27 Dec 2019 14:32:09
Ed02 is there any chance we could get an update on transfer targets please? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Not really much and perhaps the current coach will have some ideas. I cannot predict the timing but those looking towards the exit door in the coming months include:
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Granit Xhaka (DM) tentative agreement for a move to Hertha Berlin, who are looking at a complete rebuild, has been reached. Lucas Torreira will need to step up.
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.
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.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (S/LW) wants a new start elsewhere.
Alexandre Lacazette (S) wants a new start elsewhere.

In terms of incomings and who has been asked about:
Gabiel Magalhaes (CB) could be added as Arsenal await Saliba. Lille have no intention of selling in January unless they are offered way over the odds. He is however having a good season. Kalidou Koulibaly (CB) Firstly, Napoli are in the market for a LB to be second string to Mário Rui as a replacement for Faouzi Ghoulam who will be leaving on a loan to buy. They have several on their list of options including Sead Kolasinac but I doubt he would want to be a second string, or move to a rather chaotic Napoli or that Napoli would want to get involved in any part exchange. Kalidou Koulibaly has been of interest to Arsenal before but now Arsenal does not have the money to buy him without selling players and quite frankly Arsenal does not have the draw.
Cole Bassett (CM) Arsenal are very hopeful something can be done - but player wants a roadmap to regular first team football.
Bilel Hassaini (RW) not going to happen.
Vinicius Jr (LW) It has not been working out well for the player in Spain and Wolves have shown an interest in him but he would only be a second string to Diego Jota - and the asking price (circa €60M - although they may accept less) is seen as high. Arsenal have been approache but with Saka emerging on the left it is the issue of Pepe on the right and Aubameyangadingdong in the centre or left that needs the most consideration - but he shares and agent with Martinelli so there may be a discussion. Chelsea have also been approached as he would provide an option to Hudson-Odoi on the left allowing Pulisic to move to his more natural right side. Others have been approached but none would be in a position to look for more than a loan and Real Madrid need players gone to continue their rebuild.
Aleksandr Sobolev (S) makes little sense.
Kevin Volland (S/W) BL don't want to sell in January.}


1.) 27 Dec 2019
27 Dec 2019 16:18:12
Goodbye Laca and Auba. Hello Vinicius Jr 👋🏻 Put Martinelli through the middle where he shines. Saka, Nelson, Vinicius Jr and Pepe on the wings. Move on Xhaka and replace with a CM who is ready to fit straight in as a regular starter. Saliba incoming and a new CB to partner him, Dayot Upamecano would be ideal but I guess money would be a massive issue there.


2.) 27 Dec 2019
27 Dec 2019 16:10:50
Thanks Ed. How much say will Arteta get in transfers ed.

{Ed002's Note - When Arsenal were looking at their preferred coaches they were asking them to work with the current squad or sell to buy. As a guide, if you sell a £50M player you will have perhaps £37M or £38M to spend on a replacement. As I explained in the summer, the purchase of Pepe at way over the odds was dipping in to the reserve money. Arsenal need to now be frugal and plan a way forward.}


3.) 27 Dec 2019
27 Dec 2019 20:00:49
Makes so much sense to work with what we have for now at least, take our time and get it right.
We've spent 250 million on Laca Auba Pepe Xhaka Mustafi and the more we've spend the worse we get.
Surely it makes sense to stop assess and think about how we do better in future.


4.) 28 Dec 2019
28 Dec 2019 06:13:09
Hi Ed,

Feel like I’m pushing my luck with all you’ve shared recently, but here goes. There have been rumblings about Upamecano. Is there any substance to the rumours?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - There has been previous interest and RBL are very keen to get rid of him with performances dropping off and his contract starting to run down. I am not aware of any approach from Arsenal. RBL will let him go for something in the order of euro 60M.}


5.) 28 Dec 2019
28 Dec 2019 15:54:47
Thanks Ed.

{Ed002's Note - You arew elcome Alex.}