Being the champs of England is still so freaking awesome.
Arsenal 2026-2027 Thread
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Last: 10 hrs ago by tu ag
Think the counter attacking that Marti offers is the biggest hole in our summer efforts. Think we really need to be working to replace that ability/skillset.
For Jan, I want to go hard for Kroupi. Think he is the younger version of Alvarez that Arteta really wants.
For Jan, I want to go hard for Kroupi. Think he is the younger version of Alvarez that Arteta really wants.
I wish we could just overpay for Kroupi now. There's plenty of noise out there that we view him as a long-term number 9 here, but we're going to face stiff competition inside the EPL and in other leagues I'm sure once he returns to health.
There are probably insurance reasons why we can't
This is really long but I like the optimism.
https://x.com/EBL2017?s=20
Quote:
Amongst all of the Arsenal fan hysteria, it's really important to take a step back and assess the reality of the situation.
Arsenal have two TOP players for every single position.
The club tried to sign some stardust in attack. The ambition was there for everyone to see.
Alright, Berta definitely could have handled things better because the club missed out on Rogers despite him wanting to join because of the relaxed manner in which he approached the deal, Vinicius used the club to get a better contract at Madrid (in all likelihood), Barcola never truly considered Arsenal because they didn't make him feel wanted after the public Vinicius saga with Liverpool getting ahead in the meantime, and Alvarez was a lost cause from day one because he only wanted Barca.
The club were FINALLY willing to spend big bucks on a forward, but the sporting director did not deliver. That is the reality.
But will that derail Arsenal's season?
Certainly not.
Just look at the squad… The depth is nothing short of elite in every single area (apart from Kepa behind Raya).
The Konsa signing ensures the level stays the same without Saliba.
The Bruno Guimares signing along with Lewis-Skelly being used in midfield means Zubimendi and Rice can stay fresh throughout the entire season.
The depth is just as good elsewhere, and I also don't buy the notion that Arsenal cannot level up in attack.
We have to remember that Havertz, degaard, Merino, Calafiori, and Saka were injured for LARGE periods last season.
Havertz missed 41 games.
degaard missed 30.
Merino missed 28.
Calafiori missed 16.
Saka missed 15.
These are all CRUCIAL players for Arsenal.
It meant that Eze almost exclusively had to play in the #10 when he is better on the left and Trossard + Martinelli were required to play out wide even though Arsenal are better with Eze's creative qualities on the left. Some may disagree with that, but the club have shifted Trossard and Martinelli on for good reason. We also saw how devastating Eze can be against Villa in just ONE HALF of football…
The attacking dynamics were never optimal last season because of that, but we can also say the same about the midfield dynamics.
Zubimendi was the #6 with Rice in the #8. Both are obviously exceptional players, but Rice is better in the #6. Arsenal's dynamism went up a level once Lewis-Skelly was shifted into midfield with Rice in the #6. Those dynamics now remain as Arsenal primarily attack in a 3-1-3-3 / 3-1-6 with both fullbacks high and the #6 + #8 managing the build-up alongside the centre backs. That means the team have more bodies high but also players in more suitable roles AND with better depth behind them…
Elsewhere, Tzolis is a level above Martinelli + Trossard, Dowman is another year advanced in his development, and it is the second season of Mosquera, Hincapi, Zubimendi, Madueke, and Gyökeres who are more acclimatised now.
People keep talking about how Arsenal have sold lots of forwards and only brought in one, but they moved on Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus, Nwaneri, Vieira, and Nelson. Only two of which were reliable first team players last season (Trossard + Martinelli) and as useful as they were, they were the biggest problem area in Arsenal's squad.
Martinelli had his worst year on record and Trossard had a 26-game goal drought. Both were and are a level below of where Arsenal are at.
And, most importantly, the only reason that they were used so much is because Havertz, degaard, and Merino missed half of the season each so Eze was often forced to play inside and not wide left. Arteta only had the luxury to play Eze out there at the business end of the season (like he did versus City away).
People also criticise Gyökeres and Madueke a lot but we have to remember that they suffered because of the suboptimal dynamics. The left wing was a level below where it needed to be and although Eze can play in the right-sided #10 it cramps his space to do what he does best (dribble and pass). He was reduced to a box-crashing role (see Spurs at home).
Combine that with Rice in the #8 and Calafiori often not being available at left back and the dynamics were suboptimal from back to front. It was why every game felt like a slog.
Now?
That's not the case.
Arsenal are more balanced in midfield, Eze will be used off the left, and it is up to Arteta to get the dynamics right with who he picks in the #10.
But, overall, Arsenal are in a much better position than last season. The same season they won the Premier League title. And the competition is not as strong this year, either.
Alright, it would have been UNBELIEVABLE to add a Rogers, a Barcola, or an Alvarez to this group, but so be it.
That's life. You cannot get everything you want all the time.
Plus, Arteta and Arsenal are in a position to decide to wait. They don't have to panic buy someone like Fofana who is raw and not ready for the elites yet.
I, for one, expect Arsenal to retain their Premier League title.
Partly because they have an elite manager, but also because they have an elite squad, better than every other Premier League team.
Then, in the future, Arsenal will be in a position to sign a superstar attacker on TOP of this already incredible group which is primed to win NOW.
A dynasty remains on the cards, my friends.
Be calm, be grateful, soak it in, and enjoy the season ahead
I know the Saudi window stays open later than Europe, but I'm really wondering if we are holding Martinelli back just in case we don't get someone in.
Quote:
Trossard had a 26-game goal drought
I didn't realize this.
If we're willing to play Eze on the left wing knowing that really means he's going to play like a left attacking midfielder, almost a striker in a top 2...then why could we not keep Martinelli and let him play like that? The guy was always left on an island to run into the touch line.
We all want a better player out there, but I don't think Arteta really allowed Martinelli to be his best.
Oh well.
We all want a better player out there, but I don't think Arteta really allowed Martinelli to be his best.
Oh well.
TXAggie2011 said:
If we're willing to play Eze on the left wing knowing that really means he's going to play like a left attacking midfielder, almost a striker in a top 2...then why could we not keep Martinelli and let him play like that? The guy was always left on an island to run into the touch line.
We all want a better player out there, but I don't think Arteta really allowed Martinelli to be his best.
Oh well.
cuz we need to make a successful sale for once
How the **** does Enzo Fernandez perform at a 7/10 level and go for 125m pounds.
On the plus side, this further weakens Chelsea's midfield
On the plus side, this further weakens Chelsea's midfield
TXAggie2011 said:
If we're willing to play Eze on the left wing knowing that really means he's going to play like a left attacking midfielder, almost a striker in a top 2...then why could we not keep Martinelli and let him play like that? The guy was always left on an island to run into the touch line.
We all want a better player out there, but I don't think Arteta really allowed Martinelli to be his best.
Oh well.
I 10000% would have liked to have kept Marti but we needed a big profit sale this window. Only options were Marti, MLS or Nwaneri. Those are the only sales we could have made that would have netted us over 20m in amortized profit. So who do you want to sell over Marti? Love the guy and wish we could have kept him but there is no world to me that makes more sense to sell MLS or Ethan in order to keep him.
PJYoung said:
This is really long but I like the optimism.
https://x.com/EBL2017?s=20Quote:
Amongst all of the Arsenal fan hysteria, it's really important to take a step back and assess the reality of the situation.
Arsenal have two TOP players for every single position.
The club tried to sign some stardust in attack. The ambition was there for everyone to see.
Alright, Berta definitely could have handled things better because the club missed out on Rogers despite him wanting to join because of the relaxed manner in which he approached the deal, Vinicius used the club to get a better contract at Madrid (in all likelihood), Barcola never truly considered Arsenal because they didn't make him feel wanted after the public Vinicius saga with Liverpool getting ahead in the meantime, and Alvarez was a lost cause from day one because he only wanted Barca.
The club were FINALLY willing to spend big bucks on a forward, but the sporting director did not deliver. That is the reality.
But will that derail Arsenal's season?
Certainly not.
Just look at the squad… The depth is nothing short of elite in every single area (apart from Kepa behind Raya).
The Konsa signing ensures the level stays the same without Saliba.
The Bruno Guimares signing along with Lewis-Skelly being used in midfield means Zubimendi and Rice can stay fresh throughout the entire season.
The depth is just as good elsewhere, and I also don't buy the notion that Arsenal cannot level up in attack.
We have to remember that Havertz, degaard, Merino, Calafiori, and Saka were injured for LARGE periods last season.
Havertz missed 41 games.
degaard missed 30.
Merino missed 28.
Calafiori missed 16.
Saka missed 15.
These are all CRUCIAL players for Arsenal.
It meant that Eze almost exclusively had to play in the #10 when he is better on the left and Trossard + Martinelli were required to play out wide even though Arsenal are better with Eze's creative qualities on the left. Some may disagree with that, but the club have shifted Trossard and Martinelli on for good reason. We also saw how devastating Eze can be against Villa in just ONE HALF of football…
The attacking dynamics were never optimal last season because of that, but we can also say the same about the midfield dynamics.
Zubimendi was the #6 with Rice in the #8. Both are obviously exceptional players, but Rice is better in the #6. Arsenal's dynamism went up a level once Lewis-Skelly was shifted into midfield with Rice in the #6. Those dynamics now remain as Arsenal primarily attack in a 3-1-3-3 / 3-1-6 with both fullbacks high and the #6 + #8 managing the build-up alongside the centre backs. That means the team have more bodies high but also players in more suitable roles AND with better depth behind them…
Elsewhere, Tzolis is a level above Martinelli + Trossard, Dowman is another year advanced in his development, and it is the second season of Mosquera, Hincapi, Zubimendi, Madueke, and Gyökeres who are more acclimatised now.
People keep talking about how Arsenal have sold lots of forwards and only brought in one, but they moved on Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus, Nwaneri, Vieira, and Nelson. Only two of which were reliable first team players last season (Trossard + Martinelli) and as useful as they were, they were the biggest problem area in Arsenal's squad.
Martinelli had his worst year on record and Trossard had a 26-game goal drought. Both were and are a level below of where Arsenal are at.
And, most importantly, the only reason that they were used so much is because Havertz, degaard, and Merino missed half of the season each so Eze was often forced to play inside and not wide left. Arteta only had the luxury to play Eze out there at the business end of the season (like he did versus City away).
People also criticise Gyökeres and Madueke a lot but we have to remember that they suffered because of the suboptimal dynamics. The left wing was a level below where it needed to be and although Eze can play in the right-sided #10 it cramps his space to do what he does best (dribble and pass). He was reduced to a box-crashing role (see Spurs at home).
Combine that with Rice in the #8 and Calafiori often not being available at left back and the dynamics were suboptimal from back to front. It was why every game felt like a slog.
Now?
That's not the case.
Arsenal are more balanced in midfield, Eze will be used off the left, and it is up to Arteta to get the dynamics right with who he picks in the #10.
But, overall, Arsenal are in a much better position than last season. The same season they won the Premier League title. And the competition is not as strong this year, either.
Alright, it would have been UNBELIEVABLE to add a Rogers, a Barcola, or an Alvarez to this group, but so be it.
That's life. You cannot get everything you want all the time.
Plus, Arteta and Arsenal are in a position to decide to wait. They don't have to panic buy someone like Fofana who is raw and not ready for the elites yet.
I, for one, expect Arsenal to retain their Premier League title.
Partly because they have an elite manager, but also because they have an elite squad, better than every other Premier League team.
Then, in the future, Arsenal will be in a position to sign a superstar attacker on TOP of this already incredible group which is primed to win NOW.
A dynasty remains on the cards, my friends.
Be calm, be grateful, soak it in, and enjoy the season ahead
I like that read. I don't agree with the Leo being part of the biggest problem area though. He had a goal drought sure, but he's a walking shot on goal opportunity whether shooting himself or making a couple moves and a good cross in every time the ball touches his feet. He can be a bit of a ball hog, but that dude is a stud and that was showcased for the world to see in June and July.
Martinelli is a speed merchant and decent defender, but also offsides often and just makes really boneheaded decisions a lot more than Leo did.
I'd like to see Dowman get a lot more minutes this season. There's no reason to keep a wonderkid on the bench, especially when he's surrounded by very mature and elite guys.
Quote:
I'd like to see Dowman get a lot more minutes this season.
Amen.
PJYoung said:Quote:
I'd like to see Dowman get a lot more minutes this season.
Amen.
Double amen
It's pronounced thermometer
Ornstein is reporting that we are done for the window
I'm ok with it. Let's get plenty of real game practice in for our left side experiments against lesser opponents then -- Eze, Cali, Mads, etc. We can't rely on Tzolis staying healthy for a whole season.
The reddit meltdown is entertaining.
wangus12 said:
The reddit meltdown is entertaining.
On r/gunners or which one do you prefer?
r/gunners.
I do think we didn't capitalize on being PL Champions in the market like I wanted us too. I think at this point we probably should have overpaid for Rogers if that is who Arteta really wanted.
I know we are saying we didn't like the valuation, but at the end of the day Arsenal don't control the open market. It sounds like we were ready to pay ~85m. But then we waited while Berta "spun plates" and the Anderson deal ****ed the market up. For one reason or another we got massively cold feet about spending big on the forward line. No problem consistently dropping big fees in midfield and the backline, but hell no on the attack.
I do think we didn't capitalize on being PL Champions in the market like I wanted us too. I think at this point we probably should have overpaid for Rogers if that is who Arteta really wanted.
I know we are saying we didn't like the valuation, but at the end of the day Arsenal don't control the open market. It sounds like we were ready to pay ~85m. But then we waited while Berta "spun plates" and the Anderson deal ****ed the market up. For one reason or another we got massively cold feet about spending big on the forward line. No problem consistently dropping big fees in midfield and the backline, but hell no on the attack.
Summer “Plan”
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) September 1, 2026
Feb/March - Spoke to Julian, who was relaxed and open to all options.Also had serious interest in Kenan Yildiz leading up to the summer. Approached Juve, who said absolutely no chance.
Early summer: Worked for months on Morgan Rogers. Mikel’s main target, after… https://t.co/AfKgMmKCGJ
Quote:
Summer "Plan"
Feb/March - Spoke to Julian, who was relaxed and open to all options.Also had serious interest in Kenan Yildiz leading up to the summer. Approached Juve, who said absolutely no chance.
Early summer: Worked for months on Morgan Rogers. Mikel's main target, after Kenan was not for sale. Got Morgan on board and knew we could do it for 85 - 100m but decided to play the field to spin plates. Waited too long, and now the Elliott A. deal dictates the new market price. Villa now want more than 115m. We check in with Barcola, who is also in a similar price range.
The club decide, after weeks of delaying, to finally engage in some talks with Villa, who tell us they want an amount close to the Elliott A. deal. While we delay, Alonso has spoken to Morgan, Behdad has spoken to Nassef, and they wrap up months of our work and delays in 36 hours. We were even offered the chance to match and refused.
We then internally agree that Morgan was not worth that, so we pivot to the market opportunity that was "Vini Jr." The hierarchy accept this is a generational signing and say, "Let's do whatever it takes to get him." They agree personal terms and leave the final decision up to him. He chose Madrid. The club are then deflated but satisfied with their efforts in this particular case.
They then pivot back to Kenan in a desperate attempt to convince Juve with creative deals, such as using Martinelli, but the answer is clear: not for sale.
We have been checking in with Alvarez this whole time, who is fixated on Bara despite being told it will never happen. They realise he is the only "level raiser" left, so push hard for Julian, who doesn't believe his Bara dream is over.
They check on Gakpo (I'm sure many other names too). N'Diaye's agent is saying, "Come get me." They bite on the Fofana offer and consider it to some degree.
In the end, they feel disappointed with the outcome of the whole window. Its been below par for sure.
Personally, I tried to voice my concerns early when I saw patterns during the Morgan saga. I was alarmed because you don't just become competent overnight after being this "dithery" and hesitant, trying to spin plates. Read the post I quoted.
Side note, but a big side note, because the truth matters : They explored the sale of Myles via Kia to understand his market value. Myles always said he wanted to stay. He is settled now, and the matter is closed.
I am a fan just like you. I also, like you, get excited when MY club promises big things. I think if there is disappointment within the club about the conclusion of the summer, then fans should be entitled to voice their opinions too. Again, your frustrations are justified. Many who know more feel the exact same way.
My argument is PSG signed Dou, who at the time was on the come-up. The market is there for shrewd people to take advantage of. Mikel deserves world-class people around him. Premier League champions, UCL finalists, and we end up with a weaker attack?
Man City rebuilt their whole midfield in one summer and we have not signed a true world class attacker in how many windows? 5 or 6?
It was the summer of Premier League champions, but we didn't plan nor execute a Champions summer.
I am gutted and very worried we are very short on numbers, but I will always back Mikel and the lads. They give it their all.Mikel, being the person he is, will want to now focus on what's next, and that is Chelsea.
If anyone at Arsenal is reading this, fans are not crying about a shiny new toy, they back the squad and understand we are in good place but wanted to be in a great place.
100% agree on the idea that you pivot to the up & coming player if/when the big names don't materialize. And in some cases the up & comer needs to be your 1st option.
Im curious if the delays were because of Berta or because Arteta wouldn't commit. I could see him wanting Alvarez early and not truly committing to other options because he wants Alvarez.
Did HoA change? This doesn't sound like the same dude who was worshipping Berta last summer as the greatest director ever
wangus12 said:
r/gunners.
I do think we didn't capitalize on being PL Champions in the market like I wanted us too. I think at this point we probably should have overpaid for Rogers if that is who Arteta really wanted.
I know we are saying we didn't like the valuation, but at the end of the day Arsenal don't control the open market. It sounds like we were ready to pay ~85m. But then we waited while Berta "spun plates" and the Anderson deal ****ed the market up. For one reason or another we got massively cold feet about spending big on the forward line. No problem consistently dropping big fees in midfield and the backline, but hell no on the attack.
Fully agree on Rogers
wangus12 said:
Did HoA change? This doesn't sound like the same dude who was worshipping Berta last summer as the greatest director ever
Tom Canton and others who say they know HoA say no. The tone is definitely different, but, also, HoA loves to play to their audience and they know people were happy last summer and frustrated this summer.
I do greatly appreciate HoA's insights but do find their writing style and tone to be incredibly off-putting.
zgolfz85 said:wangus12 said:
r/gunners.
I do think we didn't capitalize on being PL Champions in the market like I wanted us too. I think at this point we probably should have overpaid for Rogers if that is who Arteta really wanted.
I know we are saying we didn't like the valuation, but at the end of the day Arsenal don't control the open market. It sounds like we were ready to pay ~85m. But then we waited while Berta "spun plates" and the Anderson deal ****ed the market up. For one reason or another we got massively cold feet about spending big on the forward line. No problem consistently dropping big fees in midfield and the backline, but hell no on the attack.
Fully agree on Rogers
While Rogers may have been better than nothing, I am still very iffy about Rogers as a LW and I have a hard time suggesting that the team should overpay for anyone, especially a guy that I am unconvinced is the right fit. Rogers has started hot for Chelsea but he is playing more of a left AM in the left half space vs an actual LW. He is currently playing the way Eze tries to play LW for us. So maybe he would have atleast been an upgrade over Eze out wide. That said, still don't think he was worth over 100m and can't fault the club for backing off.
Interesting
I wonder if the club ever tossed around the idea of trying to offload Eze and to help pay more for Rogers.
That was probably a non-starter from Eze's side, but it'd be a pretty like-for-like upgrade in ability and age profile.
And we probably would have screwed it up still.
That was probably a non-starter from Eze's side, but it'd be a pretty like-for-like upgrade in ability and age profile.
And we probably would have screwed it up still.
Had we gotten Rogers (or any "big name" LW) I think Eze would have been in rotation with MO (where he belongs) and Merino would have been a CM/AM/ST super sub.
I thought Stan owned the Rockies?
Good for the Angels. They're one of the worst ran sports franchises in this country
chjoak said:
I thought Stan owned the Rockies?
Me too but apparently it's the Monfort family.
chjoak said:
I thought Stan owned the Rockies?
Nope, but all the other minor sports in Denver
- Colorado Avalanche
- Colorado Rapids
- Colorado Mammoth
- Denver Nuggets
- LA Rams
- LA Angels
- Arsenal FC/WFC
Stan also owns 2.7 million acres making him the largest private landowner in the United States.
Impressive!
Tommy Setford on loan to Stevenage in League One.
And Nwaneri on loan to Dortmund is official.
And Nwaneri on loan to Dortmund is official.
Yeah… the Premier League is approaching its final deadline, like Serie A. This is unsustainable in the long run.
— The Football Era (@Footballera0) September 2, 2026
This is a ticking time bomb for certain clubs, whereas clubs like Arsenal, who have strict valuations for players and stick by them, will have zero problems.
Maybe… https://t.co/eWodGWUuId
Quote:
Special report: how the Premier League is risking a "big short" moment as huge proportion of window propped up with private credit
The day's most relevant headlines may have been bond yields
"A credit challenge is coming. The game should be worried."
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