Arsenal rumours 2

25 Jun 2024 11:39:02
Morning, Ed. Are Arsenal looking at Johan Bakayoko?

{Ed002's Note - Johan Bakayoko (RW) Cost effective solution for PSG but may stuggle to be a starter so will not be interested in a move just to be cover. Liverpool have him on the list of potential Salah replacements but have not made any approach to PSV at this time - but he is certainly an option although if Salah decides to see his contract out it will disrupt any move. Arsenal see him as an option to Raphinha and Pedro Neto but it seems a move is unlikely. Spurs, Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City have sent scouts but have preferred options. Borussia Dortmund see him as an option to Sancho but have also identified a preferred option. I expect Liverpool will win out.}

22 Jun 2024 13:16:07
Some reports are saying that if arsenal don’t sign a striker then nico williams is the number one target and has a 58m euro release clause arsenal and Liverpool very interested.

22 Jun 2024 17:33:51
Is one of those reports possibly from ed002 in the post below? (;

24 Jun 2024 12:01:57
Can’t see it happening. He’s apparently on 350k a week at Bilbao!

{Ed001's Note - Bilbao pay high wages as they can't really spend money on transfers.}

25 Jun 2024 09:37:47
ED001,

Is that something to do with Bilbao only signing Basque players?

{Ed001's Note - yes, there are almost none that don't come from their academy that they can sign. So almost every transfer fee involving them is incoming and they invest heavily in their youth academy and current playing staff's welfare and happiness. Not just big salaries, but all the ephemera that makes them enjoy playing for the club. But obviously the big salaries is a problem for potential buyers as it is very rare they value a Bilbao player as highly as Bilbao do, unless Athletic have someone else in that position coming through.

If there isn't anyone coming through, they can't exactly go out and buy a replacement. They have been a bit more lenient on Basque-links in recent years, but only to a point. It means the pool of players they can sign is tiny.}

25 Jun 2024 12:20:59
Thanks ED001,

I do have a soft spot for Bilbao na duaed to follow them a few years ago They generally stick to their principles, which these days are rare.

{Ed001's Note - I like them too. Though I made the mistake of asking my parents to pick me up a shirt when they were in Bilbao. Only my parents could think I must have meant Sociedad because of the Toshack connection. I mean their shirt is blue and white ffs. No one wants a blue and white footie shirt do they? And Bilbao usually play good footie too, they have the best youth academy, probably in the world. There is a lot to like about them.}

25 Jun 2024 15:19:21
ED001,

For years they were my go to FIFA team on the PS aswell.

I had hoped that they would have qualified for the CL. but a 5th place finish was pretty good.

I was really happy when Utd signed Herrera and was gutted when they let him go for free, whilst priorising Muppets like PP and JL.

{Ed001's Note - I just hope they can hang on to their best players this summer and maybe next season they can get that CL place.}

25 Jun 2024 15:45:10
ED001,

Fingers crossed.

27 Jun 2024 00:14:53
Fascinating exchange MH and Ed001, thanks for the context.

Sociedad is a great club though!

21 Jun 2024 11:51:29
Morning Ed, what’s the latest on Nico Williams? Read Mikel is interested. Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Nico Williams (LW/RW) Young Basque winger and brother to Inaki who has eased himself in to the first team over the last two seasons. Terse response from the Spanish U21 set up (along the lines of "he does not score many goals for an attacker") when told he was changing his allegiance to Ghana, like his brother - and that led to him changing back to Spain. There was plenty of interest in him so a contract extension and buy out clause were awarded to the player at the start of 2022 and again in December 2023, pricing him out of a move to Barcelona at €50M plus a significant signing on fee, plus wages of €350k per week - but they remain interested although they need to sell before buying so must prioritise. The player has made it clear he wants to move to Barcelona but the club say he is happy and wants to stay. Seen as far more affordable than Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Aston Villa coach wishes to be reunited and they will push for a deal in the summer but he may opt to stay for a year or two more after signing a new contract. Looked at by numerous Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Chelsea are put off by the attitude, wages being asked for and he is not first choice. Arsenal may bite and make an offer and Newcastle offer a wildcard option.}

21 Jun 2024 15:40:28
Thanks for the detailed reply!

20 Jun 2024 15:01:18
I work in Istanbul beside Fenerbahce and Mourinho is promising huge signings and one that has popped up in the local paper is Smith-Rowe. Normally, I'd take it as a usual mourinho wish list but this one is in every paper and was mentioned at the fans forum with mourinho two weeks ago. Any legs?

20 Jun 2024 17:40:08
Hello Sammy mate, not heard anything about ESR but have you heard anything about Kadiologou coming to Arsenal.

20 Jun 2024 18:45:20
Yes, it is in all the papers that a large offer went in from Arsenal 20m euros and Mourinho allegedly is not happy. I think they’re after 30m euros and they need it . Mourinho is on 10m euros and everything else I’ve seen him arriving at the stadium by helicopter into the local heliport at kalamis.
It’s very like Chelsea so he should enjoy it.

20 Jun 2024 19:39:44
Cheers Sammy mate 👍👍.

21 Jun 2024 10:59:49
As an update Dortmund are also in for him and every Turk has family in Germany!

20 Jun 2024 10:12:42
Ed002,
If a club triggers the release clause of a player, can the player still refuse to go to that club?

{Ed002's Note - Yes, of course.}

21 Jun 2024 09:27:40
Thanks as always.

16 Jun 2024 18:25:27
Hi Ed’s hope you all had a great weekend, ed002 I recently seen you said Toney was our number one target, I’ve just seen a rumour that arteta talked with Toney and arteta didn’t like his attitude, do you know if he is still number one on our list, thanks Ed.

{Ed002's Note - I wasn't aware of that but will try and check. I would expect Arsenal to now look again at perhaps Jonathan David and Serhou Guirassy.}

17 Jun 2024 19:43:24
Dublin I keep seeing Toney being linked to a top team and yet I hear the Spuds are linked with him - doesn`t make sense :) Isak or we go again with Kai with I guess a better back up. Hello everyone by the way hoping you`re all well COYG ( appreciate Isak not for sale)

{Ed025's Note - i have changed my mind on Toney for Arsenal SUSSEX, i think has got an attitude problem and should be swerved, i still think you need a top forward though mate to compete at the very top..

17 Jun 2024 21:10:00
Hi Ed025 I agree never been convinced - one season 22/ 23 everyone bangs on about with 20 goals but 6 pens included! Saka does that from the wing. Forget the pity penalty v Bournemouth Kai didn`t score in twelve games - then scored 12 goals in 25 games (think no pens) so on that form he gets 19 goals without pens - which is pretty good. He also assists. Haaland scored 27 goals but 7 were pens. Kai is nowhere the scorer Haaland is (Haaland played less games) but he is important to the way we play. Unless it`s top drawer and prem ready spend the money on the best midfielder possible to complement Rice and Ode. Isak is the only option for me or Alvarez but City won`t sell. Anyway what do I know but I know a man who does - come on MA get Isak COYG.

{Ed025's Note - i think Isak would be perfect SUSSEX, it looks very unlikely to happen though but you still need a top draw striker for me mate, Kai will do a job but if he gets injured you are up the creek without a paddle i feel..

18 Jun 2024 02:03:55
I agree ed025, I don't believe we want his character in our squad. There aren't many top strikers around these days though, so while I agree of the necessity of one I have no real suggestions.

{Ed025's Note - its a tough one SW, Isak seems the perfect fit but i just cant see it im afraid, you may have to take a bit of a chance on somebody who is not quite the finished article but you do need a striker mate, i like the look of Vlahovic myself but getting him would be very difficult..

18 Jun 2024 02:16:41
Hey Ed, what’s your thoughts on Bruno Guimarães? The links gone quiet of late but a player that gets stuck in whilst still being good on the ball could be what's needed in the middle. Would be an expensive buy. Havertz I imagine will be first choice no1 with a new 9 signing for healthy competition. Watkins perhaps? Could Arteta improve him and he’s a huge Arsenal fan who’s stated be a dream to sign for us.

{Ed025's Note - i do like Guimaraes coldice i must say, has that nasty streak which i like but i feel a striker should still be the priority mate, i like Watkins but feel he has reached his celing and Villa is his limit..

18 Jun 2024 10:15:57
The same article I was reading mentioned that arteta had the emirates on lock down when it comes to transfers, he doesn’t want anything leaked and everything we are hearing in the paper is hearsay, so it’s very exciting.

18 Jun 2024 10:12:53
Thank you Ed’s for the reply.

11 Jun 2024 15:45:34
Hi Ed002,
Some great updates lately.

Could you tell us which players are Arsenal looking to sell this window and which teams are showing interest in these players

Thanks as always mate.
Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Aaron Ramsdale (G) Ramsdale is stuck rather and needs to figure out his future with Arsenal. Wolves are very concerned about losing Sa and are keen to take Ramsdale to replace him but have other options. Milan are the same with Maignan. Newcastle may offer a good solution that will be of interest to the player.
Karl Hein (G) Free Agent in the summer.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) Arsenal have been open to listening to offers for the player but would prefer a new contract else are seeking €35M which saw Inter step back. Could return and look to an exchange plus cash for Denzil Dumfries. Interest of Bayern Munich has been dropped.
Kieran Tierney (LB) Real Sociedad offer another loan option with an obligation to buy this time. Celtic may offer an option.
Nuno Tavares (LB) Will look for a new home in the Summer. Nottingham Forest not interested in taking up the option. Marseille spoke with Arsenal.
Aleksandr Zinchenko (LB) Arsenal will keep him unless they can get a good fee, but he is available and Arsenal have been looking at replacements. Newcastle offer a wildcard option.
William Saliba (CB) Real Madrid have scouted Saliba and spoken with his agent. But he is not first choice for them and likely further down the list of options. The player has always said he would like to move to PSG on day, but for now he stays.
Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) Arsenal rejected an approach from Juventus and another from Al-Ittihad last summer. I am not aware of any recent approaches. He will stay.
Jakub Kiwior (CB/LB) Could be priced out of a move to Milan who may look to a loan to buy or to Napoli. Arsenal may block any move and look to giving assurances.
Cedric Soares (CB/RB) No obvious future and could look elsewhere for opportunities when he becomes a Free Agent in the Summer. Besiktas and Villareal offer options. Has already left.
Mohammed Elneny (DM) Free Agent in the summer. Has left.
Thomas Partey (DM) Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have asked after his availability. Juventus interest has moved on. Middle East may be an option but the player is insistent on staying at Arsenal.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (DM) Arsenal will be open to letting him move on as part of the summer clear out. I am not aware of any approaches to Arsenal although his agents will be looking for options.
Jorginho (CM/DM) Ahas agreed a further year at Arsenal after being given assurances.
Charlie Patino (CM) Perhaps another loan - again difficult to see where first team opportunities will come from. Agent looking to move him on and has been speaking to clubs in Italy but I am not aware of any interest.
Emile Smith-Rowe (CM) Wants to leave for more game time. Could be offered to Brentford as part of a part exchange deal for Toney. Brighton, Newcastle or Aston Villa may provide options but the player would likely not be interested. West Ham would like a loan to buy. Napoli interest has gone. A summer move seems possible unless Arsenal give him assurances.
Martin Odegaard (AM/CM) PSG has a declared interest but he is not first choice. Arsenal will want to keep him so he stays.
Fabio Vieira (AM) Marseille and Monaco discussed a loan with Arsenal but Porto may well be interested in buying the player who Arsenal are happy to have move on.
Reiss Nelson (W) No future at Arsenal as anything other than a bit part player. Perhaps a loan to buy somewhere. Brighton may offer an option still if previous interest remains.
Marquinhos (W) A loan to Fluminense will end in December and then the club will consider options, but he will likely be sold in January.
Eddie Nketiah (S) If Arsenal can add Toney or another striker, EN will be allowed to leave. Leicester, Crystal Palace and Wolves may offer options. Brentford may be interested in a part exchange, but I doubt it. Fulham may offer a viable solution. All see the requested fee as too high.
Khayon Edwards (S) Arsenal youngster who I am told is doing very well with his agent saying he should have a chance in the first team, else he will need to look elsewhere on a permanent basis.

Arthur Okonkwo [Released]
Mauro Bandeira [Released]
James Lannin-Sweet [Released]
Omari Benjamin [Released]
Luis Brown [Released]
Catalin Cirjan [Released]
Noah Cooper [Released]
Henry Davies [Released]
Ovie Ejeheri [Released]
Taylor Foran [Released]
Hubert Graczyk [Released]
James Hillson [Released]
Henry Jeffcott [Released]
Tyreece John-Jules [Released]
Alex Kirk [Released]
Kamarni Ryan [Released]
Kido Taylor-Hart [Released]

12 Jun 2024 20:27:01
Ed002, you sir are brilliant. Great update. Hop you are well. Have a great summer mate cheers.

{Ed002's Note - You are very welcome.}

13 Jun 2024 10:59:11
Absolutely brilliant Ed, thanks as always.

14 Jun 2024 10:06:00
Brilliant update Ed002, thanks a mil.
But let me piss him off 😜 on a percentage measure how likely we will swap Tony for EN. Hahjaah
Sorry just kidding.
Brilliant work mate.

16 Jun 2024 18:37:13
Hello Ed002, may I enquire as to who we're looking at for LB?

{Ed002's Note - Maximilian Mittelstadt (LWB) Has had a great season since moving from Herta. Stuttgart will not want to sell. Scouted by Arsenal.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (LWB) Barcelona's interest in Ait-Nouri has likely moved on as they focus on another.The player is on the list of LB options Chelsea are considering. Potential option for Arsenal. PSG have also declared an interest in Ait-Nouri and it is where his agent would like him to move to.
Ferland Mendy (LB) Available - injury concerns. Will be offered to Bayern Munich in part echange for Davies. Will be offered to Manchester United and Arsenal.
Ferdi Kadıoglu (LB/RB/RW) Versatile player who has done well for Fenerbahce and has attracted the attention of Arsenal, Newcastle and Napoli. Arsenal may push.}

18 Jun 2024 05:54:17
Thanks ed for this a great help.

18 Jun 2024 01:49:31
Thanks ed002 - you're a gentleman and a scholar, sir. Who'd be your pick of the bunch?

{Ed002's Note - I am told Maximilian Mittelstadt is a good option - you can watch him at the Euros.}

18 Jun 2024 08:34:52
I've watched all the games so far apart from one as was at work I must thr Germany team and spanish team look the best.

11 Jun 2024 09:59:49
Hi Eds,

I've been reading through your previous posts and most of the Osimhen chat refers to Chelsea.

Do Arsenal hold any interest in him at all? I would imagine he would be too expensive, but with Sesko staying put I would imagine that only leaves Toney or Osimhen is really viable options.

Are you aware of any strikers that haven't been discussed on here? Lots of paper chat in recent days about Zirkzee but he looks Milan bound - his numbers aren't that convincing either! Also previous chat of Gyokeres.

Any thoughts or info would be welcome!

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal have a preferred option and see the price as too high for Osimhen. Toney remains the first choice.

Joshua Zirkzee (S) Manchester United had a third-party scout watch him in a game against Roma in December and they decided on Zirkzee as their preferred option but the player was not interested in such a move. Milan has declared an interest knowing Giroud is coming to the end of his contract but don't know if Zirkzee will match his goal tally - and they offer the preferred solution for the player and they now have a tentative agreement. They are looking to add two strikers and the second striker they want is not available, causing a rethink. Bayern Munich have an option to buy the player back but will likely not be interested in following up on it. Napoli offer an option if Osimhen moves but I suspect it will be settled before then. Arsenal have preferred choices but could turn to Zirkzee and Kia is keen on a move to London but the player is keen on and close to MIlan. Player will not move to become cover or second choice likely ruling out Juventus.

Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining last summer Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelasea may do that and have avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue - and Chelsea has a preferred option. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United, Spurs and Arsenal with Arsenal seeing him as an option to Toney. Spurs may offer a wildcard option but have a preferred option to effectively replace Kane which they failed to do last summer. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause. Injury will keep him out to probably mid to late July or so. Will likely stay.

The club have considered a number of options but they now need to reconsider or talk to Brentford about Toney.}

11 Jun 2024 12:45:49
Really appreciate the detailed response, thank you.

All eyes on Toney then.

{Ed002's Note - They will be considering others aswell.}

11 Jun 2024 17:23:14
We don’t need a striker we have KING KAI.

11 Jun 2024 08:18:53
David Ornstein confirming Sesko is Arsenal’s first choice striker now. Biggest threat is him staying at Leipzig for one more season.

11 Jun 2024 09:29:03
He has in fact, decided to renew at Leipzig.

08 Jun 2024 20:17:01
Ed002 is ramsdale going and who is interested? Thqnks.

{Ed002's Note - Aaron Ramsdale (G) Ramsdale is stuck rather and needs to figure out his future with Arsenal. Wolves are very concerned about losing Sa and are keen to take Ramsdale to replace him but have other options. Milan are the same with Maignan. Newcastle may offer a good solution that will be of interest to the player.}

06 Jun 2024 14:57:46
ED 002,
You might not want to answer this one if so I understand .
Has Arsenal officially talked to any club or player's agent?
Thanks for whatever the answer it is .

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what you mean by "officially". They talk to clubs and agents year around.}

07 Jun 2024 09:48:47
Thanks but what I meant has any offer been made?

{Ed002's Note - For which player.}

08 Jun 2024 07:21:57
Any . What I meant was has Arsenal made an official approach to any club for any player for this season? Incoming or outgoing . Sorry for not having it made clear earlier and made you answer twice .

08 Jun 2024 07:24:25
Have we made any offer to any club to be more precise?

08 Jun 2024 23:15:50
Gora, offer been made to Santa cazorla apparently.

{Ed014's Note - you bored of the Chelsea page fuser?

09 Jun 2024 14:04:36
Ed014 yeah pretty much, transfer season not really started, euros not started. Found the post funny so replied, was all in good humour no?

{Ed014's Note - no issues with me fuser, just a little out of date with Santi 😂

10 Jun 2024 15:41:59
Ed014, Seemed fitting with the question of; has any bid gone in for any player, incoming or outgoing at any point in time 😂.

{Ed014's Note - 😂