Arteta and Edu have:
- Managed to extend Auba
- Managed to bring Ceba back
- Managed to get Willian on a free
- Managed to land Gabriel
- Decided to keep Soares and Mari on long-term deal after their loan
- Replaced Martinez by Runnarsson
- Done two relatively obscure investments in 2 young players: a defender and a striker.
So are you happy with the business we have done?
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Yap at last Partey is a gunner after taking ages of days to get him. Plus two academy products not badly off but Houssem Aouar still missing.
The other [ayers will need to be loaned out, and now Ozil may be able to play if partey is as good as they say
Runarsson Mustafi
Mari > Sokratis
Soares > RB cover
Willian > Mkhitaryan
Partey > Torreira
Ceballos > Geundouzi
So we’ve managed to get upgrades at RW, CM, CB, and RB cover, whilst having a downgrade at sub-GK. We’ve also kept our best player with a new deal. Not bad at all. Probably a Net spend of around £70m on fees but the wages will have taken a hit although Mkhitaryan leaving will have helped. Plus the club know that Özil’s crazy wage is off the books in 12 months time. Shame we couldn’t get a couple of defenders out (Kolasinac and Sokratis on £100k week) but it’s the January window in a couple of months so imagine we will trim the squad at that point.
Very happy with the way the squad is developing. Hopefully Arteta can continue to get the most out of it.
Partey should be a great signing and the fact he’s big and athletic and has come from a very organised team and a coach who demands massive effort (Simeone) can only be a good thing. If you are going to sign a defensive minded player then you can’t get one from anywhere better than Atletico with the way they play.
I am very happy with the window as well.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham also made some interesting additions and Leicester got a great player in Fofana.
I think the Manchester Clubs did not seem to have gotten things right and I am sad to see Cavani join Utd but I wish him well after his great career at PSG.
As Fatgingergooner puts it, we have upgraded our team’s quality.
Now let us hope we can somehow snatch Top 4 and have a good run in European and Domestic Cups.
I think the Partey signing definitely brings the option for us to play with a back 4…let us see what Arteta has in mind 🙂
The addition of Aouar would have made my perfect in-window. But I realize that in real life there are hardly any perfects. So yes, it’s a good window.
Partey will take us back to a back four as he will provide protection to the CBs and release the attacking potentials of the full backs. I have always thought it a waste playing Tierney as a centre back
V. Successful transfer window.Unfortunately we’ve missed Aouar,but Ceballios is capable to play no 10 role if Arteta shift to 4231.
Yeah after partey signing now the defense will be covered, so let arteta go to back four and bring back ozil as we have missed on aour. What a transfer window would be if we had signed a creative midfielder. great work guys wish you the best all from Uganda 🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬
Finally, we have our beast… and it was worth the wait!!
Leno – Gabriel – Partey – Auba….. some spine that!!
Thank you MA, Edu, Gunnersaurus and everyone else who made this deal happen!!
Happy days!
Thanks RC, I’m very happy with our transfer ‘ins’ particularly since we’d probably liked to have added another 4 or 5 to the ‘outs’ and still splashed out on Partey. It’s good that the club has backed Arteta fully by giving him the full job and investing in his vision.
We will probably lose money this season unless we manage a mass clear out in the winter window, but we have done everything we can to try to get top 4 and CL next season.
Everyone describes Partey as a replacement for Torreira, but he hasn’t been playing. We assume Ceballos will continue so are we saying Partey and Ceballos will replace Xhaka and Elneny when our strongest side is required?
Oh, I love it, as Chairman of the Ozil Fan Boy Club I am very pleased to see so many of our own out in force this morning.
Raj and Muhumuza you have a home at this site.
Our boy will be back soon to show all the doubters what we have been missing.
Mesuuuuuuuuut.
Very funny in a sad kind of way Sue, poor old Gunnersaurus had to be made redundant to help finance the arrival of Partey…………
The mind boggles
I know, LB… found it really sad… I just hope he’ll be back when we return!
Although, there’s all sorts doing the rounds online – he’d gone to Sevilla… an American USL team want him on loan and an Opticians offered him a job!!! 😃
Jack Whitehall “So sad! Surely we just keep the costume and put Ozil in it?”
Ecstatic…….the day after!
Sue has Kola, Mustafi is still there to give us the eeby jeebies if he ever gets on the pitch. Ouzi will ” make the most of his time in Germany” and will either come back with a better attitude or make us a mint. Terrier will get stuck into Spanish oppo and Simeone is pissed off he cant play him alongside Partey. We have a new potential Gunnersaurus……….and Mikel the Magic is our Boss!
Morning RC
Re-posting my response from last night (it went onto yesterday’s Post)…
Nice one RC
Up until the drama tonight I would have given the transfer window a C+
I know you said not to take into account the ‘outs’ but I am doing so.
The pluses for me were Auba and Saka being re-signed; signing Gabriel; Dani another year loan; Willian on a free; 20 mill for Emi.
The minuses – Ozil problem still unresolved; too many other players who are surplus to requirements still on books.
HOWEVER
Signing Partey changes everything and takes the window up to a A-
We have strengthened in exactly the area we needed to and with a player who has the potential to be world class.
Partey Time!
Great signing. A top quality midfielder.
He will be able to do the job that we currently have 2 players doing in Xhaka & Elneny. I expect this will see Arteta moving to a back 4 with an extra player in midfield.
I wasn’t convinced by Aouer transfer, as I don’t know much about him, but I know that Partey is a quality footballer having watched him a number of times.
The transfer window is 9/10 for me.
@LBG it’s either Ozil or Jack Wilshere for the Gunnersaurus costume
Possible ‘first choice’ line up with Partey…
Leno
Bellerin – Gabriel – ????????? – Tierney
Partey
Pepe/Willian – Ceballos – Saka
Laca – Auba
The reason for the ??????s at CB is that I am not sure who our second best CB is. Probably Luiz, but in time maybe Mari (too early to tell) or even Mustafi?
To keep LB happy, first choice with Ozil included…
Leno
Bellerin – Gabrial – ???????????? – Tierney
Partey – Xhaka – Saka
Ozil
Laca – Auba
I think it’s an “either/or” between Dani and Mesut, although seeing them in the same team would be fascinating.
We now have a pretty decent second 11 as well (back 5 system):
Runarssaurus
Soares – Mustafi – Holding – Mari – Kolasinac
Xhaka – Elneny/Willock
Ozil
Pepe/Willian – Nketieh
With apologies to AMN, whom I managed to miss from my calculations.
I’d have him ahead of Soares in the second 11.
Still don’t see Özil playing unless he is able to prove to Arteta that he’s willing to adapt his game to fit what Arteta wants. I don’t think he’s the kind of manager who would spend £45m on a midfield player who does all the work so that it allows Özil to wander around not putting the effort in.
We all know Özil can do great things on the ball, but Arteta has shown he will sacrifice talent for effort, and unless something changes in the way Özil operates then I don’t see him playing.
I do expect a change in formation and I also expect to see the likes of Saka, Willock, Ceballos and Willian tried in that playmaking role in front of Xhaka and Partey.
If Partey is anything approaching the player we hope he is then there is a very good chance that we will offload one of Elneny or Xhaka in January.
Bonjour RC, mon ami,
The transfer window, from the perspective of an Arsenal fan – this Arsenal fan specifically – seemed, like most of those which have gone before, very drawn out, and full of ridiculous rumours, with transfer updates that were anything but – and which, against my better judgement, made me a captive to reading NN for ‘updates’ on a daily basis. 👺
I would have been disappointed if we had not bought a replacement to improve the team, but as we have in Thomas Partey, I am pleased with the result as regards to the ‘Ins’.
I suspect Ooharr may have been persuaded to wait for the Jan 2021 transfer market, or next summer to take him to Juventus or Real Madrid. C’est la vie.
As regards the ‘Outs’, which may be subject to domestic sales or loans, between now and the 16th October, I think we will have to work hard to move some of the squad players on, following the disappointing overseas sales rejections of the usual culprits, Mesut, Mustafi, Sok and Kola.
There are notable remarks on AA, regarding Xhocker and El Neny, with the former rating only a passing inclusion in a predicted team line up, and the latter dismissed as being inferior to Ceballos.
I have no comment on Xhaka.
As for El Neny, he has been chosen more often than Ceb over recent games, and I suspect that he and Ceb will continue to be chosen dependent on the opposition, as they have very different attributes.
A midfield of Saka, Partey, Elneny and Ceb – if we continue with 3 at the back, is a possibility, but I am happy to go along with Rocky and RC in these matters – subject to Mikel’s agreement. 😁
I think the idea of Ozil doing the Gunnersaurus job as means of going some way to justify his wage is hilarious.
Could you imagine, Gunnersaurus takes the head of his costume off and underneath is Ozil………….Brilliant
I reckon that we will see Ozil play against Dundalk and Molde. Why?
European shop window…………
RA
Elneny is a superior X! Partey is a superior both of them!
Dani, in the Mikel system, is a superior Ozil. I hope Smith-Rowe will be a superior and different, both of them.
FGG,
I think you have made a valid point in your 11:41 comment as regards the future team set-up.
I have wondered if Mikel had to choose between Partey and Oooera because of the cash shortage, and perhaps what gave him pause for thought, in recent games, was the continued excellence of Saka.
It is a given that he is very young, but he has the makings of a top notch #10 making the choice of Partey to shore up a flimsy midfield more important.
I am intrigued to see how Mikel will set up the team. 😉
LBG, @ 12:12
Fair enough.
Thanks RC.
I give it a B.
I like the acquisition of Willian. Partey was my number 1 target and we’ve needed that type of disciplined enforcer for some time. He will bring the best out of the Spaniard (allow him to spend more time creating – which is what we lack at the moment centrally). Gabriel looks like a steal – CBs are always costly and to get one so cheap and that age is amazing.
We desperately need to trim the fat. As i posted yesterday…we can field almost an entire starting 11 with centre backs…
I get that injuries to mustafi, mari and chambers hindered what we could do but still…
I’m glad holding is staying. I like him and i think he is our best CB (before his knee injury he was trending that way so I’m glad he’s getting back to it). I want to see more of Mari, Saliba, and Chambers. Last year for Luiz and bye bye mustafi. Need loans for nelson, willock, and saliba.
I’m glad we got rid of mini luiz. Good riddance. I hope he has a good year so we can make money off him. Unfortunately it looks like another year of ozil sitting on his arse pretending like he is ready to play.
Best 11 (preferred)
Leno
Bellerin – Holding – Gabriel – Tierney
————-Partey—–Xhaka——————
Willian———Ceballos————Auba
———————Laca—————————-
Justification: partey and xhaka allow bellerin and tierney to maraude as much as they want without being caught out. They offer protection to the the CBs. It gives ceballos permission to attack and create for the wingers and laca.
Best 11 (alternative)
Leno
—Holding—-Luiz—-Gabriel—
Bellerin——————–Tierney
——–Partey—Ceballos——–
Willian——-Laca———Auba
RA
No money for (a very young, in fact) Aouar, Saka, Willian, Smith-Rowe, Dani all No 10s by varying degrees and with different skills.
I too have propounded and hope for eventually 4312. The future’s bright!
Oz
Well done for putting Gabriel on the correct side of the defence, unlike my earlier efforts 😳
Most of the listings achieved what we have hoped for the exception was Martinez but if you had said 6 months ago we would sell for upto £20m we would have been surprised. I understand his leaving. The downside was hardly anyone left, Sokratus, Mustafi, Chambers to mention a few. I hope Willian will workout Gabriel has settled in, concern over Saliba. Guendouzi and Torreira haven’t been sold. Good incoming not good outgoing.
Mavrapanos and Medley have solid performances over the weekend. The future’s bright.
Wow didn’t even realise that transfer happened today was so busy at work didn’t even check my phone
I like the fact that our team seems to now have:
– More “steely” players with Mari, Gabriel, Partey and
– More “tricky/skillful” players with Ceba, Willian.
We addressed our lack of physicality in the defending area with Mari, Gabriel and Partey and our lack of “chance creating” players with Ceba and Willian.
Overall, the squad is more balanced and I am not disappointed not to get Aouar – he needs further development.
I, however, agree that the “Outs” are disappointing. The squad now is very large BUT the window being still open with Scotland, we could maybe loan out Saliba there and eventually sell Sokratis or Chambers there.
We have a large squad now…
GK: Leno, Runnarsson, Macey
RB: Bellerin, Soares
RCB: Mustafi, Chambers, Holding
CCB: Luiz, Sokratis, Saliba
LCB: Mari, Gabriel
LB: Tierney, AMN, Kolasinac
DM: Partey, El Neny
CM: Ceba, Xhaka, Willock
AM: Ozil, Smithe-Rowe
RF: Willian, Pepe, Nelsson
CF: Auba, Laca, Nketiah
LF: Saka, Martinelli
The squad gives options to Arteta but he is going to have to trim it down because it is going to be hard to keep all these players happy.
Is our most balanced XI actually a 442?
Leno – Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney – Willian, Partey, Ceba, Saka – Laca, Auba?
Nice surprise then Fred.
Sue u really let kolasinac stay jeez
Sue, you can let go of Kolasinac’s ankle now………. 🙂
I have just heard that Gunnersoreass may be saved, in as much as Mesut has promised to pay his wages for as long as he is at Arsenal.
Arsenal have not yet responded, but I hope they do as GunnerS is really popular with the kids around Arsenal, and with many of the adult Gooners too.
Time stop the sodding around and bring Mesut back into the fold so we can
judgeassess him on the pitch. If he plays well – that’s fine; if his play has deteriorated because of not getting games – well that’s another matter, but keeping him in limbo smacks of something not too nice.The player and the management need to grow up, and get on with life.
And bring Gunnersaurus back — now!
Sue,
What LB means is — forget Kola — just hold onto his ankle instead. Not while he is cycling, of course
Good on her, Mesut. The Arsenal are a family. And family look after one another especially when times are hard!
LBG @10.08 Nice one!! 👍🙂
Fred.. 😂
LB.. Are you sure?? Is it safe to?! 😂😂😂
That’s great news about Gunnersaurus! Good old Mesut!! 👍
Whoever runs Ozils PR either has a wicked sense of humour or is a Brand guru. Clearly had seen the tweets about Mesut wearing the suit and flipped the story on its head with the offer to pay his wages. What do we think part time matchdays and JG events, lets guess less than 1% of Ozils weekly wage?
Interested to see Partey perform.
Now a curveball from left field:
We all like a returning hero, with Wilshere terminating his contract at Hammers should we let him train at the Arsenal and see Even. If it helps him get a club?
He probably doesn’t need money but judging by his social media post wants to play. He played with Arteta and would probably trust him, I’m not saying I’d expect him to revolutionise our team, but on a pay if you play deal?
I d be happy for Wilshere to train with us until he finds a club. Actually, I think Wilshere would do terrific in Ligue 1 or the Portuguese League. Monaco would be a great fit for him or Benfica.
Well, the Ozil — Gunnersaurus story started here at 12.04
LB,
Not wanting to spoil your day, but you were talking about Ozil becoming Gunnersaurus — actually it was Pete the Thirsty @ 10:25 mentioning Ozil and the costume. Sorry.
The actual story which was first mentioned @ at 4:01 pm was that Mesut promised to pay Gunnersaurus’ salary while he was at Arsenal — and was written by me, of course.Sorry, again. 😁
Yes LB was extremely surprised, almost didn’t believe it
Wait this thing with gunnersaurus everyone keep talking about is it lol
I’d be happy to see Jack train with our squad and it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that there could be a place for him at Arsenal. The trouble is, we already have too many players for the Premier League squad rules so I doubt MA will want another body in the mix anyway.
Wait gunnersaurus was actually let go, I assumed it was a joke
That’s the problem with blogging — facts can be checked.
You are of course right RA, I stand corrected.
No Fred, no joke, Gunnersaurus let go as part of the drive to save money…………..or maybe that is the joke because it is absolutely ridiculous.
Damn I actually didn’t realise it was serious wow
Meeting gunnersaurus was one of my favorite part of my trip to the Emirates last year, he is such a great guy
Love this.
Fred
Have you got any pictures of you and the green dinosaur?
Of course I do, will post when I reach home
It’s great what Mesut has done with the mascot, but let’s not pretend that he suddenly deserves to play because of it.
Arteta made it very clear when he came in that it was a clean slate for everyone, and the way he’s turned around players careers such as Elneny, AMN, and Martinez makes me believe that he was telling the truth. The fact Özil has barely had a kick also speaks volumes. Do I believe that Arteta had a preconception of the German and didn’t like him? No. Do I believe that Özil hasn’t shown the desire and effort that Arteta requires? Yes.
Arteta is praises for his handling of Geundouzi’s immature attitude but yet some want to believe that Özil is somehow being punished for what I can only imagine is the same sort of attitude. It’s true that we don’t have the facts, but nothing that Arteta has said or done so far would suggest that Özil is being frozen out for anything other than effort/attitude.
Everyone of us would love a season of Özil showing his best, but I just don’t see it happening and the quicker he’s gone the better for the atmosphere.
Hope springs eternal………….
I see that many have fallen for the Ozil PR teams move to save the mascot. No different from the stunts his manager pulls when he tries to turn fans against Arteta and others. “I don’t want to leave…i love arsenal” hahahaha.
Let’s not forget he refused the 12.5% covid cut and is happy to collect 350k a week to do nothing. Refusing to leave or entertain a transfer. The mascot stuff is a non-event anyway because the supporters won’t be allowed back at games anytime soon. So Ozil won’t even need to shell out $100 for a few hours of work each week.
Offering Ozil $350k a week has turned out to be one of the worst mistakes in Arsenal’s history to be honest. We’ve all seen threats before from non-arsenal players (Tevez and Robinho) and we’ve criticised them. Tevez did it while on $200k a week. But when it’s our own player Arsenal supporters defend him? Lunacy. No player is bigger than the club.
Since signing his $350k deal:
– he’s played 49 out of a possible 93 premier league games
– 6 goals (EPL)
– 6 assists (EPL)
Just to put it in perspective, Kevin de Bruyne (similar position and freedom to ozil) is reportedly on 320k a week.
2019-20: 32 games, 13 goals, 20 assists.
That’s what we should be expecting from that kind of salary. It’s just unfortunate that we decided to give it to someone that clearly doesn’t have a passion for football or winning. Players have the advantage contract wise and Ozil has exploited it.
I know people will say it doesn’t impact the squad because we still spent but Ozil on the books is the difference between 2 quality players and we didn’t really spend much compared to others.
Net was:
57.7 million (77.7 in, 20 out)
Villa – 81 m
Chelsea – 156
Everton – 83
Leeds – 96.4
Liverpool – only 40 million but you could argue as league leaders they don’t really need to.
City – 70
Manu – 74
Sheff U – 50.5
Totts – 48
The shining light is next year he will be off the books and hopefully we will have trimmed more of the fat off (desperately needs to happen at CB) and gotten rid of the blunders of yesteryear.
Saw this online:
We’ve got Ozil
Mesut Ozil
I just don’t think you understand
Don’t’ play for us no more
But saved our dinosaur
We’ve got Mesut Ozil
Oz
Good to see you are keeping positive!
LB
Thanks for the A M-N pens video. Apart from the last one, it reminds me of an interview once involving Gazza, which was explaining the sweet spot on a football that, if driven through, produces the most momentum. Ainsley, it seems to me, has that ability. Most footballers at the top level should have it, I suppose, but many dont, the evidence suggests.
I hate the Interlull already. Roll on, a roll over of Manshitty!
PS
Fred, where are those pics?
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