Arsenal AM

We used to say Arsene knows, I hope Mikel Arteta knows as we do need to improve, I was pleased to see he made the changes even after we scored the equaliser as we needed to make changes.

Arteta is not making excuses for his team and Ian Holloway speaks well about the Man City situation.

It was a slow news day I touch on Rumble in the jungle, soft-power Qatar, Declan Rices contract and I start to think about if Arteta extends again what sort of signs should we be seeing in the coming transfer windows

Mikel has signed just ahead of the press conference at the end of the week so it will hopefully take some of the attention away from the inevitable questions about the guilty verdict.

Declan rice looks like he is going to follow suit.

A lot of the data referenced in todays pod is from this source a really enjoyable read.

https://forzafootball.com/news/mikel-artetas-new-arsenal-contract-is-a-reward-for-the-money-hes-owed-159461220

Arsenal are linked with left wingers and swap deals.

How valuable to the EPL brand are Man City?

Some people are trying to rewrite history

More learnings for Max Dowman, the women's team lose and Arsenal are being linked with players from Germany

Arsenal are not going to be amending the stadium and its capacity in the short term, instead they are going to try and increase revenue by enhancing what we have...... it's going to cost us more and there are going to be more expensive seats and experiences.

I had a great chat with Ian from @arsenal_fab_footie_finds

who has an amazing treasure trove of all things Arsenal well worth a follow and connecting with.

Thanks for your time Ian

I investigated the current value of the Man City additional funding and it's scary.

I used https://www.football-inflate.top to translate the amounts invested as a result of the investigation, I have yet to figure out how to factor in the compounding effect of football stars on a team, but I am more and more sure City were cheating I wonder will they show me their irrefutable proof?

I want the owners of Man City to suffer, I want the club to survive and I want them to be made an example of! At the same time I do feel for the fans as their custodians screwed them over!

The damage is done and the bell can't be unrung, I hope that the media outlets take a pound of flesh from the owners and pay that back to the fans who have had to pay so much for a distorted game.

30 years on from Arsene's first day as manager I reflect on his glory years up to the lost of champions league final in 06 which marked the end of his greatest teams.

I nearly have my top trumps team assembled.

More commentary on the fall out of the Man City charges

Gyokeres scores, and I top Trump again

We finally got a result, we still await the impact.

I just wish things had gone differently

The referees don't know what clear and obvious means.

The Battle for spots on the top trump 11 are up for grabs today is Ralph (Lauren) V Timber/White

Arteta his back room and Rice all to sign contract extensions soon.

Rather than dwell in the defeat I broke open a packet of "Top Trumps" the "Untouchable set and evaluated the goal keepers who comes out on top?

I was out and about and fans of other teams felt the need to come and mock Arsenal fans, very brave of them from their lowly positions in the table but its a sure sign we live rent free in their heads again!

Arsenal were beaten comprehensively by Brighton, our worst defeat in over 3 years and truth be told there weren't many obvious points of redemption, we were second to just about everything, we were caught on the counter attack time and again and we conceded two goals because we gave up zone 14 and our centre backs did not close in on the shooters.

Brighton deserved it we now gotta sit with it!

Mikel Arteta had a press conference and told us little by way of injury news but he was interesting

We need to mind our younger players and even our elder players.

As we face into the weekend we are looking good.

Max Dowman is good at football!

Arteta is the alpha dog in the premier league these days he is putting his stamp on the league and calling out the refereeing

I don't like to complain about Refs its a difficult job but lets be honest Arsenal could be 2 points clear as City's goal should have been ruled out for offside.

Arsenal have had a penalty no award against Villa and a penalty awarded that should have been a free out against Sunderland.

Two incorrect penalty decisions in 4 games that's not a good percentage of getting the big calls right.

Its always great to win a game its better when you know the commentators you are forced to listen to are enthusiastically invested in your team being drawn into some form of disaster so I hope they relish the ire they have created for themselves which I am sure they want anyhow.

Mikel caused chaos in preseason, his antics now sound more profound as a Premier league WINNER!

The boss looks to be well rewarded with a new deal, Viktors limitations could lead to frustration, and Rice and Martin speak post Napoli

One nil to the Arsenal, the captain steps up with the moment of quality and we struggled to make the break through. Job done and we roll on.

The FA out to get us what might have been

Gary Mosquito was buzzing post match about the Chelsea front three that produced 0.35XG I would take them as additions to what we have not replacements for our starting line up.

Arsenal won in the premier league 2-1 over Chelsea get in there.

The premier league are highlighting suicide and sadly I have lost a brother to that so hopefully I can offer some signs to look for that might help you identify someone who needs help and support.

Back in 2012 Arsenal were linked and seemingly tried to sign Katie Taylor the now 3 time undisputed boxing champion after she won Olympic gold in London 2012, she took a different path and retires far richer and with greater profile than she would have.

I drop plenty of f-bombs as I had a drink or few but mostly I think it's because I f'ing hate Chelsea.

Injury updates, transfer thoughts, JP Morgan and SEK

Reiss Nelson gets a deal in Netherlands, Gabi becomes our record sale and there are some articles out there around squad numbers we need some news and games we are thirsty

Tottenham are sh1t its a comforting reflection to be fair

Far from the days of Arsenal briefing about the war chest and the cash reserves we wanted attackers to bolster our position and strengthen our title challenge instead we saw players leave and Berta head home in time to get the early bird special.

We just need to keep winning and we'll forget this moment.

Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 1 Saka scores the winner in a tight game and Arsenal look to bring in offensive reinforcements to push our attack of the premier league

We are losing Gabi Gabi Gabi getting decent money in for Gabi J and Gabi M and we left with our King of Brazil.

We have brought in reasonable if not the best money we might not be at bad at selling as the media makes out, haven't sold a starter from our team yet that's the time to judge

While I generally try to find the best in peoples efforts I will make an exception to call out that lot from the toilet bowl bringing us such joy and so many good moments from the toilet duck arena

That said should he sign I will be pleased (then he better perform!)

Reiss Nelson what might have been, Champions league draw and updates from the boss

With not much news the fact Sky sports had a graphic showing Arsenal away pre the league cup games was a little strange.

I am not one for player awards, but Bruno Fernandes was the best player in a mediocre team, Rice, Raya, Saliba, Big Gabi were all immense in a championship winning side that were moments from going all the way in Europe so much like Henry when Nedved won the best player we know the real score.

Lets win the lot and show them all!!!!!

With transfers there are certain levels of mental gymnastics that are required ..... Bruno not that I think of it his elbow has to go somewhere it was just unfortunate.

Morgan Rogers for that money and lack of ambition he showed to join that lot he isn't not at the level, Tzolis he's 100m player we just didn't pay that much for him.

With Game Martinelli, he's been a guy we've watched for a long time and he's delighted us, frustrated us and perhaps it's the time for a change.

Jullien Alvarez is in a bad place right now, we can perhaps give him sanctuary to get him to where he wants to go for it to be a good move for all parties.

Also I passed 2500 overall listens since I started so thank you guys for listening, continue to spread the word and engage with me and lets make every morning an Arsenal morning

We have an elite level squad and in most positions two levels or international calibre depth, so on the right wing how do we manage Max's minutes and game time while ensuring that Saka and Noni don't feel slighted to fall behind Max in the pecking order or we damage their resale value.

Other than that Alvarez is roundly booed by the Atleti fans and there appears to be an opening of the door to an Arsenal transfer with rumours of Gyokeres going to Spain and Martinelli subject of a bid from Saudi

Thanks to Hub, Drew, Christian and Jordan for their time and it's great to meet a newly founded Arsenal Supporters club so if you are in the area feel free to hit them up.

In other news Spurs got battered I am not sure that is news but it's funny as hell!

Arsenal have put Coventry to the sword 3 nil (I did predict a 3 nil win so yay for me), in truth its was a dominant performance that showed the difference in the levels.

Arsenal have a depth of squad that means Martinelli isn't on the bench, Gyokeres didn't get off it and we could bring on two World Cup winners to finish the game.

Things are looking good

Thanks to Sam and Patrick

Thank you to Sam and James for arranging the recording it was a pleasure and we will no doubt do it again

Konsa signing pending and Bruno G battles perception.

I have trauma relating to Coventry looking at you Lee Dixon

Plenty of rumours not much about any big value departures.

It's our first trophy of the season as we smash City 3 nil, very exciting to see how these lads drive us forward.

MLS through ball and mastery of the situation was a thing of beauty before our left back/inverting 10 tucked away the finish, Tzolis threw in 2 assists for Kai and Captain Odergaard who left the City keeper helpless on the ground.

Keep it coming Gunners

I heard a story from the mouth of King Charlie, I try and relay it but it's not the same delivery as Charlie.

A few transfer rumours and we face City in Cardiff for the Community Shield the season is upon us

Transfer rumours, Community Shield build up and the passing of Jimmy Rimmer

I am away from the recording kit for a few days but who do we start at number 9

A one all draw with Como rounds out our preseason friends at the Emirates stadium we now focus on a trip to Cardiff for the Community shield.

The big rumour and discussion is around Myles Lewis-Skelly and him being offered to Chelsea (Yes like you all I hate the idea and I got a little sick in my mouth).

But he does need to play more and there is a log jam of players ahead of him

With rumours of a bid for Gabi Martinelli, and interest in Pedro Neto I used Alex Howells article on the BBC as a jumping off point for our transfer business. (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c9d84pxqdgno)

We once again face a challenge in improving on Martinelli with the options available to us

Tzolis looks good but is it too much to expect him to be the guy?

Is Kepa falling in the pecking order he is looking weaker under the crosses?

Bruno joins out of nowhere we are all in shock, Luke Edwards has betrayed our trust. So how does our midfield evolve now?

Romero is saying ENIC will not allow him to sign with Arsenal (Most of us our thankful) but would 35mil for a premier league experienced back up defender be bad?

Also I wonder why are Spurs so spursy

I am a bit tired of the transfer rumours, I am too hurt to believe again after Vini J, so I looked at Jens Lehmann and his history, I still think he was great but he was lets say lively

Rob better known as Orbinho joined me for a talk about stats Opta and his Arsenal origins and hopes for the season ahead a huge thanks for him and his time I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

You can find him on Bluesky @Orbinho.bsky.social

Not dwelling too much on the result but I am look at some of the observations I made

Arsenal play in Dublin for the first time since covid and I think for the first time as league champions, certainly in my memory.

Transfer rumours continue and Jamie Carragher has tipped City to beat Arsenal

Arsenal are headed for Dublin will Bruno be there will Vini Jr. be there

What are our left wing options if Vini Jr. isn't an option.

49 49 Lewis-Skelly ....... Tell united to stay away

Arteta accused of laugh

A comfortable 4-1 win, a lovely new kit and Kai, Max, Tzolis and Jesus all on the score sheet. Norgaard looking Everton bound, Bruno N5 bound and we are awaiting news of Vini Jr.

I am joined by @YankeeGunner to discuss the latest Bomba that Vini Jr has agreed a set of personal terms it could be the biggest transfer in our history.

Eddie Howe has left Newcastle, the Bruno transfer noises seem certain the deal is to be done for 75/80million.

UEFA to boycott FIFA world cups if the sell off goes ahead.

Arteta speaks and gives his thanks to Leo, talks about keeping the standards high.

Vini Jr is still possible, very little talk of Bruno, a new German Finn is on the agenda.

A short one Vini looks like he has a new deal in Madrid and we will need to pivot elsewhere

Arsenal have a poor history with buying elite talent from other big clubs, from a Real they may see it as a step down. Where we have excelled is buying players who haven't done well and giving them a home for them to reach their potential. 

I offer in support of the argument Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Alexis

I offer you in the argument against Ozil, Willian (he didn't come from a big club) Auba players who felt they didn't need to show leadership that them being at Arsenal was doing us a favour. 

I forgot the outro today I am tired

If we sign Vini Jr. would his signing be a kin to Dennis Bergkamp or does his signing contain a high degree of risk?

David Ornstein released a Bomba that lit the imagination of every Arsenal fan out there, Vini Jr is being looked at as a possible target.

Not a whole lot of concrete news but plenty of rumours surrounding Watkins, Diamande and Bruno

My inner nerd always wondered what the value of a goal was I now have an approximation for it.

Arsenal are going to bid for Bruno we have signed Tzolis and we are expected to sign Axel Donczew from Cardiff.

100 episodes its been an interesting experience so far I have learned a lot, and doing a daily during the summer is difficult, give me matches and the ability to react to something I have seen with my own eyes.

Morgan Rogers made a statement about the biggest club in London even talk sports most anti Arsenal pundit says we are the biggest club nut said

There were rumours of rumours but they were all bullshit to quote the IT crowd.

Kevin Keegan passed away and he should be remembered for more than his "I would love it if we beat them" I think he added so much more to the Premier league at a time when it was building its platform. He is up there with Bobby Robson as being one of footballs good guys he even took pity on Sp*rs.

In Arsenal news the players are beginning to return to training and there are lots of smiles as the champions of England return to training.

I do a bit of a quick look at the squad depth and who I would sell or keep or who I expect at the least.

Arsenal win the World Cup again, we have more World Cup winners in 2026 than any other team in the premier league.

In truth it was a poor final Argentina offered very little and Spain controlled the game, sadly Mikel Merino couldn't score the decisive goal but Spain are probably the most deserving of winners.

Now we can get onto the real stuff of defending our league title and trying to conquer the Champions league for the first time.

It was expected to be a calm day, expectations that Saka and Rice would not play for England (Both started and Rice captained Look away Graham Souness). Saka found his shooting boots to score his second England Patrick

(Starboy needs to rectify he hasn't scored one for Arsenal just putting it out there B!) England secured 3rd spot with a 6-4 victory over France in a game that did not matter and was played as such.

David Ornstein produced a whooper of an Ornbomb and broke the story of Rogers moving to Chelsea for £117million. We have taken the news well in most quarters that I frequent.

After years of struggling for depth in attack and midfield I am wondering if we are over stocked and we may have some players who become unhappy without playing enough.

Ironically we are looking at struggling with defensive cover with concerns around White, Timber, Saliba and the ever present risk of Ricky missing several weeks at a time.

Tzolis is ready to sign

Watching England fail is a favourite past time of the Irish (we make no apologies about it) but we do hold our hands up to the hypocrisy of cheering on English teams and players while willing the nation to fail repeatedly at championship finals. Its not out of ill will its just we can't be hearing about it for the next 60 years.

In Arsenal news, reports that Saliba maybe out for 4 or 5 months, Leo sent his goodbye message and Arsenal are linked with a speedy winger.

Leandro Trossard has left the building, he had a great career with Arsenal and he was only out performed in terms of goals and goal involvements by Saka. We wish him well and thank you for his impact.

In other news transfer rumours are building but nothing concrete to deal with currently.

I encountered a clip from @thejcharm on instagram which I played on the pod, an open invite to him to come on.

Someone has been telling lies about a transfer fee/agreement in relation to Bruno, Alvarez seems to be back on the radar and Villa lose a midfield corner stone that may impact the Rogers move. Its all starting to move as Leo says his goodbyes

While it is entirely possible that FIFA will allow Messi to score a hand of God goal to knock out England, Declan Rice steals the show as a good guy with his comments about Martin Odergaard and the bond they have.

7 Players will be at the World Cup until the last games, Arsenal captain Martin Odergaard can go on his summer holidays as Jude Bellingham sends Norway home.

I address the usual rumours, ex United players are still shilling for Rashford.

Today I saw Mikel Merino score to put Spain through to the semifinal of the World Cup and saw the documentary the club put out about him, its a very interesting watch and he comes across as a good guy

https://youtu.be/h0Aq2ft64GA?is=CLRzlBbHEYeq05-b

Arsenal completed the signing of Ilan Meslier he has been given the squad number 30, click-bait media are pushing lots of nice titles but in reality there isn't much happening.

Should Ben White stay or go Vote in the poll.

So Arsenal is the preferred destination of the Bruno Guimaraes according to reports it's a signing that would raise the floor and give great depth and cover for Declan Rice.

Clearly both are very different players but statically both are in similar places, in terms of attacking rankings Bruno seems to offer more than Declan Rice.

We have had our issues in the past I think we can all forgive him that should he pull in the red and white of Arsenal.

Sadly its not a left back but a third choice keeper on a free Arsene Wenger would be proud.

Credit to @houseofgunnersaurus for the classic art work love their work

Delighted for Mikel Merino, he worked hard to get back and got his moment.

Norway knocked out Brazil so 2 more of our players get to go on holiday and we can maybe expect them back to the training ground in 3 weeks or so ahead of our first friendly game on August 1st.

A few transfer rumours and a happy Haaland which sickens me (even if he is a good player, I hold a grudge since the stay humble)