Use our rumours form to send us arsenal transfer rumours.
Text Size Adjuster: 18px 23 Aug 2026 21:04:01 In order to view all of today's banter, you may have to visit our Arsenal banter 2 to Arsenal banter 10 pages linked at the bottom of this page.
23 Aug 2026 18:03:25
I'm not liking these rumours of our Martinelli going off to the Saudi Pro League. Surely he is still young enough to get an elite club?
I'm assuming of course that the Saudi Pro League standard is still behind elite European clubs? I stand corrected if I am wrong.
0
{Ed014's Note - I’m hoping if he does go it’s to a club of his choosing wherever that may be Sally.
I think it’s fair to say it’s not an elite league and a fair way behind I’d imagine.
0
23 Aug 2026 19:01:55
I feel sorry for Martinelli, he's served the club brilliantly ever since he joined us as a teenager, but football is a brutal industry, and sometimes players do what's best for themselves and force moves away from clubs who don't wish to sell them, and sometimes clubs force players out despite the player not wanting to leave.
I hope Martinelli stubbornly holds out until a move that suits him personally comes along, even if he has to wait until January or even next summer for that to happen. He's armed with a very good contract, so no one can actually force him to go anywhere he himself isn't happy to go to.
0
{Ed014's Note - my hope is simply we do the right thing by him.
I didn’t like hearing Wrighty say the club hadn’t even spoken to him.
0
23 Aug 2026 19:46:52
Hearing Wrighty's comments about the way Arteta and the club have treated Martinelli wasn't nice to hear, mate. I get managers have to make ruthless decisions if they want to be as successful as possible, but there should surely always be a place for treating players who have got you to where you are now with respect, even when they no longer fit in with your plans.
0
23 Aug 2026 20:51:34
Very true, but he knew what he was getting into, and on 180k per week. Plenty of players in the 70s and 80s were treated far worse, on far less money & took on more longterm injuries to the head that were unknown. He can stay put & bag his money. Players have far more power & it is a cold game, but look at his wage.
He earns more than the prime minister in two weeks. What’s he done so much special for us that he’s any different to Jesus, Vieira, Trossard, etc.? If you are in 9m per annum, you know the stakes are high. I’ve moved my family because of work, as did my dad. What’s the big deal? He gets to say no & on 9 yes nine million a year!
0
{Ed014's Note - if we want to move him on, I’ve no issue but would rather we did it the right way, that’s just my thoughts on it.
23 Aug 2026 13:14:52
If we swap Gyok for Alvarez, we must be absolutely mad, 5 league goals is all he scored, but yet some people on here are demanding a proper striker and naming a player who scored 5 league goals in a league with only 3/4 teams.
0
{Ed014's Note - During his two seasons at Manchester City, Julián Álvarez scored 17 goals in the 2022–23 season (across 49 appearances) and 19 goals in the 2023–24 season (across 54 appearances), totaling 36 goals for the club.
Prolific?
Maybe if we plan on playing him on the left wing alongside Gyokeres then those goals would be a great addition.
0
23 Aug 2026 14:22:22
We do need a striker & I'd say Osimhen Dublin.
0
{Ed014's Note - not one big club has been near him but you want him.
Has he played in a competitive league yet?
0
23 Aug 2026 15:03:13
Is that our yardstick? If any big club has been near a player, we might be interested in? Okay.
I'm also unsure how anyone on here could possibly be "demanding" anything. We're sharing opinions and feelings and thoughts.
Most leagues we shop in are leagues of just 3 to 4 teams. I'm guessing we should also all stop waxing lyrical about Tzolis because Club Brugge.
Disappointing patter.
0
{Ed014's Note - sorry if you’re not a fan of my opinion.
I’ll butt out.
0
23 Aug 2026 14:35:26
In Al - what position, role & starts did he have at City?
On Vic - his wages count most teams out Ed. Think Chelsea looked & a few others but his wages & fee are ridiculous for most clubs.
Doesn't mean he doesn't know where the net is - how did he do in champ league?
0
{Ed014's Note - I’ve literally no idea, neither of them fill me with any confidence though to be honest and people call Alvarez world class, not sure why though.
Top strikers are a rare thing, we were lucky with Henry.
It just seems strange that the big clubs haven’t gone near Oshimen when he’s been readily available to buy for a few years now. Sure I heard stuff about his general attitude as-well.
It’s like people rave about Barcola but his stats are on a par with Trossard last season and he plays in a weaker league.
0
23 Aug 2026 17:18:52
Hello Ed mate, hope everyone and everything is good.
I am at lost why we are going for Alvarez who clearly see us as a lowly second option.
Me personally I would go for Rashford.
Get the crossed in for Vic and with Ode playing further up and releasing the ball quicker, I will be comfortable with Vic and Kai
0
{Ed014's Note - Hi HB, all good thanks.
Rashford is a difficult one, he had a great spell at United a few yrs back but hasn’t rediscovered that form. Was scoring for fun then.
Yildiz looks good but like most players it’s always a gamble but Juve don’t even want to sell.
I’m not sure we’ll buy both a striker and a left winger, the latter the more likely if GM goes.
Times like these you realise how much of a miss ed02 is.
0
23 Aug 2026 17:27:15
Not a fan?? I absolutely love it. It's redefined the way I think of all our players now.
0
{Ed014's Note - top patter that 🤦♂️
0
23 Aug 2026 17:36:56
Guess I'm in the minority but I'd be thrilled if Alvarez joined (provided his heart was in it - no use having an unhappy camper) . Ed, those stats you listed are correct but it should be considered that City's Plans A, B, and C for attack was: feed Erling Haaland. So, not a bad haul. And if were talking stats, yes Alvarez had a poor league tally last season (8, not 5) but if you include Champions League and Cups, Alvarez totalled 20 goals. Gyokeres, in comparison, had 21.
Hard pass on Osimhen for me. Attitude and wages as mentioned above. I'd rather take a punt on that Leverkusen lad who more than held his own against Gabriel and Saliba last year, Christian Kofane. Not quite Prem-ready I'd wager, but I think he'll be a terror in a season or two.
0
{Ed014's Note - Hi dk,
Thanks for adding some context to the stats, they don’t always paint a true picture. I read this morning we’re supposedly not his first choice but Atletico don’t seem to want to sell to Barca.
I’d heard it was his wife who wasn’t happy in the UK. Arteta will obviously know him and likely the reasons why he left city.
It’s Gyokeres first proper season with us after a full pre season, albeit he didn’t light it up in pre season, so be nice to see if he can up his game and goal tally.
First mention of Kofane but seems some reports suggest we have an interest and he’s only 20.
0
23 Aug 2026 18:52:04
Seems to be your level, no? Anyway I'll bow out of this conversation before you drag out another hurtful face palm emoji.
0
23 Aug 2026 18:38:23
Thanks Ed & I get it. We were blessed with Anelka, Cole & Henry that set the bar but we've also enjoyed Wright, Giroud etc. I don't really want to see Vik's poor hold up, touch or getting out paced down the channels. I'd love to see the young Bournemouth striker Kroupi sign for us and the Juve lad.
I'd be disappointed if we start with Hsdgs, Kai & Vic as our striker options - don't think we will win the Chsmo league or replace the lost corner goals with them. We probably need a better LW also for the long season ahead.
Appreciate your response & opinion as always. Think Vic's attitude issues weren't helped by how Napoli treated him - not heard much trouble in turkey.
0
{Ed014's Note - in my opinion the Champions league was there for the taking last season, we just needed to keep attacking.
I don’t see anyone in Europe miles or even inches better than us.
We just need to play as we did against Coventry and as Odegaard said, don’t defend the title attack it.
I’m sure the club have some irons in the fire with regard to more incomings, just a case of who.
Like I said about Oshimen, the concern is the bigger clubs have avoided him, Chelsea bought Pedro (who does look a good buy), United have paid £150 million for two new strikers (sold one already) and neither had set the world on fire when they desperately needed one, we bought Gyokeres, why not Oshimen then.
Liverpool spent a fortune on Isak when they could have had him, all that just gives me concerns about him.
We scored 3 on Friday, none from a corner.
0
23 Aug 2026 20:33:32
True, but the goalie and defence were poor for Coventry - last season we relied heavily on set pieces. Liverpool went for tried & tested EPL experience, & id go for Kroupi, but he's injured. Not sure how you buy an injured player, although Wenger managed it. 20m per year wage probably put them off.
You are right - we needed to keep attacking, but that's not Arteta's game plan.
At that level you need a bit of luck & a world class striker.
You are probably right about Barcola - last year it was Williams. This year Barcola. I'd sign the Juve player & Kroupi.
Saka, Yildiz, & Kroupi - Ode behind them with Rice & Bruno.
0
{Ed014's Note - we’re more than capable of playing like that against any team and scoring goals against them.
Let’s see how Arteta plays it this year before we condemn him, last season was getting it over the line, this season we need to start smashing teams. I accepted for that reason, but won’t this season.
Going for tried and tested hasn’t done Liverpool any favours, they’re woeful and don’t even have a decent starting 11, their bench is shocking too.
I think if you know the injury isn’t serious or another one of a series of the same injury then I guess you can be happy to do that.
Barcola isn’t enough of a stand out difference that’s for sure.
0
23 Aug 2026 20:46:37
Yildiz started and Alvarez on as a sub today! Would think, at the prices quoted, they would rest them for a week if they were moving. 🤷♂️ COYG.
0
{Ed014's Note - ah yes I meant to check that as it’s a possible pointer but you can never be sure.
0
23 Aug 2026 20:50:15
"ED14 and sharpie sitting in a tree"
23 Aug 2026 10:08:33
“Arsenal would like to improve their frontline further. That is why they are so keen on Julian Alvarez, but I’m not sure Alvarez is so keen on a move back to England and that could be the problem.”
"I think if push came to shove, Atletico Madrid would do a deal to Arsenal - as opposed to Barcelona, the doors are closed there. They like Kenan Yildiz, but the doors are closed from Juventus.”
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori.
Rice, Guimaraes, Odegaard.
Yildiz, Osimhen, Saka.
Wow! That’s an attack that matches our midfield and defence… Sure that front line would demand faster passing and reward it too…
COYG - it would require some good strong people management with many strong players in bench and not even in squad. Hopefully we clear the deck also. Would allow good rotation to avoid injuries.
22 Aug 2026 20:19:04
I know it’s the first round of games this season. But, it totally confirms the fact that a lot of new signings doesn’t necessarily maketh a team. Man U and the spuds were so excited that they’re back, they’ll be challenging, millions and millions spent etc. etc. yada yada yada. Well…. ……what a surprise. Zerbi is not the messiah just because he narrowly helped them avoid relegation. Carrick is not the messiah because he elevated a rubbish team to only being mediocre.
What I find interesting, is the fact that Arteta is the fifth manager to get 150 wins in under 250 matches in to their tenure. That's Pep Guardiola, who reached the milestone in 204 matches, followed by Jose Mourinho (231) , Jurgen Klopp (237) , and Alex Ferguson (247) , with Arteta (and Arsenal) taking fifth place.
An illustrious list of names. Arteta is one of them. Just sayin.
He’s done a great job of taking the team to level after level. All those decisions made. Raya over Ramsey? Who thinks that was a bad decision now?
It looked like men against boys in the com shield, same against Coventry. I so hope this keeps up. Tzolis is looking like the bargain signing of the season. I hope Marteinelli stays. A CF would be nice but I recon we’re all set.
22 Aug 2026 12:52:55
That’s how you start a season - a great result and some really strong performances. Coventry were the perfect start, at home, excited crowd and always gonna be handbrake off. Nice to see the team play some great football and a noisy stadium.
Rice, Saka, Ode and Tzolis stood out - so nice having a winger that runs at opponents (take a bit of notice Saka) and plays with their head up delivering a quality final ball (Noni seriously take note) . Super signing and let’s see him mid/season away to Liverpool before we judge properly but by god he’s a fresh breeze to the team and with Rice driving us forward we looked far more attack minded.
Ode hand another good game, still moments of old where he should have played a firmer or first time pass infront of our runners but encouraging for sure.
Nice goal from Kai to be fair and he may well benefit from having two wingers although I would still like some more pace and killer instinct in the box. He’s getting the nod over Vik.
Let’s see what the rest of the window brings - hopefully a Lw and Cf but a great start and squad depth. COYG.
21 Aug 2026 22:39:35
Nice result. First game of the season 3 points, 3 goals and a clean sheet. One done ✔️ 37 to go… COYG/VTH 🔴⚪️❤️.
3
21 Aug 2026 23:36:31
Awesome start to the season, and we were moving the ball faster than last season, let's hope it only gets better.
Martinelli and Gyokeres didn't get a run in, should we read something into that? Also, we are overstocked in the midfield, I think Zubimendi and Nwaneri may be sold by the deadline.
0
22 Aug 2026 00:49:11
Great start to keeping our trophy Gabi. 🏆 🤩
Like people have said, n completely agree. I think now the monkeys off our back, we will see a different Arsenal animal. I look at our squad n think wtf!. our bench are 1st team players for 18 out of 20 Premier League teams. The ammo is there to get to the heights we all want n dream of.
Was kinda gifted that Vik didn't get minutes today, that woulda kinda meant a lot to him I reckon. 3-0 up I would have given him at least a cameo against his old compatriots.
It's Mikel's headache to deal with, n what a headache to have. ❤️ 🤍
Champions champions champions.
0
22 Aug 2026 07:54:19
Morning Jegooner, hope all's well.. I was thinking on the same lines. I thought it would have been good to see big Vik get at least a 20 minute cameo. Might have even grabbed himself a goal. COYG/VTH. 🔴⚪️❤️
0
22 Aug 2026 11:27:08
I agree, Jeg, last season the players and manager were clearly terrified of the relentless backlash that would come their way from pretty much every angle if they failed to deliver a big trophy once again, and that pressure and fear was plain to see in pretty much every game they played.
Obviously there's always pressure on top clubs, players, and managers to deliver top prizes, but our players and manager will never again face anything like the amount of pressure they faced last season, no matter how long they play or manage for.
The atmosphere at the training ground and in the changing room must feel very different this season compared to last season, and hopefully this season everyone will feel more able to express themselves more freely and enjoy the entire season rather than worrying themselves sick about just getting the title over the line this time.
If our players start to really enjoy games and enjoy playing again, then I think us fans are in for a wonderful season of football and who knows, maybe even more big trophies. 👍
21 Aug 2026 12:11:18
If Savinho is worth 85m
Then Martinelli must be at least the equivalent.
4
21 Aug 2026 17:41:32
Totally agree!
0
21 Aug 2026 18:31:14
Rumour going around that Spurs overpaid on Savinho, so City could let Marmoush go cheaper, therefore nullifying City's contractual obligation to Frankfurt for a percentage of a transfer fee if Marmoush goes for £59 million or more.
0
21 Aug 2026 22:25:39
Martinelli is worth 85 million and 1 pound.
21 Aug 2026 10:33:05
Spurs have spent some serious money in this window. Will they not foul any financial rules with this spending?
How will they fare this season with all these nee additions?
0
{Ed025's Note - i think we will leave all the fouling to Arsenal players in the opposition box at corners Highbury.. :)
1
21 Aug 2026 11:15:46
Here's your helmet, Ed025, for when you want to jump off that old bandwagon.
Highbury, they've pulled in 140 million with sales mate.
0
{Ed025's Note - i still want you to do well Sharpie, i just want you to do it with a bit more style mate and maybe now you have got that monkey off your back with the win last season we will hopefully see that, in the end its an entertainment business and as a neutral i want to see attractive football that will get me off my seat and last season that was not the case, it was turgid with the emphasis on basically cheating your way to the title whether you want to admit that or not, i cant stand all this wrestling at corners and dead ball situations and i know a lot of teams do it but that does not make it right, heres hoping you have a great season and prove all the doubters wrong by playing how you can play with the plethora of talent you have..
0
21 Aug 2026 17:42:54
Anything within rules is fine Ed 😄
Are spurs spending within their means?
0
{Ed025's Note - i hope you are a more attractive team this season Highbury and that would make me happy mate, it does not matter what Spurs spend ...they will always still be Spurs.. :)
0
22 Aug 2026 10:59:09
Ed025, I can't remember Chelsea winning trophies with attractive football. No one was moaning then. A fair few of Manu's trophies won without being attractive. No one was moaning then.
Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to get over the line. And you know what, I don't mind if you say we weren't didn't play beautiful football last season because you'd be telling the truth. My issue is with all this "dark arts" and "fouling" malarky. It's nonsense.
P.S. We definitely played some lovely stuff last night! COYG!
Oh and Highbury, not sure if you say my last message. Spurs have spent about 300 mil, but they've also sold about 150 mils worth.
0
{Ed025's Note - you did play some nice stuff on Friday Sharpie, and long may it continue mate..
{Ed014's Note - I’m hoping if he does go it’s to a club of his choosing wherever that may be Sally.
{Ed025's Note - i think we will leave all the fouling to Arsenal players in the opposition box at corners Highbury.. :)