We've never seen anything about a budget but we have been made fully aware that we would not be adding anyone until we trimmed the roster size.
I've heard similar from other sources. I think after "tribulations" the likes of Pepe & Willian, I wouldn't be surprised if the owners said to Mikel & Edu: "look you basically need to generate your own funds this window boys"
Seeing a report that the EPL Director of Football Richard Garlick is being hired by Arsenal. His responsibilities will include operational management for the 1st team & academy and all player contract management. You have to think this is directly related to our poor management of several contract renewals over the last several years as well as some stupid contracts we have offered a few that have hamstrung us with bad payroll.
Assuming I'm not the only one asking who... https://www.arsenal.com/news/tim-lewis-appointed-arsenal-boards
We discussed it over the summer in one of the threads relating to Raul's firing, and that he was basically the Kroenkes' eyes and ears here. Plus, he's a partner at Clifford Chance, and many of us here are lawyers and recognize the name.
He’s the lawyer the Kroenke’s brought in to review the clubs operations, including the structure of Pepe’s transfer deal. He is assumed to be responsible for Sanllehi’s departure.
we also lost the contract guy so it might be someone to be put in place there. we don't know how edu will be as a contract negotiator but, so far, the reception from agents is they like him. and, well, if the agents like you and you're supposed to be negotiating with/against them . . . . . . .
https://apple.news/AuhvxdeypSbi4FclcnY2hIg This sounds like BS. But if true, the Ozil/Arsenal relationship has become very toxic and I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t arrive at a settlement and he’s still here in February.
Conspiracy theories are increasingly popular. This one originated in Turkey and may be a pre prepared excuse if Fenerbache don’t sign him this window. We’re currently experiencing something similar in our politics. But, to add fuel to the conspiracy, why is Sokratis’ free transfer taking so long?
https://talksport.com/football/818515/mesut-ozil-arsenal-fenerbahce-free-transfer-pay-off/ Please let this happen so we can just move on.
YES. Let it be true. NBC reported it on one of their pre-game shows today (although only briefly, perhaps as a hedge).
Which means Arsenal have freed up one unregistered player slot, with a second likely to follow. But they still only have one roster spot for a non homegrown player and with the buyouts for Ozil and Sokratis they likely haven’t saved that much money. So any incoming player this window is probably a loan, unless they buy young and cheap.
https://arseblog.news/2021/01/finding-a-back-up-for-kieran-tierney-using-data-and-video-scouting/ This article suggests Lee Buchanan, a 19 yo LB from Derby County, as a backup to Tierney. He'd be homegrown and cheap, suggests he might only cost 3-4m due to Derby's financial troubles. The Sensible Transfers video on Youtube threw out Reading's Michael Olise as an option. He's played at LW, RW and #10 and tallied 4 goals and 8 assists in 22 matches. He's 19 and French but would be homegrown and supposedly has an 8m release clause. I'd be on board with signings like this. Low risk, moderate to high reward. Probably more so Buchanan as he provides cover that the squad current lacks. Olise may not be any better than Nelson but could still be a good investment.
The last I looked Olise had played most of his games as a 10, so he could serve as competition/backup for Smith-Rowe.
Last i heard Olise's name it was as a #10 option. I would be ok with he and Buchanan if we had no intention of spending much cash this window. Would also be nice if we could find another "Martinelli" with Edu's SA connections.
I can't see us doing much unfortunately. It is a great time to buy for a team with access to cheap money but likely the ownership is too stupid But at least offboarding payroll/bloat is positive for next season. Unfortunately the bad Willian contract hurts us in that regard, as now our two worst contracts are in a key position
andrew on arseblog was talking about how the 120M loan cannot be used for transfers but only administrative things . . . . like buyouts.
I suspect that means no transfers, you cant really separate the loan from other funds. If they use the loan to pay buyouts (probably15m max for Ozil and Sokratis) and salaries to free up money for transfers, they have essentially used it for transfers.
And the most recent Sensible Transfer - Arsenal I don't have an argument for anything they suggest. Summary... - Need and AM but someone with positional versatility would be ideal since we switch between 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 & 3-4-3 at times. - Need an upgrade/competitor for Bellerin - Need a better MF partner for Partey