Apparently Villa are coming back with an improved bid of £30m for Smith-Rowe. It seems a strange one that Villa think they can sign him from us. I wouldn't put it beyond clubs to make 'posturing' bids - bids that they know won't happen but show the ambition of the club to the fans. I'm sure we've done it in the past.

It would be tempting to just string Villa along until the end of the window making them think they have a chance.

This extract from Jonathan Liew's piece on Saka in this morning's Grauniad:

There are a few reasons why Saka feels like he’s slipped under the radar a bit. First of all, his raw numbers are really nothing special. He has just five goals and three assists for Arsenal this season. More often than not, he’s the man who plays the pass before the pass: or in Arsenal’s case the pass before the pass before Nicolas Pépé puts the ball straight out for a goal kick. So often this season Saka has felt like a sparkling player being tethered down by the dunderheads around him.

As for the way we are treating Saliba or namely Arteta is treating him.
Shameful.
Farcical.
From Arteta being quoted as saying he was our player for sure and he would be coming back for pre season to now strong rumours that Saliba will be loaned out again or sold.
If that happens the little bit of respect i had for Arteta will disintegrate.
And for sure if Saliba is loaned out again then that will be his bridges with the club burnt.
Even if he has a blinder on loan next season there is no way he will commit to us by signing another with the 2 years left on his contract after next season.
I just find it extremely frustrating that a player with seemingly so much potential may not even be given a chance to show what he can do.
Considering what we spent on him that is a disgrace.
And all down to Mikel *%^@*** Arteta.

The only person here with an issue about having the last word on anything is you

I merely can’t resist indulging you

WHY OH WHY ISNT ARTETA PLAYING SALIBA!!!! errr it’s pre season

Tierney knocked out so should be able to get a decent full preseason with us after a bit of a holiday. Xhaka and Saka still involved but I can't think of too many others who are away. I think we have Gabriel and Martinelli in the Brazil Olympics squad.

Massively important pre season, Arteta's first proper pre-season, we need to get our signings done asap and hit the ground running at the start of the season to take advantage. We don't have any long term injuries at the moment either - first time in a while I can think we've gone in to a season without someone on a long term injury.

It was me

Horrendous England performance lightened up by a young lad with bundles of talent and spirit. Well done B

Told you

Even from a financial standpoint it would be a horrible decision - Villa are reported to have bid £25m, and are now supposedly raising that to £30m. If Smith-Rowe continues on his current trajectory we could easily fetch twice as much in just a year or two. There's absolutely nothing to gain for Arsenal by selling.

Did he have his ‘Xhaka For The Guillotine’ t-shirt on?

Martinelli missed the final cut for the Brazil squad.

I read somewhere that we'd refused permission for Brazil to pick Martinelli for the Olympics, as is our right apparently. I think Gab may be going though I'm not certain.

Depressed market

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57588639

Well they bid over £90m last year sooo

I think that’s grossly unfair on Pépé. But despite that, the comments do explain why I think people who focus heavily on assists and goals scored as the reliable measure of a player’s effectiveness are hopelessly misguided.

Good player= costs a ton of money
Bad player = depressed market

Good player= costs a ton of money
Bad player = depressed market

Expecting Germany to turn this around, but I've been well impressed with Hungary this tournament. They had an impossible task with that group, but they've given it everything they have.

John McAfee Reportedly Dead From Suspected Suicide In Spanish Jail

Spanish media reported the 75-year-old former antivirus pioneer was found dead in his cell.

John McAfee, the antivirus-pioneer-turned-cryptocurrency-enthusiast, alleged murderer, and alleged tax evader, was found dead in a prison cell in Spain, according to multiple reports by Spanish media.

Pogba is a different player entirely for France.

10 minutes left for Germany to save themselves. One thing you can be sure of they’ll keep going to the end. Either way, an epic game and an epic performance by Hungary who as Haz said have done themselves proud.

Edit - and there it is Goretzka 2-2

Apparently Villa are coming back with an improved bid of £30m for Smith-Rowe. It seems a strange one that Villa think they can sign him from us. I wouldn't put it beyond clubs to make 'posturing' bids - bids that they know won't happen but show the ambition of the club to the fans. I'm sure we've done it in the past.

It would be tempting to just string Villa along until the end of the window making them think they have a chance.

Busy fella wasn’t he

Will have to keep reminding TG he's a lying get as he appears to ignore postsc that challenge him directly on what he says and does.

I've not seen such a fantasist since I last read AG's earlier posts. Strange how he goes quiet for long periods then bounces back with more repetitive quotes than TG.

Hmm AG TG are they the Jekel and Hyde of this forum?

Southgate will be crazy not to play Saka againest Germany. His ability to win the ball in midfield and drive forward would be effective againest kroos and gundogan who are older legs.

It’s a massive call but he’s got to Drop Foden. I’m not expecting him to as the city contingent seem to have a massive sway over the national set up.

Strangely optimistic on the game, likely shortlived before an inevitable exit on penalties

What are you harping on about now? ? Because I pointed out your covid denial nonsense. It’s clearly wound you up.

How many signatures you up to on your awesome petition ? You managed to reach the landmark figure of 2!

So, you're criticising someone because their petition didn't get enough likes? Are you 12 years old?