Monday’s Odds and Ends

Good Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend, and enjoyed Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Liverpool!

Okay, now for a new week, and the beginning of the first international break of the new season. Let’s hope our national team players return to London healthy and eager to start the Premier League season. That’s always my number one concern during international breaks.

Now, to the other big event happening around European football, the transfer market.

Arsenal’s number one goal is the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubaymeyang. Outwardly, Mikel Arteta has remained confident his captain will sign a new deal, while respected football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, claims the talisman will indeed sign a new contract adding he rejected two other offers to remain at Arsenal. The Gunners consider the agreement almost “reached and completed.” His weekly wage will be around $334,400 (USD) per week. Fingers crossed!

Now, the other latest updates or rumors on other possible comings, goings or stayings at the Emirates this summer…

Gabriel Magalhaes – Imminent used to mean “extremely soon.” However, imminent now means “whenever.” Let’s just say the contract announcement for our new center back continues to be “imminent.” You pick which definition works for you!

Alexandre Lacazette – Atletico Madrid is hot on his trail according to Sport in Spain. However, if Aubameyang leaves Arsenal, would Laca then stay? I think that’s the plan.I don’t think we can afford to lose them both.

Thomas Partey – Marca is reporting the Atletico Madrid club is very concerned Partey will leave their club this summer. But, will Arsenal have the necessary $60.2-million (USD) to pay his release clause?

Dayot Upamecano – After recently signing a new contract extension at RB Leipzig, this top defender is allegedly back on the market. Manchester United seems the most interested at this point, however, he was at the top of Arsenal’s transfer wish list for a long time. It will be interesting to see what happens and where he goes, if anywhere.

Matteo Guendouzi – It appears exiled Arsenal player and French midfielder could be headed to La Lisa side Valencia on a season-long loan, with an option to buy. I jus don’t see how Arteta gives him another chance at Arsenal.

Houssem Aouar – RMC Sport reports the Lyon midfielder remains high on the Gunners transfer list, with Manchester City and Juventus also very interested. Lyon’s asking price will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $80.2-million (USD).

Emiliano Martinez – I can’t imagine Arsenal would let Emi go, since many Gooners (including me) thinks he should be our #1 keeper this season. Sky Sports is reporting German side Schalke is in pursuit of the Argentinian, however, Gunnersphere.com says Arsenal will offer Martinez a new and bigger contract to stay in north London. Here’s the catch, Martinez wants to be a #1.

Mo Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Will Edu and Arteta take these guys off the transfer block and give them 2nd chances? Both players performed extremely well v Liverpool on Saturday. My vote, keep them both! We need the versatility and back-u during a very long season ahead.

Dani Ceballos – The midfielder is back in training at Real Madrid, however, it appears he wants to go to Real Betis. Arteta, and a lot of Gooners, want him back at Arsenal. I think having hime on the Gunners’ squad this season is a long shot!

Rob Holding – The defender has so much potential, but needs more game experience to back it up. I think a loan at Newcastle United could be just what the doctor ordered for Holding. This will probably happen this week.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos – It appears the player with the greatest name will be wearing a Napoli shirt this season. Sources all over the internet indicate a deal is done for the Greek defender. Things just never seemed to click at Arsenal for Sokratis the way everyone had hoped. We wish him great success going forward!

Odsoone Eduoard – Celtic requires a transfer fee of $53.5-million (USD) for the striker. Multiple reports say the Gunners have shown some interest, but again only if Aubameyang were to leave the club.

Amaddou Diawara – The Roma midfielder has been reported to have interest in coming to Arsenal, and vice versa. Roma’s asking prices is $36-million (USD).

And, of course, there’s also rumblings surrounding moves for Lucas Torreira, Sead Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers to think about, too.

That’s a lot to wrap your arms around, right? Just imagine what’s going on behind closed doors at Arsenal HQ!

Yankee Gooner will continue to do the best possible to keep you all informed as we move closer to the Premier League season opener on September 12th, and deadline day on October 5th!

Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953