Some good players, Merino talks, Arsenal Women in the US

Morning all.

I noticed the picture of the Arsenal gamers on the PFA Awards final evening, 5 of whom made it into the staff of the season, and two issues occurred to me. First, we now have some superb gamers, and whereas we await slightly extra to be added to the squad, I feel we must always really feel fairly reassured by that. I do know it’s not essentially what anybody needs to listen to, however this squad doesn’t want main surgical procedure this summer time.

You’ll be able to all the time use a bit additional, however I don’t suppose that is like earlier switch home windows the place there have been large, apparent gaps that should be crammed for us to make progress. I do suppose we are able to get extra out of this present squad, however clearly I might additionally like us to be lively earlier than the top of the window (past the tediously imminent arrival of Mikel Merino).

The second factor I assumed was: The place the hell is Bukayo Saka? Simply the 20 targets and 14 assists in all competitions final season, and he’s not there? Positive, Cole Palmer took a variety of penalties and performed very effectively for Chelsea, whereas Flat Monitor Phil Foden had a productive season himself, however Saka’s absence stands out to me. I do know it’s probably not a giant scandal within the grand scheme of issues, however nonetheless.

Talking of Merino, it’s being reported that Actual Sociedad President Jokin Aperribay has travelled to London to shut the deal. Final week we heard that Edu was in Spain, however maybe he was merely sourcing some prime class Txuleta for his barbecue, and never in Bilbao negotiating for the companies of a midfielder I feel we actually want as a result of issues about a few our extra senior squad members.

It appears there’s some disparity between what they need (€40m) and what Arsenal are ready to pay, but when there are extra nose to nose talks and the participant continues to be omitted of the Sociedad squad, then I feel some type of compromise is inevitable. I get why they need as a lot as attainable, however he’s acquired lower than 12 months on his present deal, and may depart without spending a dime subsequent summer time. That doesn’t give them an enormous quantity of leverage, however they’re clearly making an attempt laborious.

Anyway, even when issues have been to be sorted right this moment, it means it’s a case of what we now have we maintain for Villa on Saturday, as Merino could be unlikely to be concerned at such brief discover. Then there’s a house sport in opposition to Brighton earlier than the primary Interlull of the season, so if we do add extra gamers earlier than the top of the window, chances are high we don’t see them till the North London derby after the break.

In case you take a look at how Riccardo Calafiori is being eased into motion, then I’d think about another additions may get the identical type of remedy. Which is ok so long as we’re profitable video games, however I then return to the purpose I made on the prime which is that this can be a good staff with good gamers who’re able to doing what must be finished in opposition to Villa and Brighton. Watch this house, I suppose. Or, you recognize, an area the place switch information occurs first in the event you’re actually eager.

In the meantime, Arsenal Ladies are within the US, and Tim Stillman is on the market protecting issues for Arseblog Information. He spoke to boss Jonas Eidevall concerning the alternative to attach with followers, and he’s producing a tour diary whereas he’s over there – first version of which you could find right here.

We can be persevering with our protection of Arsenal Ladies all through the season, with a extra common podcast schedule too – hopefully bringing you one thing after each sport in an analogous type of format to Arsecast Additional (with fewer magpies and different nonsense although!). If you wish to sustain with that, simply bookmark our Arsenal Ladies part and verify again recurrently for tales, updates, information and plenty extra.

Lastly for right this moment, right here is your official Arseblog line-up for the 2024-25 season, let’s hold every part crossed it’s a very good one. For now, have an amazing Wednesday.