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 now have some excellent gamers, and whereas we await slightly 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 needs to listen to, however this squad doesn’t want main surgical procedure this summer time.
You’ll be able to at all times 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 might additionally like us to be lively earlier than the tip of the window (past the tediously imminent arrival of Mikel Merino).
The second factor I assumed was: The place the hell is Bukayo Saka? Simply the 20 objectives and 14 assists in all competitions final season, and he’s not there? Certain, Cole Palmer took quite a lot of penalties and performed very nicely for Chelsea, whereas Flat Observe Phil Foden had a productive season himself, however Saka’s absence stands out to me. I do know it’s not likely 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 prime 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 nose to nose talks and the participant continues to be overlooked of the Sociedad squad, then I feel some form of compromise is inevitable. I get why they need as a lot as doable, however he’s bought lower than 12 months on his present deal, and may depart without spending a dime subsequent summer time. That doesn’t give them an enormous quantity of leverage, however they’re clearly making an attempt laborious.
Anyway, even when issues have been to be sorted at this time, it means it’s a case of what we now have we maintain for Villa on Saturday, as Merino could be unlikely to be concerned at such quick discover. Then there’s a house sport in opposition to Brighton earlier than the primary Interlull of the season, so if we do add extra gamers earlier than the tip of the window, likelihood is we don’t see them till the North London derby after the break.
Should you take a look at how Riccardo Calafiori is being eased into motion, then I’d think about some other additions may get the identical form of therapy. Which is okay so long as we’re successful video games, however I then return to the purpose I made on the prime which is that this can be a good workforce with good gamers who’re able to doing what must be executed in opposition to Villa and Brighton. Watch this area, I assume. Or, you realize, an area the place switch information occurs first should you’re actually eager.
In the meantime, Arsenal Girls 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 can be persevering with our protection of Arsenal Girls all through the season, with a extra common podcast schedule too – hopefully bringing you one thing after each sport in an analogous form of format to Arsecast Additional (with fewer magpies and different nonsense although!). If you wish to sustain with that, simply bookmark our Arsenal Girls part and test again recurrently for tales, updates, information and plenty extra.
Lastly for at this time, right here is your official Arseblog line-up for the 2024-25 season, let’s preserve every part crossed it’s one. For now, have an important Wednesday.
