Trossard has been such a good signing. One of the best value for money deals Arsenal have done in many years. He produced so consistently and stood up in so many big moments.
It always felt inevitable this would be the summer he would go and the deal feels pretty good considering age, wages and contract length, but his exit leaves a big hole in the squad that now needs to be filled with genuine quality.
That goal at West Ham, what a moment. So huge. A moment that ensures that if this deal does get finalised, he will forever have hero status at Arsenal.
🇧🇪 🫡
Kia Joorabchian is heavily involved in all the noise you hear about Bruno G.
Newcastle are yet to receive any contact from Arsenal.
If the player pushes and we make a serious offer, I will update. Until then just chill out.
English journalists: "Mikel Arteta and set pieces are ruining football."
Same English journalists when England rely on another set piece goal: "Thomas Tuchel perfectly exploiting the small margins. Great coaching."
Morgan Rogers Update
• Morgan Rogers has given preference to joining the English champions. Other clubs are still actively in the race but acknowledge the player's current preference.
• Morgan Rogers has respectfully communicated his desire to leave to senior figures at Villa (significant).
• Personal terms have been explored and are not a hindrance at all.
• Morgan Rogers is sold on the Mikel Arteta project and plan for him.
• Morgan Rogers was on the shortlist of attacking reinforcements Arsenal discussed last summer.
• My understanding is that Villa and Arsenal are in contact through unofficial channels regarding any potential deal. Remember my words: the fee is key to this deal. The player is fully on board.
• Andrea Berta has asked to be kept fully informed about any other club making a move for Morgan. If Arsenal do make a move, there will be another update.
Chelsea, in particular, have been pleading with Morgan to showcase their plan for him, but as of today, the response is "Arsenal." Manchester United have also explored the situation of Morgan, with Carrick being a big fan.
Bradley Barcola and one other player are also of interest to Arsenal. Details on that in due time.
Arsenal are also in direct contact with multiple midfielders, as recently as a few days ago. The likes of Bouaddi, Scott, Kone, Larsson, and two others. As I mentioned yesterday, we are yet to make contact with any club officially while Berta explores personal terms with all of them. One of these players is convinced he is joining Arsenal. It's important to remember that Livramento also felt the same way, but it highlights how strong the conversations are.
Arsenal are also monitoring the Madrid midfielder situation. Tonali was offered to us in January; talks have never surpassed personal terms as of today. These clubs are using Elliot Anderson's deal as a market scale. Newcastle want crazy money, as do Palace for Wharton.
Personally, I hope its Ayyoub Bouaddi we accelerate a move for!
Taking a very short holiday. I'll be back!
HandofArsenal
https://t.co/FlJpEu3RFz
• Mikel Arteta is set to renew his contract with Arsenal and spearhead the title defence of The English Champions. The club approached our Basque native earlier this year, and it was agreed Mikel wanted to focus on delivering us major silverware & to earn his position within the home of the champions. Total accountability.
My understanding is that Enrique Riquleme explored a secret plot to bring Arteta to Madrid if he had won his presidential election. Mikel is currently on 'holiday', yet actively involved in our transfer operations. While everyone at the club are behaving like it’s a done deal, the club hope to finalise the inner details of the most important contract at the club. Minimum 3 years - the wheels are firmly on. Viva La Mikel.
• Andrea Berta's current contract runs until 2028. As I understand it, senior officials from Saudi explored a possibility of luring the Italian to the Middle East, while Bayern also covertly did the same thing. Andrea promised Mikel last summer he would deliver him a squad worthy of major silverware… mission completed, with the UCL now in their sights.
Another thing I wanted to mention is Micheli Maurizio, the man responsible for scouting Hamšík, Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-Jae and now Christos Tzolis. While Arsenal aim to add atleast 2 attackers, do not underestimate the authority and respect this man has within the club and wider football. Two weeks ago, I was speaking to the representatives of a player who told me Micheli was the one holding court without the presence of Berta. This duo act are conducting business seamlessly, as you can see with the revamp of the Arsenal youth set up, for which I am told the club have ring fenced a special transfer budget.
• The contract of Declan Rice is also a major focus for Arsenal this summer, with initial talks starting early this year. As I understand it, Declan is very happy at Arsenal despite interest from the likes of Real Madrid and others. Talks are going smoothly and expect this to get done in due course.
• Jurrien Timber's contract is very close to completion. Minor details remain.
• David Raya has a 1 year optional extension on his current contract, which has 2 years left. All parties are very relaxed about his long term future, as a pay rise was agreed last summer.
As for all the rumours circulating, as of today, Arsenal are yet to make direct contact with ANY club for a MIDFIELDER.
I am happy to provide a 'state of play' post on the midfielder situation if that would be helpful?
HandofArsenal
https://t.co/Av82d2H54h
Bradley Barcola Situation
• Moussa Sissoko has been trying to renew Bradley Barcola’s contract for the best part of 9-12 months. Talks have been difficult, and it reached a point where both parties agreed to put negotiations on hold so that Barcola and PSG could focus on important fixtures in April and May.
• Soon after the UEFA Champions League final, talks resumed and remain ongoing. The player reportedly told people close to him that he was disappointed not to start a number of important fixtures.
• PSG’s position is clear: renew or we will sell, as his contract expires in June 2028. Personally, I think that is a significant stance for the club to take.
• Barcola’s agent also represents Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué and maintains a good relationship with PSG. The club is also in serious talks regarding Yan Diomande and Maghnes Akliouche, which could further influence the situation surrounding Barcola.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested, but I want to explain Arsenal’s side of the story.
• Andrea Berta made serious enquiries into Barcola’s situation last summer. At the time, Arsenal were informed that the player would stay for at least one more year. Since then, Berta has remained in constant contact with Sissoko and has made it clear that Barcola is of serious interest to Arsenal. He has also asked to be notified if PSG become open to a sale. Should Arsenal make an official approach towards PSG, there will be a further update.
• Arsenal also hold an interest in Morgan Rogers and one other player(sensitive info currently). More on that in due course.
• As always, Andrea Berta is willing to agree personal terms with multiple targets and make a move when the timing suits Arsenal.
Before I sign off, there is something worth noting. Berta is very happy for misinformation to circulate publicly. Berta & Co are busy behind the scenes, and many details remain unknown as Arsenal move silently.
Allow me to provide a free exclusive as an example of that which is unknown. Arsenal made standard checks on Nico Paz. Nico was reportedly left confused following a recent call with Mourinho, although another conversation may be scheduled. Arsenal have also made serious checks on Christos Tzolis, the Greek winger.
My point is that a great deal is happening behind the curtain. Embrace the silence and, as always, choose your sources of information carefully.
HandofArsenal
Used to get bantered for 4th, then it shifted to finishing 2nd. Now they’re trying to turn winning the league and losing a ucl final into banter. That’s just the goalposts moving as the level rises. Rival fans are hanging on for dear life, they know what’s coming.
Met police have confirmed this is the biggest football parade ever held in the country after drafting in support from Merseyside and Manchester police to help with the celebrations. Estimated 1.5m+.
Guardiola won 20 trophies with Manchester City. Glasner won 3 trophies with Crystal Palace. Nobody is asking if community shield is included. But, let's say Arteta has won 4 trophies for Arsenal, you'll see tears everywhere. That's how Arsenal is hated.