Photo from Arsenal.com
Morning all.
For a change, I watched two football matches yesterday evening, or at least most of both. England’s women were so much better than they were against France and ended up beating Holland 4-0, Alessia Russo with a hat trick of assists. My goodness that girl has a good engine on her. After that match I watched PSG v Real Madrid. Pre match the chatter seemed all about Real, however, the European champions absolutely battered them and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
I couldn’t help but be slightly envious of the way PSG played either..
The boys are back. Not quite all but most, including new summer signings Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga Revuelta. Yes, I’ll stick with Kepa.
One player yet to return is Ethan Nwaneri and yesterday, Arsenal.com released a video clip of his best bits from his breakout season. Perhaps because his new contract announcement is imminent? I’ve no idea of course but I sure hope so..
Max Dowman is in the senior camp where it’s assumed he’ll stay rather than go out on loan. At 15 years old though, I can’t see many minutes falling his way but I doubt he’ll mind as just being around the squad, soaking up as much of the atmosphere and information as possible will keep him happy. He’ll probably be in shock for the first few days. lol
Photo from Arsenal.com
A reunion for Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi after a season apart. This can only be good for Arsenal as the two must know each others game inside and out after spending six years together at Real Sociedad and being part of the Spain international team/squad since 2021. Once we’ve added Brentford’s Christian Norgaard to the squad, our midfield, which includes Declan Rice too of course, is looking good. Strength as well as depth.
Photo from Arsenal.com
Our goal keeping options are strong too now with Kepa arriving earlier in the summer and at the moment, Karl Hein is still on the books too although that might change over the next few weeks.
Two academy players in Ismeal Kabia and Michal Rosiak, were on the list of departures earlier this summer but both remain listed as under 21 players on the clubs official website. Whether both are an admin error or the club have managed to extend their deals, I don’t know but hopefully it’s the latter. For the academy’s sake as much as being available for the domestic cups should Mikel Arteta decide to involve them. Maldini Kacurri too who made his debut in the League Cup last season.
Anyway, whilst we are all desperate to see Arsenal sign a striker, it seems the focus for the club is on Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Reports suggested personal terms were agreed with the player a few days ago but now, David Ornstein, among others, has suggested the two clubs are now in talks to get the deal done. £50m is the suggested fee which isn’t ridiculous in today’s footballing world and regardless of what you and I think about giving Chelsea more money, Arsenal don’t seem to mind. If Madueke signs for Arsenal and he’s an absolute hit, I doubt anyone will care about who or how much the club paid for him.
Maduke is quick, he can play on both sides of the pitch and use either foot. He’s young, direct and will run at defenders, going round them or cutting inside, he can do both. Potentially, he’s an exciting player and just because Chelsea doesn’t want him anymore, it doesn’t mean he’s a dud.
Catch up in the comments.