Hello People.
I have a confession, I have not been paying close attention to all things Arsenal since we last kicked a competitive ball. I find it all a bit tiresome, the endless speculation about who should be bought and sold, which targets are supposedly good bad or indifferent in the eye of some expert blogger/tweeter/podcaster etc. It’s all so pointless to me. I prefer to wait until the players are officially here, or gone, before I attempt to make what little sense I can of our new situation, and even then I like to see how a new player fits in and actually performs. But that’s just me.
I mean really, the endless speculation does nothing but raise hopes only for them to usually be dashed and the resultant fury and blame making the club look like failures before a ball is kicked in the new season.
So , from what I have seen this Tzolis fellow looks just the job. Now do we need more in forward positions? Perhaps we do, but it seems a good start. Bruno Guimaraes, in my humble opinion, is just the ticket. My only doubt is that the fee seems a lot for a 29 year old ( ok he’s 28 until he’s 29 blah blah, don’t start that crap with me) , but it is what it is I suppose. If we get just 2 good years from him and that helps bring more trophies, it will be money well spent.
That said my friends, speculate away in the comments section, because I trust you guys more that any other source I look to.
Now, if this site is to continue to add anything for anyone, we have to find a way of posting articles that are worth reading. It can’t be all on Mills, poor man carried us all last season and that’s unsustainable. So anyone who wants to or can, write either regularly or occasionally, let me know.
Pedantic George.
Positively Arsenal 
In Arteta, I have learned to trust.
I really wish we had signed Vinícius Jr., not just because of the player he is, but because it would have made a statement. A signing of that calibre would show that we are capable of attracting true marquee names.
That said, I believe we can get there, and I want to believe we will.
Wishing Arsenal and all the fans a fantastic season, starting with the Community Shield. Come on, you Gunners!
I can and will be willing to write regularly.
Stephen – Lagos, Nigeria.
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Hello Stephen. If you write something just post it as a comment and I will remove it and make it a post if it’s suitable.
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To be honest I’ve been supporting Arsenal for over fifty years now I don’t think we are in a good position to defend our title The transfer business has I feel been poor OK we have Tzolis who may be an upgrade on Trossard and now Guimaraes We were not great up front last season and I’m not blaming Gyokeres Madueke was a poor signing and Saka all be it hampered by injury was not at his best Now it looks as though we start the season without Saliba and Timber so the defemce is weaker too Only two weeks to go till start of season now and I believe we need at least three signings of a high standard a left winger another striker and a defender I hope not but ferl the strength of the squad has been exaggerated when more is needed
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Oh great. Thank you
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That’s slightly disconcerting George, does that mean I’ve been writing shit for over a decade.
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Evenings lads, hope youre all well. Nice piece George, feel pretty similar. Good to see( read?) you!
its true, its tough for me to do it. I wish I could offer more.Dont get me wrong, mostly its more enjoyable than not, two seasons ago I offred only the first three games! However, curtain-opener-picnic’s in Augusts warm sunshine are not three games a week in January/February and the Mighty Cannon gets the stutters. Last year was hard, because also Arsenal were a grind. I dont trust in Arteta, I like him, and Im pleased as punch that we won the league, but writing week in week out when the footballs got the hand brake and straight -jacket on and we lose to teams like Bournemouth isnt funny, inspiring or worthwhile. And as George knows sometimes I was struggling to keep going.
Last season, was in many ways done just to keep the forum open, I realise that many people read on twitter etc but dont comment, Heady said he had problems logging in,and was much-missed but it was great that The Bird swooped back in to give us a lift. I hope youre around this season Alex!
I cant promise to write articles that are worth reading, Im not a natural born writer, artist yes. What comes, comes, I suppose.
Secondly blogs are at the lowest ebb, everythings You Tube, and this (unless maybe youre a hack?) can be a drag as you try to write something hopefully thought provoking, only to see its another game in two days time…etc and its quickly forgotten. Sorry Imnot much for consumerism!
But I can keep the blog going,yes George was massive help and Ian also got me over the line with his support after dad died.
Thirdly Stew Black, to me was the greatest football writer Ive ever read. As i mentioned before, I used to enjoy getting up on a Saturday to see what he had written. Those were big mthfkn size shoes to fill, and I couldnt, ( ik bin klein fuß?) Im not sure anyone else could, not even big-named established writers? Sometimes it feels awkward to even write anything after the works he came up with!
Stew covered a massive amount of ground, so trying to find my own path, when its all been done, isnt/wasnt easy. if he came back as our number 9 this season, I would willingly go on the subs bench, or get a transfer to Orient! (LOL), to have to follow such a standard is really tough, I dont mean some childish competitiveness, but just trying to keep that aspidistra standard flying is basically impossible, and that standrad was one of the things that made this place attractive.
Plus Im a twat I like all sorts of odd things that are around the fringes of the game as much as the games themselves, and Im not sure anyones also interested.
I cant change Im not 10 anymore and obsessed! (shame!)
These days every Arsenal fan is an expert, with every fact and figure available, thats tough to deal with in the sense, how can I offer an (hopefully) interesting angle? I not sure I can, in fairness the blog/ Arsenal are a big part of my life, but not totally. Also when theres so few of us on the forum, trying to write anything super advanced seems daft, plus Eddy and Ian are well in the know and longbeards, so is George, so selling coals to Newcastle aint easy, and its seems a bit of a piss-take for me to do it. I remain a supporter rather than a fan, althoguh of course I have my bulshy moments ( as we know) LOL. But you know everything about the game before Ive written anything, so sometimes it feels like a waste.
Personally I know I cant get the blog back to how it was, I tried two seasons ago, and it didnt happen ( although I was chuffed that Stew was back for most of that season)even when we won the league most of the old guard didnt come back. Also Im a team player, not really a leader, I know what i can do and what not, plus where am I going to lead us? Last season it became just about keeping the forum going and having some interesting chats, and I agree with George in that reading what Ed and Ian had to say about transfers was more interesting in those creaming money out of it on YT.
Anyway, say what you think, and how can we sort it out this season? Those are my cards on the table ( ace(s) high, look out Crofty theres a fkn plane head on!)…happy to go on or just do the cup competitions, or have a rest. Its up to you!
Cheers and hope youre doing well and looking forward to all the seasons frustrations, these things keep me loving you dear. COYG!
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Thanks Mills, have a tender kiss and a warm embrace from me. La la la la .
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thanks George, a few words spoken sincere!
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Pedro Neto could be this summers compulsory purchase from chelsea, £70M might do it
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I will say it again, we should be signing Eli Junior Kroupi, despite his injury that will keep him out of the start of the season, he is a real gem.
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Arteta said yesterday that Timber is still weeks away from being ready to play, but would not expand on how many weeks, so could be two could be a lot more.
As for Saliba, he is in complete rest mode and no timeline is being set for his return, it will all depend on how rest progresses his recovery
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Arsenal are trying to sign 19 year old Wales U21 defensive midfielder Makenzie Bradbury from Wolves, and have had two bids turned down so far.
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Mills you have done a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.
Writing in a title winning season sounds easy but the elation and desperation of today’s media and fans is a turd not many are willing to grapple.
How many times last season did the final whistle bring us a smack in the face, especially when if the team didn’t win the style of football was stale.
Hopefully this season, with the gold in our pocket, we can play in the sun a bit and make writing about it easier.
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THANK YOU Ian!
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I do agree with everyone that we need a couple more signings but that’s not the primary reason I don’t think we’re ready for the season.
The World cup has officially affected us more than anyone else in the division and injuries are still hampering our set up.
With Dixon gone, Coply now injured and Mosquera covering CB we have only Ben as a fit right back.
Eleven days to go and the players involved in the last weekend of the WC only started training yesterday.
We probably won’t be cohesive until September at the earliest. Obviously we will have to bed in any late signings as well.
We need to keep dreaming about those final days in May when the trophy was lifted aloft time and time again. If no other reason than to keep us sane.
Any football fan worth their salt will tell you, Supporting a club with all your heart is a mugs game. Your heart will always get broken, ah but the highs, the highs are wonderful.
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I have seen the rumours about chelusa and manure sniffing around Myles.
We would be absolutely crazy to get rid of a nineteen year old with as much potential as MLS.
We could have his service for over a decade and to watch he succeed with someone else would be a really hard watch.
I will always want him to do well, as I do with all our academy players but I will be pissed at the club and those who made the decision.
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youre right Ian, it doesnt make any sense. Thing is does he want a move? But why ManUre or Chelsea? Werent Real eyeing him earlier in the summer? I wondered if its high summer and not much happening and are people just going for the clicks and a discussio to fill the void? Also only four weeks ago he did a vid on the Arsenal YT account where hes big chums with Arteta. It would be horrible for us to see him at the clubs mentioned.
What do you think about the potential transfer of Alvarez coming to us? Firstly he wants Barca, so why expect him to give 100%?
Unless we do a Clive Allen. Buy him, sell him to Barca and have Gavi and cash in exchange. (wii 2 golf miss groans -LOL!)I know Gavi’s better in midfield but he can play up front. Its not happening so lets not even waste a second on it. Now im like the click bait heads speculating and wasting evryones time! But seriously, Id rather have another player who would love to payl up front and was 100% comitted.
Do you think 115 will ever be applied? I reckon it will just be about 20points and a pointless fine.
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MLS is not the DM we should be selling.
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cant see any points deduction for the 115, maybe suspended and a fine.
I think the PL are scared of cities lawyers and they have no real interest in punishing anyone with money and is a big draw. It would lessen their product.
Now if Bournemouth or Brentford commit one crime then it will be a different story.
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Jules Kounde of Barcelona the latest in a very long line of defenders to be linked with Arsenal this summer.
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ian I don’t think Dixon has gone anywhere yet, he has been out injured this summer, but is back in training now. He was linked to west ham on loan but that move has not happened.
talking of West Ham they are said to be in talks to sign Reiss Nelson
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just like last summer we still have Nelson, Vieira and Jesus to sell, and have to sort out the futures of Martinelli and Nwaneri
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I’ve stated it before that I just don’t get the hype over Alvarez, every time I watch him play he has little to no impact. A clearly talented guy, but I’ve yet to see him impose himself on games.
A big worry over signing him would be the thought that in ayear’s time he would be pushing for a move to Barcelona.
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reports that Galatasaray have held talks with Arsenal for both Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri
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Gabriel Martinelli is another who is still young and hasn’t yet reached full potential. However if we are really struggling to recoup revenue then I can begrudgingly accept his sale.
Ethan and Myles are different situations entirely. They are still to young to count in the squad, they are free if you like.
In two years time we can reassess the situation but right now it’s ridiculous to even consider it.
It also, once again, sends a terrible message to the academy. If talents like MLS and Nathan get sold off early what would be the point in signing pro-forms anyway.
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apparently Gala have put in 45 mill for him or 38 mill depending where the bait is. turkish outlets saying they are also in for Jesus. its doesnt seem right, for us to do this unless they have something up their sleeves? Of course we dont know Martinellis thoughts either, and this all could be another trip up the garden path like the MLS saga was yesterday? naything to fill the void!
Bloody hope GM stays! COYG!
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Arsenal team to face Como: Kepa, Julienne, Salmon, Gabriel, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Nwaneri, Dowman, Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Raya, Meslier, Setford, Mosquera, White, Calafiori, Ogunnaike, Merino, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Tzolis, Madueke, Vieira, Gyokeres, Havertz.
Nelson not in the squad, he is in talks with West Ham over a move
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Viktor Gyokeres and Fabio Vieira replace Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze
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1-0 to the Arsenal, Myles Lewis-Skelly
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1-1
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Arsenal start the second half with:
Raya Julienne Mosquera Salmon Hincapie Bruno. G Myles Vieira Odegaard Martinelli Gyokeres
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Arsenal now line up like this: Raya White Mosquera Salmon Calafiori Odegaard Bruno. G Merino Madueke Havertz Tzolis
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FT 1-1
penalty shoot out to come
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Marli Salmon was very impressive, and he aint 17 till end of this month.
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That’s the end of our pre-season games, with the CS on Sunday to come. The results and the football have not been good so far, but its been a very mix and match affair. As much as we want and need more quality signed, we also need to offload Nelson, Vieira, Jesus and Marinelli, and probably Kepa too.
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Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid being linked with us, they have agreed to sign Romero from spurs so we might be able to sign him.
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Thanks for all this, and big thanks to Mills for coming up with (to me anyhow) just the right sort of writing. There seems little point in producing yet another punditry tactico piece, for the world is awash with them should you want to read the thoughts of wannabe experts – but there is a significant lack of well-written, perhaps slightly whimsical, articles. I like the bits of history, and I like the personal moments when any of you talk about your experience of a particular game, or where you were watching it etc. I suppose that is why I enjoyed Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch so much, especially as our ages seemed to mesh so perfectly. So please do carry on as much as you can Mills, and George for his wonderfully cantankerous common sense, and Eduardo for his knowledge, and Ian for his pure love and history with the club, and indeed anyone else I might have forgotten!
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Thanks Heady, thats really kind. Hope youre doing well? Yes there is another peson youve forgotten; yourself, we need some articles by you, some poetic pieces like those you conjured up past, they always brought another quality and another perspective.
Last night I fancied a visit to the land of masoch. I normally try to avoid it, but sometimes you find yourself taking a stroll, and once in it, have to hammer your way to the other side. In this case it was the Mourinho documentary. Like of fool of a Took I thought that maybe, just maybe there might be another side to him. It was exactly as I thought, and like a zoomer I got triggered by the old voyeur bullshit the doping yet reliance that he was somehow just doing his job(that old hoary chestnut)…
I watched it all at 1.5 speed ( netflix doesnt offer 2.0) so the torture wasnt too long. Despite his impressive haul he could not do either a third season or get really make players, inspire yes, at least for a bit.
I can see him at the end of time looking at me: ” you , you criticise me on the blog but I won many trophies, what did you win?”
” None but Im not a football manager, but now its the end of the world either we are up for the big judgment or total unawareness at the extinction of consciousness, and either way youre forked”.
Arsène came out from it all looking even better, a credit to the PL, to Arsenal, his players the fans and himself. If we dont even try and aim a little towards fairness, dignity and respect, what becomes of us? But then my trophy cabinet is empty. I dont even have a trophy cabinet.
COYG!
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Arsenal are signing 16 year old striker Vincent Joseph from Liverpool, if a fee can not be agreed it will go to tribunal. The lad has scored 8 goals in 9 games for England U16’s
it seems Arsenal Academy will be signing striker Mylo Bernard from Crystal Palace and attacking midfielder Axel Donczew from Cardiff too, which is badly needed after the recent departures from the Academy
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an odd link is Victor Osimhen, seems Arsenal brought up signing him in talks with Galatasaray when they came in for Martinelli and Nwaneri
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reports that Arsenal have been in talks again today with Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa, it seems we are way off their £60M valuation, with Arsenal’s first bid being only £30M, and it seems have upped this to £40M but Villa not even willing to seriously discuss a move at that sort of fee
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seems the Victor Osimhen links may be legit, if we sign him will it see Victor Gyokeres leave, maybe there is some truth in the rumors that he may head to Atletico Madrid in part exchange for Alvarez who could play left wing for us.
The reported fee for Osimhen is €70m, basically £60M. Osimhen is a prolific scorer everywhere he has played. He is 27 years old. Said to be on massive wages.
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Arsenal were today linked with 23 year old former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, he left liverpool last year to get regular first team football at Bayer Leverkusen. The England international can play both right back and central defender. Arsenal still being linked with Konsa
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Napoli being linked with both Martinelli and Jesus. It seems Martinelli has refused a move to Galatasary
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21 year old Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Jack Hinsehlwood is tonight being linked with a £50M move to Arsenal
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former Arsenal goalie Jimmy Rimmer died today aged 78. I really liked him as our goalie, he won our player of the year in 75 and won an England cap in 76, he was our goalkeeper from 74 to 77. He went on to win the First Division Championship and European Cup with Aston Villa, he went off injured early in the Final. He was one of those players who remained a fans favorite at Arsenal long after he had left.
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George, sent the preview over. COYG!
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George, sent the preview over. COYG!
have probs posting this..
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New post is up and away we go again.
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