Fabrizio saying we've begun talks with Odegaard to extend his contract until 2027 with an option for a further year. He'd apparently be the highest paid player at the club. The next player in line to have their contract extended is Ben White. After getting Saliba, Gabriel, Saka, Ramsdale, Martinelli and Nelson all signed up to new deals within the past year thus far, it would be welcome news to lock down our key players and secure their futures. Something that we never, ever did properly under previous regimes.
Yeah - I think it's needed. We actually have him contracted to 2025 already with a further option to 2026, but his wages are only half of some of guys who have signed new deals. It's a very good for Ode to see how much we value him if we're negotiating so soon so that he's not left behind the others pay grades.
Odegaard is our best player. One of the best in his position. He seems to be improving all the time - very important we secure his future.
personally i wouldn’t go that far. I think Saka is our best player but i can see why some would pick Ode. For Ode i would like to see him dominate games more often. When he’s off he is really off.
Not sure where to put this exactly. Obviously would be nice to see Partey and Rice together for defensive solidity but was thinking in terms of dynamic football this may be our best side. (perhaps what Arteta was hoping to go with) With Timbers injury though be a while before we can field this lineup. -------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------- White---------Saliba---------Gabriel------------Timber ----------Odegaard------Rice------Zinchenko---------- --Saka-------------------Jesus----------------Martinelli-- The reason this makes sense is Timber inverts and Zinchenko can naturally cover that side. Would allow for interesting interplay between the two.
https://www.football365.com/news/arsenal-close-zubimendi-sociedad-january-finish-rebuilding-arteta If this is true - I guess would be a long term replacement for Partey? Probably gives the idea of Rice playing long term as more of a NO.8 more validity as well.
I've seen Zubimendi play a few times and he strikes me as more of a Jorginho-style of player, rather than Partey. He's a high volume passer, likes to switch play, tries to intercept and orchestrate play from deep, is tactically intelligent. But he's not a powerful runner, lacks athleticism and won't drive his way out of pressure the way Partey does. I'd still take him at Arsenal, but I do wonder if Arteta wants someone that's a slightly different mould.
Wasn't saying he's similar to Partey in style just position. Its unlikely were going to spend 51m on a player in that position unless he tactically fits into what Arteta is planning for the future.
Absolutely not we're already trying to resurrect Havertz's career, the last thing we need is yet another expensive risk. He's reportedly Man Utd's highest paid player on £350k a week as well. Steer well clear! On a serious note though, I don't think his attitude and behaviour is aligned with the values of what Arteta's built at Arsenal. Sancho is notorious for falling out with coaches, being late for training and seeing himself as deserving of preferential treatment over other team mates. Regardless of his talent, a player like this would undo all the good work we've done over the past 3/4 years. So it's a no from me.
Some more great news on the contract extension front as club captain Odegaard commits his future to the club!
Wow, high praise indeed. Personally, I still feel like he's got a while to go before he reaches that level and de Bruyne is in a league of his own. But I'd say after de Bruyne, he's a (distant) 2nd best in the league right now. I don't think he'll ever match de Bruyne's trophy haul, but if he can get an identical cabinet to what Henderson had at Liverpool, I'd be over the moon with that. Hopefully he'll lift numerous trophies with us.
The Ivan Toney thing has got me thinking. I would happily take him at Arsenal as he's an improvement on Nketiah. But.. I think the narrative that we need a clinical goalscorer down the middle is just old fashioned British journalism. It's like how 15-16 years ago - when teams started playing WF's rather than traditional wingers and we used to get the whole - well 'he's great going forward but he doesn't track back enough' arguments. Essentially they don't understand the position in the system. Goals were not a problem last Season and with the fact Saka and Martinelli should improve on last years totals - In fact I won't be surprised if both of them hit 20+ goals this Season each. Odegaard is also capable of hitting 10-15 again this Season. The forward IMO needs to facilitate those talents. We play with a false 9 and who's to say by bringing in more of a classical 9 who does less work, creates less chances - offers less creatively.. those players won't suffer?
we used to hear the need a clinical goalscorer down the middle mantra a lot aimed at Bobby Firmino but we knew that he was absolutely vital to not just our attack bit the whole system . All that matters is the total performance output and that can mean using a "lesser" player to alternatives if he is the one who best plays the required role .
