A few weeks ago, before the Euros had started and before the dust had settled on Arteta’s first full season in charge, I called for ruthlessness in this summer’s transfer window. A shout that while having the best intentions, was likely a naïve take on a transfer window that is truly unlike any other in […]
Preparing for the absent POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I’m normally not in the camp of folk who say pre-season is just for fitness and rhythm. I’m still not. As a coach it is pivotal, not just for players to get in the groove but to try out the most important tactics/strategies that you want to […]
Let’s all do Lokonga The long-telegraphed signing of Belgian U21 International Albert Sambi Lokonga was announced by Arsenal yesterday. He becomes Arsenal’s second confirmed addition to the first team squad this summer, with Ben White, assuming his medical is satisfactory, post Euro holiday being the third. Tavares, signed last week from Benfica, Lokonga and White […]
For a couple of years, Frenchman Houssem Aouar has been constantly linked to a move to Arsenal. Now, it seems, the Gunners finally decided it was time for him to come – and reportedly submitted a €25 million offer for him. According to Calciomercato, the price is within Lyon’s asking range, but the French side […]
There’s something about him that I cannot quite explain.While Bukayo Saka steals the show with his flashy runs and moments of magic, another youngster is quietly stamping his mark on the team.Since his introduction to the starting XI against Chelsea last winter, Emile Smith Rowe has been a mainstay for Mikel Arteta and one of […]
Ben White is very likely to be the first signing of the summer.According to many media outlets, the English defender will join from Brighton for a fee between £ 45m and £ 50m, quite an investment.There are too many reports, almost identical, coming out these days not to take this piece of news as legit, […]
In recent years the ‘revolving door’ of Arsenal hasn’t stopped spinning; a new member of the hierarchy is barely in the building, before they’re back out the door again. But there is one man in a position of power who has stood resolute. Much like his time as a player, Per Mertesacker has steadily and […]
Is there anything we don’t know about the William Saliba affaire? It was only a few days ago that Arsenal were reportedly interested in Brighton and England international Ben White, whom the Seagulls value at £40 million. The former Leeds player, who has seen his value double in the space of just one season in […]
The Conductor and his part time Rock Band POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES End of season review This is a tale of the unnecessary. There once was a really good music teacher. He had been given the opportunity to work with a fairly talented but unbalanced rock band called ‘Unexpected.’ The music teacher had taken […]
Reading between the lines Translating Arteta’s summary of the season: Quote: “In the league we have two (five after Sunday) more points than last season” Translation: “Stop your bloody moaning, it’s more points than when Unai was in charge” Quote: “The fact that we don’t have a title so close to grab because we’re not […]
