Champions

Design & Build | Photography | Lover of Nature | Football | Arsenal 🔴⚪

[Purple Panel @PurplePanel]

🚨Arsenal have agreed a new multi-year partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, which will become the club’s Official Destination Partner from the start of the 2026/27 season. Agreement replaces the £10M-per-year Visit Rwanda deal and is designed to deliver major global exposure. #AFC

[Champions @Rupeg11]

France are too casual with the ball. I think there's some level of arrogance on how they're playing. Senegal playing with intent but Ismailia Sarr has been wasteful in the box with the chances especially that last chance before halftime.

[keos @667keos]

Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos both were genuinely stunned that Lewis-Skelly didn’t make the World Cup squad 💔

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

• 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

[Vicky Junior Mukulima @Vickyjr]

I can’t believe we ditched this niceness for Hass avocados 🥑

[FAN INTER-MESSI @FANFOOTMESSI]

RESPECT ET FORCE À CETTE ÉQUIPE HAÏTIENNE QUI VIENT DE SE FAIRE VOLÉ 2 PENALTY EN 4K DEVANT LE MONDE ENTIER 🫡 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

Malgré la défaite, ils ont gagné le respect de tous par leur niveau distinctif et leur esprit combatif, ce qui représente la nature d’un match de Coupe du Monde.

GRENADYE ALASO 🇭🇹🫡🔥

[Champions @Rupeg11]

The manner that replay was cut off was very sus. The ref was so poor tbh, and we kept getting offside calls against Haiti but rarely did we see the replays. Haiti gas been robbed.

[Culér 1899 @Cule191]

@frabigol Lo peor es que FIFA como que no quiere escándalos o que critiquen el trabajo arbitral, porque no tiran repeticiones de jugadas polémicas, está apenas vieron esa mano la quitaron.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@barnesafc That midfield was being outran every time. Tbh this Brazil team lack cohesion. It's just not clicking. They just look lethargic.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

Brazil has really lost it's identity. No flair. 💔

[Champions @Rupeg11]

Yap... Bring me Vini Jr, I'm sold.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@kerubo_hillary We have to be on! 😂😂😂

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@VictoryOwai I want him to go on a season loan where he's a guarantee starter. A saliba like approach is the best.

[USMNT Only @usmntonly]

Mexico fans got a DUCK 🦆 wearing a 🇲🇽 kit 😭

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@arihoderyk @HandofArsenal The profiles we're being linked with, are ball strikers. Arteta talked alot about finishing the action in post match interviews especially in the Nottingham & Brentford games we drew and highlighted martinelli misses. I think this has also played a role in him being benched.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@arihoderyk @HandofArsenal He has the best work rate. Personally I don't get why we never played him centrally but since that injury he's never returned to his 22/23 form. He'll want to be a starter so I think he'll force move. Sad to see his decline, him and saka were electric on the wings.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@HawkesAFC That's what makes winning the league so special. Some of these players gave so much in the four years we've been in the title race. They deserve to leave with a medal. Feel bad for the likes of Zinchenko. Him & Jesus were so key to the mentality shift when they joined.

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@arihoderyk That lw has been struggling for the past few seasons. Arteta wants to probably do an overhaul in that wing. I'm choosing to trust the club. Read more from @HandofArsenal below https://t.co/VZoN8PklMc

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

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

[Champions @Rupeg11]

@HandofArsenal Yap we're probably doing a overhaul in that lw

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

Arsenal are in direct contact with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis. As I reported earlier, player is very keen but the fee will be key. Data team at Arsenal highly impressed for a while with Greek winger.

Market opportunity which wont affect main target or Monga deal.

[Renato @orehnato]

I’m sold. Bring him in