🚨⚪️⚫️ BREAKING: Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, here we go! Deal approved right now by Belgian winger.
Arsenal receive €18m plus €2m add-ons as #AFC already accepted terms last week.
Trossard will be in Istanbul tomorrow night for medical and contract signing. 🦅
After 13 years, 7 months and 4 days...yesterday was my last day at Nigeria Info/Wazobia/Cool FM.
It's been an amazing almost 14 year journey. 💪
Joined as a single man, leaving as a husband & father of 3 😂.
I'm leaving family & friendships but every good thing comes to an end. 😔
Thanks to my former boss, Tommy B who made that call back in September 2012. More thanks to my Oga @FemiCoolfm who has been a mentor, rock & friend.
My (ex) CEO, Serge for taking a chance on me & made me a Manager almost 7 years ago.
My colleagues, past & present, y'all are the real MVPs.
I couldn't have made it this far without my wife @chizzywhyte88 & kids who bore the brunt of my late nights & absence...
Here's to a brighter future for us all...
This is the story everyone is talking about.
A small boy from Akwa Ibom is hawking sachet water (pure water) on the streets of Lagos.
After a football game on the streets, the footballer Kelechi Iheanacho bought water from him.
But when it was time to pay, Kelechi realized he had no money on him.
He told the boy.
The boy simply said, "It's okay, you can go."
Little did he know he was talking to Kelechi Iheanacho.
Later, when Kelechi got to his hotel, he couldn't stop thinking about the boy.
He called his team and told them:
"Go and look for that boy. Bring him and his parents to me."
That one act of kindness opened a door to a blessing beyond imagination.
When God wants to bless you, He does it in ways you never see coming!
Kindness costs nothing, but it can change a life forever.
Be kind today, you never know who God is watching.
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
• 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