Morning all.
I noticed the picture of the Arsenal gamers on the PFA Awards final evening, 5 of whom made it into the workforce of the season, and two issues occurred to me. First, we’ve some excellent gamers, and whereas we look forward to a bit of extra to be added to the squad, I feel we should always really feel fairly reassured by that. I do know it’s not essentially what anybody desires to listen to, however this squad doesn’t want main surgical procedure this summer time.
You may all the time use a bit further, however I don’t assume that is like earlier switch home windows the place there have been huge, apparent gaps that need to be stuffed for us to make progress. I do assume we will get extra out of this present squad, however clearly I’d additionally like us to be energetic earlier than the top of the window (past the tediously imminent arrival of Mikel Merino).
The second factor I believed was: The place the hell is Bukayo Saka? Simply the 20 targets and 14 assists in all competitions final season, and he’s not there? Positive, Cole Palmer took plenty of penalties and performed very nicely for Chelsea, whereas Flat Monitor Phil Foden had a productive season himself, however Saka’s absence stands out to me. I do know it’s probably not a giant scandal within the grand scheme of issues, however nonetheless.
Talking of Merino, it’s being reported that Actual Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay has travelled to London to shut the deal. Final week we heard that Edu was in Spain, however maybe he was merely sourcing some high class Txuleta for his barbecue, and never in Bilbao negotiating for the providers of a midfielder I feel we actually want as a consequence of considerations about a few our extra senior squad members.
It appears there’s some disparity between what they need (€40m) and what Arsenal are ready to pay, but when there are extra head to head talks and the participant continues to be unnoticed of the Sociedad squad, then I feel some sort of compromise is inevitable. I get why they need as a lot as potential, however he’s bought lower than 12 months on his present deal, and might go away without spending a dime subsequent summer time. That doesn’t give them an enormous quantity of leverage, however they’re clearly making an attempt onerous.
Anyway, even when issues had been to be sorted in the present day, it means it’s a case of what we’ve we maintain for Villa on Saturday, as Merino could be unlikely to be concerned at such quick discover. Then there’s a house sport towards Brighton earlier than the primary Interlull of the season, so if we do add extra gamers earlier than the top of the window, likelihood is we don’t see them till the North London derby after the break.
If you happen to have a look at how Riccardo Calafiori is being eased into motion, then I’d think about some other additions may get the identical sort of therapy. Which is ok so long as we’re successful video games, however I then return to the purpose I made on the high which is that it is a good workforce with good gamers who’re able to doing what must be completed towards Villa and Brighton. Watch this house, I suppose. Or, , an area the place switch information occurs first in the event you’re actually eager.
In the meantime, Arsenal Ladies are within the US, and Tim Stillman is on the market overlaying issues for Arseblog Information. He spoke to boss Jonas Eidevall concerning the alternative to attach with followers, and he’s producing a tour diary whereas he’s over there – first version of which yow will discover right here.
We might be persevering with our protection of Arsenal Ladies all through the season, with a extra common podcast schedule too – hopefully bringing you one thing after each sport in an identical sort of format to Arsecast Further (with fewer magpies and different nonsense although!). If you wish to sustain with that, simply bookmark our Arsenal Ladies part and examine again commonly for tales, updates, information and much extra.
Lastly for in the present day, right here is your official Arseblog line-up for the 2024-25 season, let’s preserve all the things crossed it’s a superb one. For now, have an ideal Wednesday.
