Arsenal rumours 3

10 Apr 2020 09:25:10
Hi mate, any truth in the rumours we are after Tolisso or just paper talk? Thanks and I hope you are keeping safe.

{Ed002's Note - Certainly not as first choice as there is interest in Soler. My notes say:

Corentin Tolisso (CM) Bayern Munich have made the player available for sale as they look to a shake up of the team and want to clear some out in the summer - and with Gretzka, Thiago and the up and coming Cuisance all playing in the same central midfield position, Tolisso is seen as surplus. Tolisso also had a serious injury issue last season but apparently all is well now - aside from niggling stuff. His representatives fielded several requests for loans from France and England in January but, like the agents of Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng, he knew Bayern Munich would not be doing any business over the winter. There has been a discussion with one specific French side about the possibility of a summer move and the lady involved says they may just be interested if a suitable price was proposed given the injury history. There has also been a discussion with Napoli as a potential Fabian Ruiz replacement - but they are still sorting themselves out from their problems and have no immediate interest. If the price suits it is expected Arsenal will be approached to see if previous interest remains given the situation with Dani Ceballos - but right now they are heading in a different direction as well. A return to Lyon will no doubt have been discussed with the player but even if they let Houssem Aouar (which I doubt they will) leave this coming summer the addition of the vesatile Bruno Guimaraes will already have covered that.}

10 Apr 2020 12:00:22
Thanks Ed, do you see hector Bellerin leaving arsenal this season?

{Ed002's Note - I think the Cruciate Ligament injury wrecked last season and now is likely a good time to be looking elsewhere for a restart.

Hector Bellerin (RB) Inter Milan have Hector Bellering on a lengthy list of RB options headed by Thomas Meunier and Victor Moses and could easily turn to him. Sevilla are looking for support and eventual replacement of the aging Jesus Navas and Bellerin is their first choice.}

10 Apr 2020 14:26:04
I think the time has come for him to leave. Him going back to spend seems right for both parties. Thanks Ed!

07 Apr 2020 01:48:32
Hi Ed,

Are the club in for a CB? Pau Torres has been mooted, and would be ay great option, but not sure if he is actually a part of our plans. Any chance of another CB joining?

Thanks,

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal have Saliba arriving and there is an option on Mari, and holding is fit. Add to that David Luiz is a starter and Arsenal also has Mustafi and Sokratis so unless three leave then Arsenal don't need another CB. But given the complete chaos the club is in they have been looking at a number of CBs as has been explained. As for Pau Torres (CB), Villareal will sell at the right price. Barcelona are talking to his club and Manchester City have a declared interest and Arsenal have asked Santi Cazorla to talk with the player but have not made a formal approach - perhaps due to having to clear the decks with the CBs first and interest in others. I would have thought there is no chance of a move to Arsenal.}

07 Apr 2020 13:34:25
Thanks Ed.

08 Apr 2020 10:07:27
Hi Ed, I know you think the way arsenal do business is amateurish but do you think it’s the right choice to pay Aubamyang the wages he wants? It’s known that arsenal pay overly high wages to their players and with Ozil likely to stay at the club, is it best for Aubameyang to leave?

{Ed002's Note - The problem Arsenal has is the structure of the management organisation. Aubameyangadingdong wants to be playing at the highest level and Arsenal are not there. Money is very tight after wasting the savings on paying more than double what Pepe was worth and selling him brings in much needed money.}

08 Apr 2020 10:43:43
Well knowing that we aren’t going to sell Pepe, given arsenals stupidity, would you agree that by default it makes more sense to sell Aubameyang than to keep him?

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal are willing to sell PEA. There is no question about that.}

08 Apr 2020 11:12:37
Thanks Ed, keep safe!

{Ed002's Note - Thanks, and you.}

09 Apr 2020 15:35:53
Surely not for £35m as being reported Ed?

{Ed002's Note - That I cannot answer.}

05 Apr 2020 13:48:43
See we are being linked with Lingard the last player I want to see at our club.

05 Apr 2020 15:16:39
I would be horrified he's absolutely shocking, if anyone is seriously considering it, they should be sacked! What's the point of selling iwobi and buying someone even worse! 😂.

05 Apr 2020 12:04:10
Hi Ed, you previously said that a third party is looking to strike a deal with Kurzawa and now today newspapers are saying that we've offered a contract to him, any ideas if it's true mate?

{Ed002's Note - Layvin Kurzawa (LWB) a third-paty has mugged Arsenal in to looking to a constantly injured money pit - a Free Agent option who will be able to join in the summer. Inter are also keen and the player may well opt for them but he is not their first choice. It is expected that Sevilla will provide an interesting option to the player. The same third party has also offered the player to Barcelona who are looking at spending carefully on some so they can splurge on primary targets - but the injury situation bothers them. Juventus and Spurs interest has gone.}

05 Apr 2020 13:20:52
Thanks Ed, he seems an average player at best.

{Ed002's Note - Should be ideal for renal then.}

01 Apr 2020 10:34:54
Hi Eds,

besides Auba and possibly Laca, who do you envisage us selling this summer (and are there any clubs with known interest + suggested transfer fee figures) ? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Sokratis (C) With Saliba joining, if Mari is to join the another CB could make way - Sokratis might be the one as Holding will be fit again.
Granit Xhaka (DM) there was a tentative agreement for a move to Hertha Berlin, who are looking at a complete rebuild. Lucas Torreira will need to step up if it happens but right now nothing is happening.
Mohamed Elneny (DM) Milan are trying to reach agreement for a summer move and have asked if it will be possible for a January release from Besiktas - but they have an option to buy and do not want any disruption at all as they are doing well.
Dani Ceballos (CM) agent is investigating other options as the player is edging away from signing for Arsenal. It is about direction, opportunity and the future. The idea is he gets another loan, gets to the Euros, gets to talk options with Real Madrid and the decides on a practical way forward - perhaps with a progressive side like Real Betis.}
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (AM) Arsenal will sell to Roma but value him at three times therejected €10M offer.
Mesut Özil (AM) if a deal can be found - which will be tough - if he stays then there will be a significant impact on transfer plans and he will leave for zip in 2021.
Bukayo Saka (LW) Bayern Munich are keen to take the kid from Arsenal so Arsenal need to sign him to a new contract.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangadingdong (S/LW) wants a new start elsewhere but the club have spoken to him and he says he will consider a new contract - but it is unlikely agreement will be reached over terms.
Alexandre Lacazette (S) wanted a new start elsewhere but seemed to have settled before the season was halted.

01 Apr 2020 13:54:40
Hi Ed,

Pushing my luck a bit, but do you have any news on the state of the Saka contract? Arsenal seem to be prioritizing the PEA talks.

Thanks,

{Ed002's Note - None. I am not interested in contracts.}

01 Apr 2020 10:19:05
Hi Ed, are arsenal interested in buying Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth) and Willian (Chelsea) ?

{Ed002's Note - Obviously if Pepe leaves Arsenal will want a first pick replacement. Clubs have spoken with Willian directly but his preference is to stay at Chelsea.}

01 Apr 2020 11:41:33
Ed, you mentioned Pepe. Surely they’ll give him another season at least. I personally feel for him this season.
1. Emery was in charge and changed his tactics and team every week. No one was performing consistently. And 2 he makes so many runs of players but never gets the through ball. People seem to only want to play it to his feet because of how skillful he is. He’s rapid and they need to lay it through like they do aubamayang because he can shoot. And correct me if I’m wrong but his interception numbers are good so he does do the defensive work.

{Ed002's Note - I would have thought so but people seem obsessed with replacing him with the likes of Willian. Arsenal massively overspent on Pepe utilising the stash of money put aside for something else. It was extreme stupidity but given the ridiculous set up at the club they may well continue to make mistakes. I have no idea what his "interception numbers" are but in simple terms he was not ready for the significant step up and Arsenal continue to be in a serious mess.}

01 Apr 2020 11:44:20
Thanks Ed.

02 Apr 2020 23:23:11
Hi Ed, has the ridiculous setup at Arsenal come about since Mr Wenger relinquished his control at the club? Or was it there even then? I hope you and yours are all well - stay safe 🌈.

{Ed002's Note - It is unrelated to Mr Wenger and his tenure. The problem has got much worse since he departed. Much, much worse.}

05 Apr 2020 15:38:59
Belated thanks Ed. Is the situation resolvable or have some people got the club by the proverbial? 🌈.

{Ed002's Note - The situation remains a mess.}

27 Mar 2020 11:05:16
Hi Ed, any truth that arsenal want Carlos Soler from Valencia?

{Ed002's Note - I have answered this before. "Carlos Soler (CM/RM) interest of Spurs and Manchester United has gone but Arsenal could give the player a move to the Premier League - if a reasonable fee could be agreed with Valencia."}

27 Mar 2020 11:30:02
I searched in first but I didn’t find it- thanks still.

27 Mar 2020 14:06:38
Honestly, I thought I had seen it previously, but when I searched yesterday, nothing came up.

Thanks Ed.

{Ed002's Note - At least you know now Alex.}

27 Mar 2020 22:18:23
Note to Arsenal, right club, wrong player. If you going to call Valencia the conversation should be about Geoffrey Kondogbia.

29 Mar 2020 14:02:33
Or ferran sorriano? I think. but we got plenty upfront.

22 Mar 2020 15:21:16
Hi Ed,

We’ve been linked with Odsonne Edouard as a replacement for PEA. Do you see us bringing in another forward? Thoughts on who it might be? Or will Martinelli simply be tipped to started next year?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal have looked at a few forwards and see Odsonne Edouard a cheaper option than perhaps bring Malen back or pressing for David. It also depends whether or not Nketiah interests the coach as an option. Alexandre Lacazette wanted a new start elsewhere but seems to have settled. Aubameyangadingdong will be off in all probability.}

22 Mar 2020 16:29:24
Are we looking at Orkun Kokcu and Matty Longstaff Ed? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - (1) Orkun Kokcu (AM/CM) is Arsenal's first choice addition for the attacking role in midfield if they can move Mesut Oezil on. The player has been watched by PSG, Chelsea, Spurs, Barcelona, Sevilla but Arsenal are particularly keen. They want a reduction on the €20M asking price. (2) There is a lot of interest in ML but I am not aware of any approach from Arsenal.}

22 Mar 2020 16:48:58
Thanks Ed!

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

22 Mar 2020 19:08:40
Sorry to bombard u with questions Ed but are man united interested in Aubameyang too?

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any approach for him.}

22 Mar 2020 22:29:22
Thanks Ed!

23 Mar 2020 21:38:08
I think pea will stay.

24 Mar 2020 10:15:37
Hi Ed,

so you think Lacazette will stay and Auba will leave? That's annoying because would much prefer it the other way around! But guess Laca hasn't really been showing much worth over the course of the season in terms of goal output.

{Ed002's Note - Aubameyangadingdong does not wish to sign a new contract so Arsenal need to move him on this summer. Alexandre Lacazette wanted a new start elsewhere but seems to have settled.}

24 Mar 2020 13:52:00
I love that we appear (at least) to be getting our replacement lined up now, not after the fact. Maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.

25 Mar 2020 15:03:48
Just thinking about the striker situation, Sako has made it clear he doesn’t want to be a LB but is happy playing fir the time being there. ED do you see him next season being pushed up? Seeing as you see Aubamyang being sold.

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal are going to do what the coach sees as the best way to utilise the players. If Kieran Tierney stays is fully fit it takes the pressure if Sako to provide cover as often as he has. And of course there is an "advisor" still pushing Arsenmal hard to take Layvin Kurzawa.

26 Mar 2020 11:31:51
Hi Ed,

you say in the original response that Edouard is a cheaper alternative to Malen or David. How much do you think Celtic would sell him for? Because I've read a lot that David can go for ~£17.5m. Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Gent has quoted a much higher fee than that to another side interested in JD. The €50M asking price for Malen is huge. Actually since Celtic quoted one side £30M for Odsonne Edouard and I wrote that note, another side have been quoted that bidding for the player will start at more than £50M as they accept that he will move on and .}

26 Mar 2020 12:39:43
Jesus 50m for Odouard?! I can appreciate he's a very good player but given the calibre of the SPL I reckon teams would still be extremely hesitant paying even 30m.

{Ed002's Note - I would agree but they know it is inevitable he will move on and will look to get the best money they can.}