knocking a few years off his age.
Midwest
Willian has done his medical already. I heard he’s left for his vacation as we speak.
It’s a done deal.
Need to see the cheesy video. But yeah that’s what it says everywhere.
MidwestGun
The last thing that we need at the club are “rockstar footballers”. We have already got one at the club in Ozil and he is a high cost disaster.
What we need are high performing professional footballers who will improve
the team and its competitiveness.
Emirates,
Ozil is as much of a “rockstar” as Donny Osmond and Karen Carpenter were.
Yesterday ,AMN was trending here
Today is all about Partey’s age.
Mentalbris been really going at it tonight
The weird thing is, Gentlebris is actually being serious .
Pierre
I’m just glad there’s a good couple of thousand miles between him and me
THOUGH SHALT NOT QUESTION PARTEY’S AGE
Regards
Pedro Jong-Il
Guys, let’s face it.
Until something actually happens in terms of actual real-life players coming in or going out, well be chatting shit about West African player age fraud and other non-subjects. That, and transfer rumours spread by ITK accounts operated by spotty teenagers.
Anybody fancy a swoop on Morgan Schneiderlin? I’m told a close analysis of his stats show that he’s been criminally underrated…..
Thomas Partey when he was 28 at Atletico’s Academy
HABESHA NO
If Partey joins us do we have to sing him Happy Birthday 17 times to get his age right?
Pedro
I won’t post anything else but Let it be. I can’t believe I see an African dude being racist.
No wonder Saka was so good this season, reckon he’s 26.
Am I close?
Pedro,
I hear Partey paid someone big in the Football Analytics World to juice his stats, and up his xG, XAssists, successful passes and ball progression stats. The rumour is Partey had to pay extra to upgrade his defensive stats……
Calum Chambers is being linked with a Fulham move. Are journalists just adding 1+1 because he was on loan there the season before?
WOAB
I’m more interested in who he paid to hide all the Birthday Candles on all those cakes
Ganesha
And put a bid in for him
Fucking autocorrect
Sorry Habesha
12 mil is a little low though. We need them to bid at least 15 mil for him. I didn’t think he was sellable this summer.
Do people not realize that Chambers is injured and just a squad player? Fuck waiting for someone to never offer anything big for him just take the 12 million and move on.
As much as I like Callum Chambers, he’s been at the club for 6 years and still hasn’t developed into a top centre half. I think it’s time to move him on. 12 million seems a bit cheap to me though, even so with a big injury. He’s 25, supposedly coming into his peak, English which always boosts a transfer fee by a few million.. he’s also got 2 years on his contract remaining. We should be looking around the 18 million pound mark for him. My 3 centre backs to sell would be Sokratis, Mustafi and Chambers. We should… Read more »
Ganesha Gooner is an Indian soccer deity.
The one thing Chambers offers is versatility, having a utility player who can cover CB, RB & DM is not the worst player to have on the books especially if they’re on lower wages.
Luteo
Sounds like a breakfast bar to me
Have to admit to a few chuckles over the age thing here.
A piece of information (with about as much relevance,) if you want to take a stab at a Filipina or Vietnamese woman’s age, add 10 years to what you think and you’ll be close.
If the reports are true and Zidane wants Ceballos back at Madrid next season, then at least he’ll be leaving as our most successful (and expensive) loan signing in club history.
Are Kroos and Modric leaving? They could but it’s doubtful. Seems like they are playing hardball to try and get us to buy him upfront instead of another loan.
Azed is a summer bunny, raised in a well of setting, he has lost touch with his motherland.
“A piece of information (with about as much relevance,) if you want to take a stab at a Filipina or Vietnamese woman’s age, add 10 years to what you think and you’ll be close.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKW-0VvjH0
Holly shit, Shaktar have 13 Brazilians on their books.
A CG’s wet dream for Arsenal FC.
mb,
that is pure Madrid planted BS about Ceballos. He isn’t getting minutes there, no way under Zidane. Story planted to extract more from Arsenal for loan fee, etc.
Alex Cutter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGTIs9fvkUA
This clip of Karl in China aged well
#Exclusive
Saka is of Nigerian descent and has been caught lying about his age. Man is 29 years old.
Also , The Ghanaian Partey has a son 26 year old. Make of it what you will.
Marc,
Here is another story about how COVID-19 by showing en mass remote working to actually work may change company working habit.
Huge headquarter in swanky area may become a thing of the past. Retail and services business that relies on footfall from those headquarters may be doomed.
Changing working habit may then have a huge impact on commuting and on where people buy their main residence.
BP mulls radical reduction of office space in move to flexible working
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/12/bp-mulls-radical-reduction-of-office-space-in-move-to-flexible-working
Just reading through for my usual morning update First the Chambers story. If Fulham stump up anything tor Chambers for one club that would be great for another they deserve relegation and I bet you can work out which club fits where Chambers suffered an ACL injury it’s highly unlikely he will even be back in training come the closing of the window and as for being in a position to play then that’s even more unlikely. If they take anyone in it will be Ampadu. Before anyone picks up I truly rate this lad is that I saw him… Read more »
Thiago, Douglas Costa are being linked with Arsenal.
If only.
Valentin Many FTSE100 Companies headquartered in London are doing precisely what you describe with not only staff working from home, but reorganisation and large scale redundancies. One of my family who works for a subsidiary of FTSE100 Business has received along with all other staff statutory notice that the company plans to cut significantly its staff through reorganisation of business and substantial redundancies. The staff has been protected until now from this process, but the company is now taking longterm view. I suspect that even if staff survive cuts they are going to be stressed out and grossly overworked perhaps… Read more »
Jonathan David must really be an elite prospect if Lille shelled out 30 mil on him.
The Captain.
“””Also , The Ghanaian Partey has a son 26 year old. Make of it what you will.”””””
I’ve just been reading,( from Ornstein) that he wants £200 000 a week to join.
(No wonder why he is so keen to come to Arsenal )
Even our Dopes ain’t giving him that sort of money.
Surely?
CG.
A ‘youngman’ wants a great deal for himself to come to a club that’s below where he presently is and it surprises you? The only reason a player like Partey will leave a UCL team for us is money. If we can’t buy the bullet on deals like this maybe we’re not ready to move forward actually. I think we’ll meet him somewhere in the middle and that won’t be a wrong move. Especially if we’re ridding ourselves of high earners like Mickey and Lacazette.
Bite the bullet
CG
Where did you read that?
I cant seem to find it.
Un
We also have being linked with Joelson Fernandes (27). , Szoboslai (29) , Axel Disasi(32) , Jonathan David (30) , Edouard (35) , Upa(33) , Kokcu(29) , Ceballos (30) , Aarons (27) , Godfrey(30) , Aouar (30) , Morgan Samson(35) . I personally dont think we’ll sign them all and most are just clickbaits.
Also we are not the ones linked with Juve’s old guns. Its Juve who want to offload their 33yo Higuain or 40 yo Costa on us for Lacazette whose age only God knows.
Un
You do get its the S*n , right?
Captain “”””CGWhere did you read that? I cant seem to find it.”””” I read a quote attributed to him.He was asked a question on you tube apparently. Something on the lines. That Party’s release fee has to be paid in full.( £50 million) There are some taxes on top Obviously unhidden Spivs Fees to be carved up. And he went on to say GrandPa Partey wants £200 000 a week. Arsenal should always aim to sign young hungry players ,that want to get better and play for the shirt. Chelsea and Manchester United buy mercenaries. And we are becoming a… Read more »
I forgot to mention the 37yo duo of Emil Roback and George Lewis .
Cg
The quote you apparently read is being run by the all-knowing S*n.
Virtual slave labour is more profitable
60% of US and UK labor will get poorer or deeper in debt every year.
A few men and their families, will ge richer than royalty.
Labor marchers/strikers/protestors will be shot down and killed by either private police forces
Same script different cast. (Carnegie hired the Pinkertons) or calling in the National Guard. (Rockefeller).
Thorough
“””””The only reason a player like Partey will leave a UCL team for us is money. “””””
Then ,you dont buy these types of players.
Plain and simple.
If you thinking buying ageing mercenaries will propel us back to the Glory Days ,your bonkers.
That’s Raul thinking too.
End in tears.
100% Guaranteed.
Interesting article published today in Daily Telegraph.
Manchester United are “kings” of both English and European Football when it
comes to being awarded penalties.
They were awarded 21 penalties [scoring 18] in all games this season. Manchester City had the next largest number in England with 16 and Arsenal on just 5!
In Europe Manchester United finished top ahead of 6 Italian Clubs and
Man City.
When you look at the penalties awarded to Man Utd against EPL teams you wonder how well they would have done in League Tables without the benefit
of this favourable outcome.
CG.
I think all footballers are mercenaries actually. Think of the number of young and hungry players we bought but left immediately they saw the light:Van Percie, Cesc, Nasri, Ox, Gnabry etc.
IF Partey will join us and do a job for as long as he’s here I’m fine with that. And I happen to think that’s the exact type of player we need to steel our midfield.
Thorough
“”””IF Partey will join us and do a job for as long as he’s here I’m fine with that. And I happen to think that’s the exact type of player we need to steel our midfield.”””””
What one that don’t score or create?
You get these types of players for tuppence in France and their ages are shall we say , less contentious.
Absurd to splash circa £100 million on him.
But nothing surprises me with this current mob in charge
Thorough, the difference is that players on the way up may want to use us as a stepping stone but they have to play well or they aren’t going to get that offer to move on to the very top.
Players like Partey making the step down from a CL club to earn more money have no such incentive, it’s all about the cash.
I’d rather take the up and coming hungry player and see them move on if they really excel.
Well said Andy,
Agreement here.
For The Captain
“”””””””will hope to strike a deal for Thomas Partey but it won’t be easy. The clause has to be paid in one go, plus a few millions in tax on top. Partey is said to demand in excess of £200kpw in wages.”””””””””””
Andy
“Thorough, the difference is that players on the way up may want to use us as a stepping stone but they have to play well or they aren’t going to get that offer to move on to the very top.Players like Partey making the step down from a CL club to earn more money have no such incentive, it’s all about the cash.”
Like our best player Auba? After all he left a similar set up to come here or he doesn’t count?
Would you guys swap Lacazette for Douglas Costa?
It would mean Willian would be predominantly played at CAM and We won’t sign anyone else though.
Wont touch Douglas Costa with a stick.
If Juve want Laca they’ll have to pay up.
Or be generous enough to give us De ligt , Dybala or Bentancur.
How come we are not linked with Gianluigi Buffon?
Thought we needed another keeper.
Pedro
‘ SORRY FOR NOT BEING THERE FOR YOU EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY’
I accept your apology 😊