Monday’s Odds and Ends

Good day Gooners! I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.

The 2019-2020 European football season is officially over after Friday’s Europa League Final, and Sunday’s Champions League final. Congrats to Sevilla and Bayern Munich, respectively, for their victories this past weekend. And, let’s also send along a special congratulations to former Arsenal player, Serge Gnabry, who has become a major star for Bayern Munich.

This week our Arsenal lads returned to first team training and have only a few days to prepare for the Community Shield match on Saturday. As I have written in a recent post, I would not expect to see many of our front line players on the pitch Saturday. I would expect Mikel Arteta to field a team consisting of some first teamers and some under-23’s. Liverpool, on the other hand, has been in training since the 15th, and even has a preseason friendly under their belts, and another one on Tuesday, so I would expect Jurgen Klopp to field a more senior group. We’ll see what happens come Saturday at Wembley.

Some good news to report from north London today, as Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari are now permanent member of the Arsenal Football Club. Soares came on loan last season from Southampton, and Mari from Flamengo in Brazil. I predict both of these players will have big future with AFC.

Mikel Arteta is looking to make some additions to his backroom coaching staff now that Freddie Ljungberg has left the club. The Evening Standard is reporting Brentford coach Andreas Goergson is high on Arteta’s list to come to the Gunners. Georgson is a set-pice specialist, and we obviously need one of those. The Sun has also floated the idea that Dennis Bergkamp could be joining the Arteta staff as an assistant coach. I like that idea!

Here are some transfer updates, rumors and possibilities…

Charles Watts of Goal is reporting Gabriel Magalhaes has flown from France to London to complete his transfer to Arsenal. The report says Gabriel was given special permission to fly to London, but is under constant medical supervision due to COVID-19 quarantine regulations in the UK. All the rumors say a deal is imminent. Let’s hope so.

Barcelona midfielder Rafina is rumored to be on the Arsenal transfer radar. The 27-year-old has reportedly been contacted by the Arsenal brass, according to Sport in Spain.

Lequipe is reporting PSG are showing interest in exiled Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. Take him…please!

Wolves are reportedly in advanced talks with Arsenal for the versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles. This news is according to reports from Sky Sports.

And finally, Champions League winner Philippe Coutinho has not ruled out leaving Barcelona this summer, according to the Express. Also, new Barca manager, Ronald Koeman, has said he would like the Brazilian playmaker to be part of his plans for the Spanish giants. That according to Mundo Deportivo.

So, there you go, a bunch of odds and ends to make your day.

Cheers and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953