A busy day at Arsenal HQ

By now you have already heard that David Luiz has been given a one year contract extension with Arsenal. Three other players were extended as well. I truly believe the Luiz signing only happened because the Gunners are so very thin on the defensive back line. With matches coming thick and fast, Mikel Arteta needs as much help as possible, even if it meant resigning Luiz.

The boss had this to say before the signings, “Yeah, it’s very complicated with the timing of it, and some of the legal issues that are involved with that. The club is trying to finalize everything in the next few hours and we have no choice, we have to do it and even more with all the injuries we’ve had. We are trying to resolve this.”

So, there you have it in a nutshell. There’s nothing more to say.

As previously mentioned, the Gunners made some other signings as well.

Dani Ceballos will stay on loan from Real Madrid through the end of the current season. Beyond that is anyone’s guess.

Pablo Mari signed a long term year contract to stay with Arsenal even though his ankle injury will keep him on the sidelines for some time.

Cedric Soares has also been signed to a long term contract. This worked out well for the ex-Southampton player who has yet to step on the pitch for the Gunners due to a facial injury.

All of these deals become official when the transfer window opens on July 1st.

Now to the latest injury reports which included good news and bad news.

First the good news. Bernd Leno’s knee injury is not as bad as everyone first thought. The German goalkeeper will miss 4-6 weeks before returning to training.

Other good news from London Colney included Granit Xhaka and Sokratis returning to training. Even though they will not be ready for Thursday, their return will give the boss the depth he needs defensively when they are fit to play.

Now, the really bad news. Without playing even one minute since the season’s restart, our sensational young striker Gabriel Martinelli could be sidelined for the entire year due to a knee injury he picked up in Sunday’s training. This is an extremely huge blow to the youngster, and to the club. We wish him a fast and complete recovery. This kid has a tremendous future ahead of him. What a disappointment for sure.

Obviously, the Gunners need a victory on Thursday. You would have to think our luck has to change. I mean if we didn’t have bad luck, we wouldn’t have any luck at all.

Here’s how I think Arteta should line-up his starting XI on Thursday at Southampton…

(4-3-2-1)

Martinez
Tierney, Mustafi, Holding, Bellerin
Ceballos, Guendouzi, Ozil
Saka, Pepe
Aubameyang

Projected final score…

Southampton 1 – Arsenal 3

I think the Gunners get the mojo working on Thursday!

COYG!

Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953