Steve Garbutt

likes Arsenal FC, Rock n’ Roll, Guitars, Comic Art, Golf

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

As far as I am aware this is what has been going on. Arsenal were interested in Fernandes / Tonali / Pablo Barrios (exclusive). When Tonali was offered to us at the end of January, it peaked everyone's interest at the club. Berta kept in contact as did City. It became clear the deal was not feasible due to Newcastle wanting £85m or even more. To further add, the agent fees are incroyable. Barrios was not available for several reasons. Fernandes is heavily involved with Jorge Mendes and it became quickly apparent that there would be a bidding war at a minimum of £85m. It has now even been stated, 'whoever pays the most can have him'.

Berta then made contact multiple times to explore the situation of Alex Scott, the interest is real and there was a feeling a potential bargain could be secured around £65m. Bournemouth began to panic while Alex Scott was out in the USA with the England pre camp and want to rush to secure a renewal for Scott with a possible release clause. Their stance currently is he is not for sale at any price.

Is it becoming apparent we have approximated budget for the midfielder? (Investing in other areas)

As for Bruno G let me clarify… Berta made contact with his camp via Kia. A loose offer below £60m was floated to Newcastle via these middle men to understand their appetite for any deal. Newcastle say he is not for sale. Kia being involved is something you must keep an eye on for reasons every Arsenal fan should be aware of. When an offer is serious, it is officially submitted to the club hence me saying Newcastle have had no contact yet from Arsenal as of 9am. Newcastle will not lose both of their midfielders, so maybe Berta tried a cheeky offer before the Tonali deal has gone through. Until a serious offer is presented or our budget changes, we wait.

Arsenal have contacted the likes of Bouaddi / Kone and others I don’t want to discuss yet but no one else is providing these step by step updates and its incredibly exhausting. Personally think Bouaddi or Bruno would be incredible.

[Steve Garbutt @garbutt_steve]

@HandofArsenal Brilliant update. Thank you

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Hincapie's here to stay 🇪🇨

The club is delighted to announce that Piero has signed a permanent deal at The Arsenal 👊

[Ludgate Larry @ludgatelarry]

Phew!  Feeling somewhat jaded at the end of a 4-hour drive in 36 degree heat.  Quite a challenge for the aircon system in my old motor.  Had to set its controls to maximum all the way...

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

«Owls are just bird hardware running cat software»

[Ruthie G 🌸 @RuthieGenie]

Happy #ThickTrunkTuesday folks

[Ludgate Larry @ludgatelarry]

#PostcardTuesday

Hotel Grand Central
'In the healthiest part of London' **

** whatever that means

[Alice Cooper @alicecooper]

Tour Rollcall!

🎥 alice_cooper_fan1

[Ludgate Larry @ludgatelarry]

How to combine #SignsOnSunday with #SailAwaySunday.

Voilà...

[Ruthie G 🌸 @RuthieGenie]

Happy #postboxsaturday from deepest Highgate

[Ludgate Larry @ludgatelarry]

#PubSignThursday An old sign at 'The Mudlark', one of the many departure lounges at London Bridge Station...

[Ruthie G 🌸 @RuthieGenie]

#AdoorableThursday and #Thursgate from Canterbury Cathedral

[Ludgate Larry @ludgatelarry]

#WindowsOnWednesday

Testing the water in High Holborn, Colombo Street and Victoria Street...

[TheManWhoFellToEarth @ReturnofColin2]

Springer Spaniel 🐶

[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