Morning all.
I noticed the picture of the Arsenal gamers on the PFA Awards final evening, 5 of whom made it into the crew of the season, and two issues occurred to me. First, we’ve got some excellent gamers, and whereas we look ahead to a bit extra to be added to the squad, I believe we must always really feel fairly reassured by that. I do know it’s not essentially what anybody needs to listen to, however this squad doesn’t want main surgical procedure this summer season.
You’ll be able to all the time use a bit additional, however I don’t assume that is like earlier switch home windows the place there have been huge, apparent gaps that must be crammed for us to make progress. I do assume we are able to get extra out of this present squad, however clearly I’d additionally like us to be energetic earlier than the tip 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 lots of penalties and performed very effectively 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 not likely an enormous 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 believe 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 nose to nose talks and the participant continues to be ignored of the Sociedad squad, then I believe some sort of compromise is inevitable. I get why they need as a lot as attainable, however he’s received lower than 12 months on his present deal, and may depart free of charge subsequent summer season. That doesn’t give them an enormous quantity of leverage, however they’re clearly making an attempt exhausting.
Anyway, even when issues have been to be sorted in the present day, it means it’s a case of what we’ve got we maintain for Villa on Saturday, as Merino can be unlikely to be concerned at such brief 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 tip of the window, chances are high we don’t see them till the North London derby after the break.
If you happen to take a look at how Riccardo Calafiori is being eased into motion, then I’d think about every other additions may get the identical sort of therapy. Which is okay so long as we’re successful video games, however I then return to the purpose I made on the high which is that this can be a good crew with good gamers who’re able to doing what must be finished towards Villa and Brighton. Watch this area, I assume. Or, you recognize, an area the place switch information occurs first should you’re actually eager.
In the meantime, Arsenal Ladies are within the US, and Tim Stillman is on the market protecting 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 you’ll find right here.
We shall 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 analogous sort of format to Arsecast Additional (with fewer magpies and different nonsense although!). If you wish to sustain with that, simply bookmark our Arsenal Ladies part and verify again recurrently 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 one. For now, have an incredible Wednesday.
