• 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
🏆 Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup!
We're pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
Anti-Counterfeit detectives and Nike officials raided Shiquo Hii Style at RNG Plaza and walked away with over KSh 15 million worth of allegedly counterfeit shoes and stock. This comes barely a month after Nike and Adidas opened shops in Nairobi. These officials have lately been walking into factories and inspecting everything from raw materials to finished products while raising a whole host of demands.
All this is happening while some people are hiding money under their mattresses. The detectives have declared that the seized goods will be destroyed at their warehouse, but watu si wajinga buana. They will eventually find their way back into the market. They'll sell to other small traders at a throw away price.
Shiquo has employed over 400 youths through his branches spread across major towns. The government should keep in mind that not everyone can afford to spend KSh 20,000 on a pair of sneakers. They should just let consumers decide what to buy.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury 🩹
Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, as Timber’s replacement.
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