19 Jul 2021 08:04:44
Our squad per the express assuming "some " departures and a couple more additions.

Goalkeepers - Leno, JOHNSTONE, Okonkwo
Defenders - Chambers, AARONS, Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, WHITE, Pablo Mari, Tierney TAVARES
Midfielders - Partey, Elneny, LOKONGA, Saka, Smith Rowe, ODEGAARD
Forwards - Lacazette, Willian, Pepe, Aubameyang, Martinelli, Balogun

I'd be a little disappointed if the window closes and we haven't replaced Leno, signed Ode and didn't sign Bissouma or Neves. I'd be disappointed if we start Laca and PEA unless in a 442 as I'm tired of players not playing their best role.

Defence looks solid and some good options if it happens.

Upfront a lot sits with Willian, PEA and Laca as to what version of them turn up and if they will be disruptive

Plenty in that squad to get excited about - COYG

Have a great week everyone and hoping this week and early next week finalises our squad.


1.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 09:21:57
Sy, it looke like we are going for players under the age of 24.
I think we talked about this approach last year and said we would be happy to go down this route
I personally think Mikel is the manager to take us forward, let’s give him a chance and get behind him.


2.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 10:51:12
Nice to see building bricks coming in. I love the idea as long as we have some leaders and winners. The challenge is the aging forwards - their attitude and delivery of end product.

Hopefully this post wasn’t anti-Arteta. I don’t believe he has the horsepower to succeed but we are stuck with him so need to get behind him. Only time will tell - the club are putting their money where their mouth is which is good. We really need him to succeed as the well is probably dry now 😂

Would you like a new keeper in? Don’t think Leno ticks our boxes but he’s still a decent keeper.


3.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 11:23:04
The good thing is we are buying quality youngsters and with what youth we have, if it doesn’t work out for Mikel the next manager has a good base.


4.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 11:43:01
Looks a decent team to me. Defence much more solid and hopefully better at playing out from the back with White etc. A new keeper with this ability is vital, Leno is great in most games but always has that mistake in his passing that puts us in danger.

Excited for Lokonga next to Partey. Feels powerful and full of energy, much more legs than Xhaka or Elneny for me. Being honest, Aouar is my dream signing, just think he would link everything together so well but doesn't look a goer anymore.

Forwards is a mixed bag. Saka, Martinelli, Balogun all very exciting but raw. PEA, Laca and Willian have huge question marks over them now. Personally hope PEA finds his form as he was devastating, bizarre how off form he is. For me, Pepe is my big tip! He was so underrated last year, plenty of goals and assists with stop-start selections. Keep him in the side and let him fly!


5.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 12:06:46
Seems like a lot rests on being able to actually sell some of our players. Xhaka for example is still at the club, but he had a wonderful Euros so perhaps there are some suitors.

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal have had talks with Roma over Xhaka - the problem is the price. That is all.}


6.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 12:20:26
I agree with that Mark, buying promising young talent is very positive because as you say regardless if Mikel can get them playing together his potential successor will have a brilliant base to build on.

I think the worst thing would be if we are all still debating Mikel next January and people saying he needs more time and more windows before we see improvement.
I hope he succeeds but if not I hope we make a change by November rather than drag through another entire much a do about nothing season with him.


7.) 19 Jul 2021
19 Jul 2021 14:09:45
I wish we could let Leno be a goalkeeper, of which he is more than capable, rather than expect him to be the deep lying playmaker. If this is the most important aspect for Arteta, then slap the goalkeepers shirt on Xhaka and see how you get on. When will managers learn that the GK is probably the second most important member of the team. Yes I am a full card carrying keeper, and I say please stop messing with our role!