Tuesday Odds and Ends

Here are some odds and ends for a rainy Tuesday afternoon…

First off, it was great to see Albert Sambi Lokonga score his first Arsenal goal in Orlando on Saturday. The young Belgian obviously loves playing for the Gunners because he ripped off his shirt and kissed the badge in front of the record crowd of 63,000+. It was so great to see!

Edu Gaspar has been making the media circuit in the last few days and dropped a number of good quotes…

1. “A club like Arsenal, at our size, is not building to be fighting for fourth place. I’m sorry. We have to be realistic, There’s Manchester City, Liverpool, etc.- that’s fine. I accept that. Here, when you join this club, when you see our size, we cannot accept it.”
2. “The plan started really when we decided to change Unai Emery. That was my first planning – to go to the board, explain to them the reason we want to change, the reason we want to go in a different direction. The idea behind it was to have a coach with a very clear idea.”
3. When the player is 25+, big salary and he’s not performing? He’s killing you, that kind of player, because you don’t have a valuation to sell the player. He has Arsenal, London, beautiful. Everything is fanstastic – and has a good salary. Howe do you move this player?”
4. I told Gabriel Jesus, I’m here to sign you, but not the one from this season, I want the Gabriel from the other seasons because this season you’ve not played the way I know you. You’ve lost your shine. When I see you this season, I’m not seeing you as before because I know you very well. I want the Gabriel from last season because again you have to be Gabriel. He looked at me and said, “You’re right.”

Sports Mole is reporting Arsenal are in talks with Juventus for midfielder Arthur Melo. The discussions revolve around a one-year loan with an obligation to buy in 2023. Melo has been on and off of Arsenal’s radar this transfer window, however, now it appears the 25-year-old is no longer part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans at the Old Lady.

This is great news for the Arsenal Women’s team. This coming season they will play at least three Women’s Super League games, and three Champions League group stage matches at Emirates Stadium. The CL games are contingent on the Gunners advancing through a round of qualifying. Needless to say, these will be matches to mark on your calendar if you live in or around London.

The Daily Cannon claims Juventus will pay former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey $4.1-million (USD) to rip up the final year of his deal to get his $481,200 per week wages off their books. Premier League newbie Nottingham Forest are now the favorites to sign him this summer.

Even though Mikel Arteta does not have Hector Bellerin in his plans for this season, however, Arsenal refuses to budge over their transfer stance with Real Betis.The 27-year-old really wants to return to Betis, where he played on loan last season and with the team he considers to be his “boyhood club.” The La Liga side are said to be having some financial issues and will need to move out a couple of players before making another run at Bellerin.

Inside Football is reporting Brighton and Hove  do not want Arsenal left back Nuno Tavares this summer. The 22-year-old Portuguese has been reported to be the possible replacement for Cucrella at Brighton, however, the Seagulls are not interested.

And finally, some injury updates…Fabio Vieira is recovering from a fractured foot, and hopes to return to training very soon. On a good note, Kieran Tierney returned to training today at London Colney, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is still recovering from a muscle issue.

That’s it for today.

COYG!

Gunner1953