Arsenal need to lean into these "boring"/"time-wasting"/"Set Piece FC" accusations. Let the wider world sneer. Create a siege mentality. Dig in. Be mean. For around two decades they were accused of being too soft, now they are apparently the opposite. Ride the hate-wave.
Tim Lewis and Steve Parish share a long standing excellent relationship and have worked on multiple football related projects. Did Parish stall the Eze deal the last 48 hours after covert conversations?
Frankly, some things are better left for folklore.
Andrea Berta built a fantastic relationship with the Eze camp over the last 6-8 weeks. I am sure that will come out sooner or later.
Josh being in the UK helped massively as Mikel and Andrea delivered an undeniable pitch in person. While some at the club raised PSR concerns, Josh stood firmly with Arteta. Green light was given and Tim Lewis / Parish and Berta / Eze agents completed the greatest hijack in recent times.
#Thehomecoming
The issue with Arsenal’s transfer strategy is that it lacks thoughtful scenario analysis.
Everything is predicated on the status quo. ‘In two weeks, we’ll have our defence back… etc’
But what if Rice pulls a hamstring against Newcastle?
Squad is thin.