ESR officially announced as a Fulham player today. My heart is broken. But I hope he goes on to have a stellar career. If he can get over his injury issues, he'll be a superb player and may not even be at Fulham for long. Under the circumstances, £27m fee guaranteed + £7m in add-ons and a (more than) 10% sell-on clause is actually pretty good from our point of view. Farewell, sweet prince.
Gutted to see him go. Really hoped we'd see him establish himself in the heart of our midfield for years to come. But £35m for a player who was hardly featuring is good business. Good luck at Fulham Emile, you'll always be a Gooner at heart.
Arsenal have rejected a third bid of around €27m/£23m from Marseille for Nketiah. They've already agreed personal terms, but seems like we're being quite firm on our valuation of him.
Thought things had gone quiet on the Merino front, but seems like we're still sorting some details out in the background.
I wont' be sad to see Nketiah go. He just isn't at the level we require. I wonder if we'll bring another striker in though, that's my only concern.
Yeah Arsenal fans are the worst sometimes. People throwing tantrums on Twitter because we haven't signed one already. I hope we do but the fact we only sent Nketiah away on loan - makes me doubt whether they have the funds. Perhaps if we sell Nelson as well they might make a late move for Gyokeres.
To be fair, it's a loan with an obligation to buy for €30m (just over £25m), which I think is fair and would come onto next year's books. I do think if Nketiah leaves this Summer, with it virtually guaranteed he'd be gone permanently on those terms, it would be insane if we didn't look to sign someone to replace him. We needed to bolster our attack regardless of Eddie's future, but with him (most likely) going, it becomes a necessity now.
I don't think numbers wise we have a problem. The only argument would be whether we need an actual 9/striker in the squad or wether he thinks there's a real upgrade available in the market. Arteta has been smart and created a forward line who can rotate (same at the back now) CF: Jesus/Havertz and Trossard RW: Saka/Jesus/ Nwaneri/ Viera LW: Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus. For me the ideal addition would be ISAK as he can play a more hybrid role as a CF & LW. (Much like Sesko) I'm just unsure if Arteta and Edu are willing to pay £60+ million for a player like Osimhen/Toney/Gyokeres - who doesn't exactly fit the system.
Vieira the jury remains out on and I'm not convinced by him at RW. Nwaneri at RW? Hmm, I don't know about that. I'd prefer to see him used where he's currently so he can get accustomed to it. I honestly think we need another forward - doesn't have to be a CF, but a good transitional player who stretches defences and can help break down low blocks.
I have a feeling that we will go for Toney (who clearly wants a move) with a take it or leave it low offer. Surprised no other club been in for him. if not Toney then maybe Osimhen, but not paying the release clause just making a ‘final’ offer that suits our budget. we defo need someone in upfront as Eddie will be gone and Jesus only ever plays 2/3rds of a season at best.
Isak would be a great signing, but there's no way Toon will be willing to sell him to us. Not unless we slapped £80m on the table, which we're not doing.
Well, as it stands, looks like Eddie is still gonna be an Arsenal player. Marseille weren't willing to meet our €30m valuation for Eddie and have opted for Wahi from Lens instead. This is a hammer blow.
Karl Hein's loan move to newly-promoted La Liga side Real Valladolid confirmed. This should be a great move for the kid. Hope he does well out there.
Ajax's loan move for Ramsdale has been rejected. Understandably so. Unless we sell him permanently or it's a loan with obligation to buy, we shouldn't entertain a pure loan.
