Arsenal Banter

16 Jun 2026 10:23:58.
Felt disappointment for Merino, but what a result for Cape Verde against Spain and with a 40-year-old keeper!

11 Jun 2026 11:29:10
Just wondering if any of our eds have any news of potential incomings for Arsenal?

{Ed014's Note - sorry Sally I don’t, we’re linked with plenty but knowing who Berta and Arteta are actually looking at, without our ed02 is difficult to say the least.

Nico Williams the latest one today.

With the huge bid made by Madrid I think Alvarez is a definite no sadly.

Rogers from Villa would be a great addition. I’m still a fan of Baleba too.

It will be interesting to see how MLS develops next season in midfield.

11 Jun 2026 17:45:20
Cheers ed014 and Nico Williams would be awesome! We can dream.

{Ed014's Note - you’re welcome Sally although I don’t think that was much help to be honest.

I’ve not followed Nico so have no idea what he’s like but stats suggest no better than Trossard.

11 Jun 2026 17:46:51
I've got a good feeling about MLS ed, he's flying in midfield atm. And yes ed002 is sadly missed by everyone.

{Ed014's Note - agree he looked so good, far better than at LB.

Would really love to see him make it with us.

A definite miss for sure.

12 Jun 2026 10:30:53
I've heard a few whispers. Tonali, there's a cm from Roma, a free agent from PSG, defender Mbemba, his name is Livermento, Vini Jnr was linked this week, with Alvarez. Atletico Madrid will not sell to Barca or Real, so far they don't want to sell to a rival in the same league. I can't see PSG going for him with their attacking options, so if Arsenal really do want him, now is the perfect time to place a bid.

Rodgers won't discuss until after the World Cup. Barcola, Yildz. If any of you want to keep up to date, just follow Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, daily vids, and he's spot on all the time.

{Ed025's Note - love it Dublin..

09 Jun 2026 18:56:36
Dr Sacked been saying it all season. We need to look at the backhouse team fitness, dietary, recovery requirements. First departure, Dr Zafar Iqbal, Head of Sports Medicine. Certainly looking in the right direction. If true, good riddance. 2024 he joined Arsenal. Look at our injury and recovery time over the last 5 years; don't look good for him.

10 Jun 2026 02:14:28
My (possibly controversial) opinion is that you can't really prevent injuries except by resting players. Some players are just injury prone, and it's luck of the draw. I certainly wouldn't be confident enough to pin a club's injury record on one guy who might be very good at his job, or not -- we don't know.

Arsenal played like 70 matches last season. That's a lot of football.

10 Jun 2026 21:36:31
I don't know, wire, pal. My theory is that the medical team let us down. Players who are coming back are not looking physically fit or performing at expected levels. Recurring injuries. Unfortunately, I don't have contacts within the club to understand the full ins and outs. However, the number of injuries we had definitely negatively impacted us, especially forcing us to play defensively and not risk further injuries.

We have been better at providing appropriate cover, but they needed more time to gel together. Next season, I'm hoping for an even better season. Let's bring it home.

11 Jun 2026 06:16:26
No disputes from me about our injury record! I just think footballers play too many games and that's the elephant in the room, the FA needs to address.

I would support a players' strike, personally, especially in the context of the abominable Club World Cup and international friendlies.

07 Jun 2026 18:36:40
Sting has been kidnapped

The Police currently have no leads.

08 Jun 2026 12:41:04
Try looking on the moon. 😉

08 Jun 2026 17:35:50
Ace! If you know you know COYG.

08 Jun 2026 22:53:49
It's no lead not no leads. 😂

09 Jun 2026 21:01:54
It's so lonely there, Sally. 👍

Or just a bell boy, Shropshire, that is the question. 🤔

No, it's not Sy. 😠😠😠😠
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing. 😉😊😜

06 Jun 2026 07:39:19
{Ed's Note - Seano_ has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool Squad Assessment and Summer Priorities

03 Jun 2026 19:26:45
Surley Vlahovic on a free is a no brainer all out then for a world clsss ledt winger be class siging too.

04 Jun 2026 05:28:40
Is he a no-brainer, really, though? 7 goals in 19 appearances in Serie A. Probably wants huge wages. Personally, I think I'd rather spend money on someone that fits what we need -- a dynamic, fast striker who can make us more unpredictable up front.

04 Jun 2026 08:45:54
We must get Alvarez, if not continue with Kai and Vic and invest money in a proper left winger.
Eds or anyone heard anything who we are pursuing for left wing (apart from the Rogers links)

04 Jun 2026 12:02:36
Apparently Monga is very close to signing for us, obviously he's one for the future. Could be in the next few days.

04 Jun 2026 13:26:07
As a bit of a left-field option, what about a bid for N'Diaye at Everton? He's always looked a very good player, with prem experience. With rumours Everton want Jesus, could a potential deal be made?

04 Jun 2026 18:11:09
He is a good player, though. Not sure he is an upgrade on Martinelli or Trossard, and Everton will demand money, as he has a substantial period left on his contract, so expensive for a squad player.

04 Jun 2026 18:11:59
In that category (squad depth and more experience) , Harvey Barnes could be a good shout.

04 Jun 2026 19:36:40
Harvey Barnes, hahahahahah. At Arsenal we want to move forward, not ten years back. My nonna is better than him.

04 Jun 2026 19:46:04
Arteta obviously saw something in Vlahovic a few seasons ago, and big money was talked about. He chose to go to Juve, which obviously didn't work out for him.

05 Jun 2026 10:59:53
But Vlahovic won't offer anything different, he is very similar to Vic. So we will end up with two strikers with same strengths and identical hairstyles. 😄

05 Jun 2026 18:42:19
Arteta also signed Vic, Kai & Noni. If this guy was below that, then move on. Let's get some much needed pace into the side, and players pushing that "world class" label. We showed in the final that our attack was wanting. My sofa moved more than Vik & could probably have held the ball up better.


We must improve the starting 11, with top top class additions & drop some of the starters, including Ode, to bench or move them on. Time to be ruthless if we want to keep moving forward.

05 Jun 2026 20:45:59
SY, I know you are critical of Vic, but he has done fine for his first season, also taking into consideration that our overall play didn't suit his style. He will be on fire next season if we start moving the ball quicker. We do need another striker though.

06 Jun 2026 17:44:07
Top three strikers bar none are Haaland, Kane, Mbappe not in order. Then for stats Alvarez, Dembele, Gyorkeres, Osimhen, Martinez (Inter) , Ekitike and Lewandowski all very, very similar (maybe Martinez a cut above) .
I'm assuming top three are untouchable. I would say Alvarez or no one and pump the money into another quality midfielder, maybe Rogers, and the best LW we can find.

Alvarez seems to be Barca bound so I'm happy with an excellent LW replacement plus a strong creative midfielder. Tweak with quality.
I think Viktor, like Highbury, will be excellent next season and Saka's output can't be as poor again. Coupled with the new LW, goals will be aplenty COYG.

07 Jun 2026 10:50:05
Yes, I am tough on Vik, but what top team has he scored against in the league? He doesn't have the pace or finesse or fear factor that a Haaland has. Zero chance he strikes fear into defences, and zero chance he scores that Haaland goal against Everton. We need a Henry or a Wright who can flip a game on their own & when they get the ball you stand up in anticipation of something happening.
Vik is a good 2nd choice & will have a better season, I'm sure, as 14 goals against weak sides and long barren patches is beatable.



A striker's main skill should be scoring, not defending. Arteta likes easy to manage, hard workers who defend.

We probably didn't play to his strengths, but he also didn't get into enough dangerous positions. He gets praised for work rate, flicks, joining up play (backwards) , and running channels. Not much on touch, turning defenders, outrunning defenders, getting into the box & scoring important goals in big tight games.

07 Jun 2026 13:24:52
This is so Deja vu! Last season we had the same conversation! Sy, you wanted Osimhen, yet no massive clubs in for him. Attitude and wages an issue. I ultimately don't care about wages, it is what it is, but I feel we got to where we are on ability and team spirit! Is he worth the risk? I'm out! However, like last year, I'm willing to be convinced by a better option and a realistic option.

Who is this Henry / Wrighty player, please? Alvarez or stick budget elsewhere for me. COYG.

07 Jun 2026 15:50:17
I am also bearing in mind Barca want Alvarez, and he left the UK apparently because his wife didn't like Manchester/UK. We might not even be in with a chance to sign him COYG.

07 Jun 2026 23:06:51
Okay - so Barcola, Kroupi & Rogers.

That gives us momentum, forward motion & something new. Quick feet & quick brains.

Certainly give us options and a different look - Vik only scored 11 non-penalty goals in the EPL, and not against a top side. So, for me, he needs to be on the bench / rotate.

Maybe Ode or Eze will be allowed to pass forward & not be in the back 4. If that's the case, we stop being a fiddler & play Rice as DM & buy a better partner who complements him better, like MLS does, but an upgrade. Perhaps we free up a CM to be sold, like Merino or Kai, etc. Why pay 105m & not play Rice in his best position? If we need to up the energy, is Zubi that guy? He had a great season & a strong start, but is this square pegs round holes by the boss? Not sure I want MLS as our #1 partner, but great back up for a busy season, or will Zubi last the pace of the EPL?

The boy is on a huge wage in Turkey, but let's see.



Bournemouth signed a winner.

Adeyemi / Mbappe? I'm sure there are strikers out there & if we pay 65m plus 280k PW for Kai, then no reason we can't soank 350k on a WC player. Need to adjust our criteria, as work hard defensively ain't a striker's main skill, yet the boss loves that Vs goals.

07 Jun 2026 23:25:59
Did you just put Vik in the same conversation?. 😂

Martinez - that would be quality & Alvarez (put a tasty bid in & see - London very different to Manchester) ?
Kane
Konate
Openda

I'm sure, if we look proper and spend money, they are there if the boss really wants a proper striker.

08 Jun 2026 07:52:26
I did put Vik in there, and I stand by it! Buy a centre forward and we'll win the league! Guess what, and he'll be better next season! We do agree on two players, Kroupi and Rogers, but come on, Kane (realistic?) . Martinez is wedded to Inter, Konate? London is nicer than Manchester, but Barcelona is stunning! Kroupi on the left, Vik/Kai down the middle, Saka on the right.

I think a real chance in Prem. Europe? Barcola not for me. Cheeky bid for Kane, after all he's one of our own 😉 Still Alvarez or no one for me, although I am feeling a bit blinkered, and a bit worried I've agreed with Sy on a couple of players - need a lie down. COYG (going to check out Openda as don't know him) .

08 Jun 2026 07:55:16
Openda, no, just no. COYG.

08 Jun 2026 23:01:37
Hope you are good, Sussex, and thanks for the back & forth. I'd be happy with a good young CF who has pace that rotates with Vik, or is plan B. We deffo need a proper LW, as Noni isn't a LW or a starter.

We need to get the ball forward faster - maybe Vik does better, but we need options other than him & Kai.

Glad you are seeing sense. I was throwing names out, as there are options.

09 Jun 2026 11:12:36
I just think it shows how tough it is to build a correct blend for the team, and how tough to please everyone. We obviously aren't far away if we keep our starters and decent squad cover. We are definitely in with a great chance of a repeat.

Exciting times and another rollercoaster - life of a Gooner, I guess. COYG (enjoy a back and forth, especially as I agree with you the least of posters on here - what makes the site so good) .

09 Jun 2026 20:07:11
Exactly! Enjoy your week.