Just had a look at Arsenal.com. It lists the squad by grouping players as either goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Willian is included with the forwards. Myself, I think Smith Rowe should have been too, but anyway the nine midfielders listed were Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Torreira, Maitland-Niles, Lokongo, Elneny, Willock and Xhaka.

I still think of Saka as more of a free role wide player rather than someone I associate with a traditional central midfield role. Also, for me Smith Rowe is a deep lying number 10 forward or a wider player.

If I’m right, that leaves seven central midfielders: Partey, Torreira, Maitland-Niles, Lokongo, Elneny, Willock and Xhaka. Of them, I see Partey as the only automatic starter. Torreira appears desperate to leave, and Xhaka seems eager to. I’ve read Maitland-Niles would prefer to move. Willock seems likely to go to Newcastle, either on a permanent transfer or another loan. I’ve never seen Lokongo and for all I know could be absolutely brilliant or totally useless. Realistically he’s probably somewhere in between. Elneny is okay as a squad back-up, but I’m not sure about him being a first team regular.

But that doesn’t look a strong central midfield to me. Hence I agree with those who say strengthening central midfield has to be the priority this summer.

That’s some flip flop Considering you were saying last year our midfield was fine and you wouldn’t be againest signing Ceballos permanently

Looks like Man U will sign Varane for around £40m very soon. That’s not great timing for us if we sign Ben White for £50m because there will be instant reaction comparing the two, particularly what Varane has won in the game.
The context is age, White is 5 years younger, a premium for English players (which Man U know a lot about), Varane has only 1 year left on his deal which must trim 20-30% off the price and the wages difference over the length of their respective contracts must be huge. White is rumoured to be offered £100k per week with us, Varane will be on £300k per week easily considering that De Gea is on £375k a week.

That also misses he point that there is no chance we could even sign Varane. Won’t stop the pi$$ taking though

I am surprisingly excited and optimistic for the new season. For once I see some sort of plan in motion with young, talented, athletic, hungry players being brought in.

People are mocking us for paying £50m for White but I've a funny feeling it could turn out be be a stroke of genius. Very excited to see him play.

I have been critical of Arteta in the past because I feel some of his man management has been detrimental to the interests of Arsenal but there was a definite improvement post Christmas and if we recruit two or three more high calibre players his masterplan must begin to take shape or he will be out the door because there will be no more excuses.

Hi Rich,

I wasn't impressed at all with Varane in the euros. He looked slow, ponderous and made some stupid mistakes. That said he will probably be brilliant at United.

Just had a look at Arsenal.com. It lists the squad by grouping players as either goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Willian is included with the forwards. Myself, I think Smith Rowe should have been too, but anyway the nine midfielders listed were Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Torreira, Maitland-Niles, Lokongo, Elneny, Willock and Xhaka.

I still think of Saka as more of a free role wide player rather than someone I associate with a traditional central midfield role. Also, for me Smith Rowe is a deep lying number 10 forward or a wider player.

If I’m right, that leaves seven central midfielders: Partey, Torreira, Maitland-Niles, Lokongo, Elneny, Willock and Xhaka. Of them, I see Partey as the only automatic starter. Torreira appears desperate to leave, and Xhaka seems eager to. I’ve read Maitland-Niles would prefer to move. Willock seems likely to go to Newcastle, either on a permanent transfer or another loan. I’ve never seen Lokongo and for all I know could be absolutely brilliant or totally useless. Realistically he’s probably somewhere in between. Elneny is okay as a squad back-up, but I’m not sure about him being a first team regular.

But that doesn’t look a strong central midfield to me. Hence I agree with those who say strengthening central midfield has to be the priority this summer.

He has been one of the best centre backs in Europe for years. The bedrock of the French defence that won the world cup, multiple Champions League and La Liga winner. Absolutely cracking player and if he and Maguire turn out to be a good fit, Man Utd will have an excellent core to their defence.

Soc, have a look at this piece of analysis on white ...

https://youtu.be/eTJzF3KOEfI

After watching that it makes complete sense of why we have gone after him specifically. Clearly there’s a plan in place

He has been one of the best centre backs in Europe for years. The bedrock of the French defence that won the world cup, multiple Champions League and La Liga winner. Absolutely cracking player and if he and Maguire turn out to be a good fit, Man Utd will have an excellent core to their defence.

I’m not sure whether Varane can (Soc said he looked slow at the euros) if you’re defences line doesn’t push up you won’t dominate possession and will rely on individual moments from your attackers

When you list them like that, we are very short indeed. We clearly will sign one first 11 midfielder but we really need a second signing in that area. Also, Partey and Elneny will be going to the African Cup of Nations in January. Looking at the numbers, it would make sense to keep AMN.

A whole host of big names and high transfer fees does not always make the best team. Ole has no excuse to not make a proper title challenge this season though

Hi Rich,

He looked slow and ponderous to me and made some unchararteristic mistakes. Whether he just wasn't fully fit, fully switched on or injuries have deprived him of that yard of pace I don't know.

I'd rather roll the dice on a proven player who may become a flop than buy on the cheap and hope that player can step up a level or two.

Yes, Chelsea, City and United have been trying that bold method for some time now. If the other clubs were cleverer, they'd realise that buying expensive proven players is the best way to go.

Newspapers in Spain suggesting Ødegaard wants to leave and join Arsenal.

Would be a very good signing.

I would be thrilled with that, if it happens. I feel much of the lack of enthusiasm about him here last season was more than a bit unfair.

I would be thrilled with that, if it happens. I feel much of the lack of enthusiasm about him here last season was more than a bit unfair.

I'd be happy to have Ødegaard back at the right price. For me that price is closer to £35m than £50m Madrid were rumoured to want.
My reservations about Ødegaard are only based on 6 months with us but they are: lack of pace and lack of goals and a little bit lack of mobility and dyanmism.
I have no concerns about his technical quality and passing and movement and general linking of our attacking play but I do see him more like a classic 10 when I think the game in general is moving away from that type of player unless they score a LOT of goals (like Bruno for Man U)
Having said that I don't think there are many of this type of player I describe available on the market, so if you can get a22 year old with huge potential for a good price then we should go for it.

I think you’re a bit deal more inclined to believe transfer gossip than me. Both in terms of the players we’re interested in and the transfer fees.

I don’t think it’s spurious gossip to suggest we would be interested in Ødegaard, Arteta said as much.

The player is at a crossroads too, 2 years on his contract

I think you’re a bit deal more inclined to believe transfer gossip than me. Both in terms of the players we’re interested in and the transfer fees.

Sometime between now and the next 24 hours, the forum may become unavailable.

I'll have to see what happens to it to see what action needs taking.

Sometime between now and the next 24 hours, the forum may become unavailable.

I'll have to see what happens to it to see what action needs taking.

Perhaps when it returns we will have bought White and Ødegaard.

I'd be very pleased if we signed Ødegaard. Madrid are desperate for funds so perhaps this rumour is more feasable than signing Locatelli.

Good grief!

Is that Tavares?

Edit: quick google my second guess Miguel Azeez with a haircut???

Bodes well for a young midfielder looking for minutes that he looks physically prepared for men’s football. If this is Miguel...

Good spot. It is Azeez. Legs of oak.

Made me laugh. What an unfortunate bit of ‘management’ by Rooney. http://www.skysports.com/share/12365188