Rob

All things football. News, opinions, rants, memes... It's all here.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@sidlowe Really Sid? REALLY? I get your personal crusade against VAR because of your beloved Oviedo getting shafted but this isn't one of the instances you can use to make your point. See all angles. Educate yourself. We expect a higher standard from journalists. Stop waffling like a fan!

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

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 Barça 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 Barça 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 Doué, 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.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

🇦🇷 in 120' of the #WorldCupFinal

0.22 XG (0.00 in 90')
2 shots (0 in 90')
1st shot in 111'
0 big chances created
0 shots on target
8 touches in opp box
25 fouls

Whenever people speak of the worst final performances ever, they should remember @afa the Haramball final boss.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

Ban these fucking stutter step penalties man for FFS

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@_Afcbanks It depends on the circumstances. Is he getting a new deal + pay rise? personally his output has not warranted a pay rise IMO, he plateaued somewhat after 23-24. If the terms don't make sense then we may have to consider options but replacing him wont be easy, or cheap...

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

Kylian Mbappe (18) now has more World Cup goals for France than Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry combined (16).

Generational.

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

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

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@UTDTrey That's rich coming from a maggot like you that was caught twerking at the Arsenal parade in 4k with a horn and everything 😂😂😂😂😂😂.

You're even more plastic than City fans. Probably sell your own mum for some engagement or ad sense money too 😂😂😂😂😂

[(fan) Trey @UTDTrey]

Can’t lie, Arsenal winning the league hasn’t been unbearable as I thought it’d be

That UCL final & the World Cup ruined all the hype for them😂😂😂

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

Ads midway through the first half of a World Cup match. The game is gone.
#FIFA #WorldCup

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@UTDTrey You're a fucking beg mate. You'd be flat broke without talking about Arsenal for a week.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

It feels so nice seeing a proper pre match show with no auto tune or gimmicks. Just pure vocal and musical talent. Thank you @thekillers for an amazing show.
#champi̇onsleague

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

Declan Rice lifting the Premier League trophy on the same day West Ham get relegated is pure poetry from the Football Gods. Hold that @WestHam_Central

[Central @WestHam_Central]

WATCH: Declan Rice’s first and last ever trophy won as a professional player.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@erling Great showing from you and your team to take it so far in the fight. We'll look forward to the battles next season again. Bring it on...

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@SouthamptonFC Prep for what 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Enjoy the Championship you mugs

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@lukestanley03 Pray to God you dont get caught slipping on a train somewhere...

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@TheFootyFeed Every single rival dreams to stop Arsenal, fails, then starts twerking for City or Pool like the prison bitch they are. Support a oil state club with charges to their neck and call Arsenal illegitimate? Your boos don't mean shit to us. We've seen what you cheer for 🤣. Hate on MF

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@OliviaBuzaglo It amazes me how someone who's judgement is so clouded has a professional platform to speak on such matters. Your eyes must stuck up your backside if you think this is not a foul. 2v1 on the keeper in the 6 yard box. You are shameless. Donate your eyes to a blind person FFS

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@CarefreeLewisG @Arsenal Tal about not understanding how UK privacy laws work. Ignorant moron. You chant for a war mongerer's oligrach and openly defend racists past and present in your team and now you wanna jump on the moral high horse? Focus on getting paddled by Liverpool you fucking dingleberry.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@terryflewers @mancityhardcore He was part of that Adebayor deal the snake 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

@DazzaDavies The same Sporting that beat PSG in and Leverkusen that beat City inthe league phase? There are no gimmies in the UCL. Arsenal wom 8/8 and earned their seeded position. Got a bit lucky in the draw but they earned that luck, it wasn't just handed to them.

[Rob @FutbolByRob]

#ChampionsKiCharcha For the Barca fan who was really confident... Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Life comes at you fast...