FABIO VIEIRA LANDS – ARSENAL PREPARE FOR SUMMER TAKEOFF

by .

Well, it would appear that the Raphinha story might not smell of Vlahovic, it looks increasingly like Arsenal are going to go all out this window and bring in all the technical wide players.

Did anyone see Arsenal investing £60m on a player to replace Nicolas Pepe?

I did not.

But do I welcome it?

You are damn right I do.

Ornstein says this chatter is the real deal.

“Interest in him (Raphinha) is clear and firm. Mikel Arteta and a number of others at Arsenal really like him. Admiration not fresh, goes back a little way. I think that is the player they would like to bring in.”

Raphinha would be a monster show of ambition. He can play on the left, he can play on the right, I suspect he has the frame and profile to play as a false #9 if we needed him to do that job.

What do I like about him? He has power, speed, and brilliant control. There is a lot of end product and directness in his game… and we know he has the right character because he survived Bielsa.

FABIO VIEIRA IS IN THE DOOR. Mikel and Edu had this to say.

EDU: “We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from FC Porto. Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch. We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal. We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.”

MIKEL: ”I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent. Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play. We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.”

This is a banger of a signing, we’re trying to get a Bernado or KDB before they are a thing. The club moved in silence on this one, they did the deal with Jorge Mendes. They jumped the queue ahead of other top clubs. I am thrilled. Who knows how we’ll use him, but he has so many characteristics I like… tight control, deadly accuracy with his passes, bravery, elite creativity, and the character to force his way into a good Porto side. He’s also the U21 Champion and a league winner. This is a baller move from the club and I AM EXCITED.

The player had this to say:

I’m an attacking player who looks to find space between the lines to be able to finish off moves either with assists or by scoring goals. I think those are the main attributes that Arsenal fans can expect from me. I’ll always give my all for the team.

… and as I’ve been saying, young players see us the hot club to ply their trade, this is who he’s looking forward to playing with.

I’m a fan of Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe, too. I really like the way they play. Odegaard is quite similar to me.

Zach Lowy for the win on the Odegaard piece. Check out that video here.


The delicious story doing the rounds on United Twitter is that Ten Hag is a big fan of Nicolas Pepe. Now there’s a move I didn’t see coming, but really, we all know there’s a player in Nico, it’s just not going to be unearthed in this Mikel Arteta system. You have guaranteed goals with Nico, but there’s no consistency, and I don’t think he has the control in his game to really bang at Arsenal.

We haven’t spoken about it, but someone is going to have to tell Edu that yes, the rumours are true, you can sell players.

Here is the list of potential names that could go and some speculative fees:

  • Nico: £20m (if it’s United, why not?)
  • Bernd Leno: £15m
  • Bob Holding: £10m
  • Granit Xhaka: £15m
  • Ainsley: £5m
  • Hector: £5m
  • Torreira £15m
  • Ballard £5m

That’s £90m in there plus the £15m we’ve already received from Guendouzi and Mavropanos.

Now, we know the chances of getting near that numbers are very low, but there’s no reason to believe we can’t make a dent.

  • Marquinhos £3m
  • Tielemans £25m
  • Raphinha £50m
  • Jesus £45m
  • Fabio £30m
  • Martinez £35m

If all the names drop that are on the list quite firmly, we’re looking at a £188m.

My guess is that Arsenal are probably looking to get to a similar net spend as last season, which was around £130m.

Again, I go back to the January transfer window and the potency of not doing anything fucking mad because Twitter said so.

We reduced the wage bill, we’ve gone from £190m when Arteta took over, to about £85m 2.5 years later. That’s a monster reduction by any standards. These players we’re bringing in aren’t coming in on huge cash, I saw that Vieira would be earning about £46k a week to start with, I suspect Raphinha, Tielemans and Jesus will come on more cash, but we’re not looking at the dark days of £350k a week.

Part of our problem with the selling story has always been the salary. The increasingly muted misery crowd loves to throw around the story about Mustafi being offered a new deal at Arsenal, which wasn’t true, and here’s how you know why… He was on £90k a week under Arsene Wenger, no one was going to pick him up on that deal, the players knew that, but he left, was booted from Schalke, and even on a free transfer, he couldn’t get more than £38k a week. Yep, Arsenal paid Mustafi over double his market rate, that’s why we couldn’t get rid of him, and that’s why he was absolutely not offered a new deal by Arsenal.

The difficulty of rebuilding any organization is that pain is part of the process. In football though, you have 10 million critics demanding the change come with no bumps in the road. Out the backend of this rebuild, we have an average squad age of 23.5, loads of Hale-End products, a better culture, a clear idea of how to play, a recruitment team that aren’t banter, and a manager that has enough sway to drive change through every aspect of the club.

It’s dream stuff. We are moving like a proper club again. The whiners are being put in their place, this club is moving away from the negative voices. The fans in the stadium are falling in love with their team again. All the doubters that said we’d move nowhere under this regime are starting to double-take because Arsenal are powering at the dream of being major trophy winners in a really smart way.

Right, before I exit the building, it’s my birthday today, so sign up for my Patreon OR watch the latest podcast we put out.

One of our best and most-watched live shows of ALL TIME. Xxx

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Rich

Ish

It’s you who brought up Elneny as a reason we won’t sign another midfielder, not me

I was making the point that his extension has no barring on what we do with Partey

The point I was making, and trying to gage some opinion on, was should we try to dump Partey, and maybe Tierney?

Or do we gamble that we can get a RVP 2011/12 type of season out of the pair of them?

AFC Forever

Andy1886 Yep, the Toure comparison did the rounds. We probably need to add context to it though. Kompany: ‘I was watching football from different countries and I saw Sambi play his first two games for Anderlecht, then he got a big knee injury. But the first thing I did when I saw Sambi was I went to Mikel, and also Pep, but Mikel first and I said, “You’ve got to watch this guy, he’s the new Yaya Toure And anyway, nothing comes from it, he’s got a cruciate ligament [injury] and then I end up falling into the management job… Read more »

Rich

Ben D I never said dump Tomiyasu, I just made the point his injuries last season were a concern In fairness, Arteta is responsible for rushing his back against Liverpool, when he clearly wasn’t fit It’s a concern, but I wouldn’t recommend dumping him yet, he’s a top player. Partey has now been injured for 2 consecutive seasons, and they’re muscular injuries, which is always a big concern Tierney was injured when we signed him, he’s been injured in everyone of his 3 seasons at the club, he’d had injuries at Celtic Full back is a position where players tend… Read more »

WengerEagle

AFC Forever It is concerning the injuries he has picked up but I just don’t believe for where we are now that selling such a crucial player is a wise move. He made 23 starts in the PL last season which was a an improvement on his first season where he only started 18 IIRC. We do need 30+ PL games out of him though. Juve are getting Pogba on a free so why would they shell out for Partey? He’s 29, don’t see us getting much for him if we sell so it’s not worth it. I’d take 23… Read more »

Ishola70

Let’s remember Arteta himself didn’t help matters regarding these injuries with playing them into the ground and rushing them back too early. That’s why we should have compeition in central midfied not just for the pretender Xhaka but also Partey. Partey is not a worldie. And that’s why Elneny should have left this summer and we bring in new. And new not to sit on the bench but challenge these players for their first team places. As another poster said it’s not a good concept to have a player that is seen as surplus by all intents and purposes but… Read more »

AFC Forever

WengerEagle

No way he’ll be off to Juve, agreed. You’re probably right. I’m a big Partey fan but it cost us last season and it’s difficult not to feel frustrated about that. We do need 30 games out of him but more importantly we need him fit for the big games, the 6-pointers if you like. I’m just nervous based on the fact he’s only managed 24 games in consecutive seasons – those are not good numbers.

Un

I love KT but if we could get zinchenko and Lisandro for him then it’s a no brainier

Ishola70

Partey is good but he is not great.

Fans think he is great because we have had to endure Xhaka all these years.

When we see a central midfielder actually being mobile and doing what central midfielders should do we are like boy this man is off the charts.

In reality we have just been starved in regards keep witnessing Xhaka in central midfield.

WengerEagle

I also don’t think that Partey is great Ishola but for his position, how many better CMs can you name? He is up there with basically anyone not already starting for an elite team.

And how many of those are gettable?

AFC Forever

Ishola “Let’s remember Arteta himself didn’t help matters regarding these injuries with playing them into the ground” That’s bollocks. The top PL players are playing 34-plus PL games every season and with Europe numbers like 48-50. That is because they are key players who the manager knows make the team better. To be successful you need to play your big players in as many games as you can. This is top -level sport. Good luck telling Klopp he is overplaying VVD. Or Pep that Cancelo shouldn’t have played 50 games this season. Or Moyes that he overplayed Rice, Antonio &… Read more »

Ishola70

Weagle having a good CM is good enough if we had another good one to go along with it. And getting a good one in or even two means we can give Partey the rest he may need during the season. That’s why we should have been in for Bissouma and we would still have had money to get in another of good quality. Doesn’t have to better than Partey. Just of a good consistent nature. Now we will no doubt roll into the season with Xhaka and Partey again and nice Elneny who will have splinters in his arse… Read more »

Naija+soccer

If Partey had been available for even one extra game, we are in the champions league.

And Arteta would be getting celebrated as a generational coach. Instead of being questioned.

Those small margins eh.

Un

Good post afc

Ishola70

AFC

Some players are more hardy than others.

This is basic.

And it’s up to the manager and the fitness staff to identify that.

Klopp will know who his hardy players are.

Arteta probably knew that some of his players were not hardy in that respect but thought he had no option but to keep playing them or rushing them back.

I mean this is the man who squeezes lemons as he told us.

He rinses his players.

Naija+soccer

If its true that Raphina is being quoted at 65-75 million, please let’s just move on to another player. Its not by force.

I’d pay that for Dembele though.

curse

Andy, I agree, a blog is all about opinions but not all opinions are equal. Some are littered with conjecture…

Lil chilly will sign, of that I have no doubt.

Ishola70

Let’s not forget Arteta’s remark regarding the yellow sours and I won’t let you forget it because I thought it was funny and apt.

The squeezing of the lemons.

It’s very insightful that remark of his.

Rinse to the fullest.

Naija+soccer

Keeping Xhaka only makes sense if we are adding a new CM. The list will look like this, Xhaka, Partey, Lokonga, New CM.

As opposed to Xhaka, Partey, Lokonga. That midfield looks extremely vulnerable.

andy1886

It’s a combination of factors with Partey. Faster more competitive league to adapt to and let’s not forget that last season he had to cover for a rookie (Sambi) or a wallowing albatross in Xhaka. It’s enough to put anyone on the treatment table.

AFC Forever

Ishola

Sometimes it comes across as desperation when you have to blame Arteta for everything. Sure, you’re playing to a home crowd but it’s still bollocks. It’s a okay to not like him or feel we need change but have the confidence in your argument to make valid points without the need to invent stuff. It’s not very honest.

Ishola70

Naja

“As opposed to Xhaka, Partey, Lokonga. That midfield looks extremely vulnerable”

Er Elneny signed an extension. He will be available to play if needed even if he is so nice in wanting to sit on the bench all the time.

I want these central midfielders as much as you but the denial here is funny in not even mentioning Elneny.

He signed the extension. He is still an Arsenal player.

Ishola70

Invent what AFC?

Arteta said those things about the lemons lol.

AFC Forever

Andy1886

“Faster more competitive league to adapt to”

There’s a lot to be said for that. It is a brutal league.

Ishola70

andy

“or a wallowing albatross in Xhaka”

lol he’s a fecking curse that man.

He even affects the other players.

Of course he has an affect on the other players alongside him.

andy1886

BNC playing for England U19;s in the Euro finals for anyone interested. It’s on BBC iPlayer.

Hi,I’m a Gold Member for 18 years and I have two season tickets for sale.Call me on 07956 186542 phone number corrected or devongordon@btinternet.com If you’re interested.Tickets are being sold on face value.Thanks.

AFC Forever

Ishola

“Er Elneny signed an extension. He will be available to play if needed even if he is so nice in wanting to sit on the bench all the time”

Interesting stat. In season 20/21 Elneny played 23 PL games, just one less than Partey. Every team needs a pro like him to be fair.

Ishola70

No not a team that wants to advance.

Ishola70

Arteta should have turned to this pro when Partey was not ready to come straight back in the side.

But he didn’t. He rushed Partey back in.

Telling I would have thought.

Rich

We’ve got Norton Cuffy + Patino who are expected to both make the breakthrough It’s why I don’t think we’ll replace Cedric, he’s a decent enough squad player, loan out Norton Cuffy for a season, let him pick up 40 games, then we can reevaluate next summer about a smooth transition, with an internal replacement Same with Patino, maybe he’s been lined up as an Elneny replacement? If we sign a player on a 4-5 year deal, we maybe end up blocking his path. Our squad planning has largely sucked for many a year, hopefully internally we’ve now got a… Read more »

Ishola70

England 2-0 up on Serbia now.

Nice I was on an accm including England over 2.5 goals in their match.

One more hopefully to come.

Un

Norton c is a Don

Habesha Gooner

Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano · 2h Leeds United have been pretty clear with all clubs interested in Raphinha: he can leave but they want at least £65m fee. #LUFC Arsenal after first bid rejected, Spurs after new direct talks, Chelsea after contact through Boehly… and Barça via Deco, got the same message. “””””””””””””‘””””””””””””””””””””””‘””””””””””: I like Raphinha but Leeds are insane. We shouldn’t pay that. There are wingers that are more or less the same quity that will go for half that or a quarter of the price cheaper. I hope Arsenal are sensible and pull out of this deal. Diaby will… Read more »

Mr Serge

Reports saying we have agreed a fee with Jesus

Un

Arteta is too deep but how deep is too deep?

Name that band

Un

Ain’t no fucker paying £65m for Raphinha to a relegation cusp Leeds
Nice try

Rich

Is it fair if Arsenal have Jesus playing upfront?

Or would it be discriminatory to ban him, just because of who his Dad is?…

If he can walk on water, and feed 5,000 people with 5 loads of bread?…

Then surely 35 goals this season can’t be too much to ask?

WengerEagle

Leeds can fuck off with £65m.

He’s a very good player but let’s not pretend that he has set the PL on fire.

Un

Rich

Is DB10 his dad?
Never saw the resemblance

Gutted I am
Just had to turn down a project in Chicago
Haven’t worked abroad in 15 years

Mulerise14

Somebody here on mentioned Austin Trusty…. I first thought he was the newly signed keeper, now remember the red angst about the winter transfer as he was the only signing,I didn’t even bother to watch his video reel….. watch the video,tall,a good recovery speed,long legs (he sure knows how to use those legs)
The plan is to loan him to Europe this season….then we will be able to measure him wella

Habesha Gooner

WengerEagle I like him but this is insane. Title winning Mahrez went for £60 mil and he was a way more consistent and proven player than Raphinha. £55 mil tops and that is stretching it too. It seems the interest from others has inflated the price. I understand why they are doing it. If anyone doesn’t pay it then they will have more a chance to survive relegation again with him in their team. But Arsenal shouldn’t be stupid. We already have Saka. It isn’t like we are desperate. We could find someone better than Pepe to rotate with Saka… Read more »

Habesha Gooner

Eventhough I am against it too, Signing a 27 year old Savic for 60 mil would make more sense than signing Raphinha who is 55 mil at best. At least with Savic we would solve a problem area.

I was on board when Raphinha was being priced at €55 mil ( around £47 mil). But £65 mil is a joke.

Un

Habesha
It would make too much sense

Mr Serge

New post

Emiratesstroller

Habesha Gooner

I rate Xhaka as a similar type of player to Henderson at Liverpool. Neither is brilliant but they
are both hard working and seldom injured.

Okay Henderson does not have brain fahrt moments like Xhaka, but I don’t think that he is more talented.

Arsenal need a third option DM/CM to compete with Partey and Xhaka. Ideally he should be
an upgrade. However, even if we recruit such a player I would expect Xhaka to be starting in 25 -30 games a season.

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