So it seems we wanted a LB, CB, creative winger and CM. We’ve signed a CB, CM, creative winger and seem to be in for a LB. Feels odd we have actually gone for the positions we actually need to strengthen! Obviously Saliba isn’t available this season so ideally we sign another CB. And we need to get the Pepe and Tierney deals over the line but it looks like decent business this window. If we get a new CB I’d be really happy with the way we’ve gone about things. Could line up with: ————Leno————- Bellerin—-NewCB—Sokratis—Tierney ————Torres—-Ceballos—— Pepe———-Ozil——Aubameyang —————-lacazette———- Which seems a pretty solid team. Could definitely do with clearing out some crap and replacing with better depth and some defensive strengthening but it’s looking better than expected.
If we land Pepe and Tierney it will be the first transfer window in a long time that I can remember Arsenal landing all their first choice targets. We were initially going after Zaha but it seems they abandonned that deal in favour of landing Pepe for a similar price. I hope Holding is back fit and healthy because he was our best defender last Season before he got injured. I think Ozil will start a fair amount of games but I reckon Emery will end up playing a 4-3-3 without the German in favour of midfield that can really press. -----------------------Leno------------------------ Bellerin----Holding-----Sokratis---Tierney ----------------------Xhaka----------------------- --------Cabellos--------------Tor/Guen------ -----Auba-------Lacazette------Pepe-------- Bench: Iwobi, Martinelli, Chambers, Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Kolasinac, Martinez.
Anyone read into why Khedira was at the Emirates Cup game today? Rumours he may be signing for us, but Would be a strange one.
Yeah would be a weird one with Torreira, Xhaka and Guendouzi all in the same role. He's 32 so not exactly past it but still getting on in terms of age.
Soo just as Wenger was obsessed with collecting attacking/creative midfielders it seems Emery is obsessed with DM's. Khedira deal looks like it might happen. ------------------------Leno--------------------------- ---------------Sokratis---Holding-------------------- Guend--Khedira--Torreira--Xhaka--Cabellos- --------Auba-----Lacazette----Pepe--------------- We need Centrebacks FFS
Apparently Emery said we're not in for him. And rightly too, he was a decent player 5-8 years ago, but that ship has long since sailed.
Would have been a good combo with Khedira and Ozil in the middle. He would have been a good fit at Arsenal, but there's no way we should be bringing him in now. He's 32 and injury prone and probably destined for the MLS or China.
Perhaps the best signing of the summer so far for us.... Mustafi to Monaco for £30m. Please make this happen!
Ornstein has confirmed Pepe will be announced in the next few days. "Arsenal are on course to confirm the €80m club-record signing of Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe from Lille later this week. The 24-year-old winger/forward has arrived in London & will undergo a medical today before signing a five-year contract at the Emirates #AFC #LOSC" Also good news on the Mustafi front.. "Arsenal in talks with number of clubs over Shkodran Mustafi exit. 27yo (contract until 2021) wants to stay + prove himself. But #AFC want permanent or loan departure. Also hope to bolster central defence pre-deadline & retain interest in Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney #CelticFC"
If Mustafi goes and we get Rugani or Umtiti that’d be fantastic business. There’s got to be other CB options out there as well. Tbh replacing Mustafi full stop would be good business. If Koscielny goes too then I think we need two CBs though. Even after the bullshit this summer I’d happily keep him as a backup option.
I think the CB we get will be on loan. (like the Rugani rumours) Tierney will be our final permanent signing this summer. Definitely spent our budget by that point.
