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 crew of the season, and two issues occurred to me. First, we now have some superb gamers, and whereas we look ahead to a bit of extra to be added to the squad, I believe we must always really feel fairly reassured by that. I do know it’s not essentially what anybody desires to listen to, however this squad doesn’t want main surgical procedure this summer time.

You possibly can at all times use a bit additional, however I don’t assume that is like earlier switch home windows the place there have been large, apparent gaps that must be crammed for us to make progress. I do assume we are able to get extra out of this present squad, however clearly I might additionally like us to be energetic 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 objectives and 14 assists in all competitions final season, and he’s not there? Certain, Cole Palmer took numerous penalties and performed very properly 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 an enormous 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 high class Txuleta for his barbecue, and never in Bilbao negotiating for the companies of a midfielder I believe we actually want as a result of considerations 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 disregarded of the Sociedad squad, then I believe some form of compromise is inevitable. I get why they need as a lot as potential, however he’s received lower than 12 months on his present deal, and might depart totally free subsequent summer time. That doesn’t give them an enormous quantity of leverage, however they’re clearly attempting arduous.

Anyway, even when issues have been to be sorted as we speak, it means it’s a case of what we now have we maintain for Villa on Saturday, as Merino can 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 the event you take a look at how Riccardo Calafiori is being eased into motion, then I’d think about every other additions would possibly get the identical form of remedy. Which is ok so long as we’re successful video games, however I then return to the purpose I made on the high which is that this can be a good crew with good gamers who’re able to doing what must be achieved in opposition to Villa and Brighton. Watch this area, I suppose. Or, you understand, an area the place switch information occurs first when you’re actually eager.

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

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

Lastly for as we speak, right here is your official Arseblog line-up for the 2024-25 season, let’s preserve every part crossed it’s one. For now, have an excellent Wednesday.