I don't see the appeal of Olabe, Isak was a really good piece of business, so was convincing a premier league club to pay so much for Merino. But Sociedad aren't all that active in the transfer market buying and selling players, Brighton spent about as much money in the summer as Sociedad spent in the last decade. I'd prefer someone from the premier league at Brighton or Brentford or Bournemouth or even a club that doesn't start with a B. Campos from PSG fits too.
🚨🔴⚪️🇪🇸 #PL |❗️Arsenal are advancing in talks with Roberto Olabe as new sportive director to replace Edu next summer💫 The 57-year-old Spaniard has given priority to Arsenal over other European clubs after positive talks took place about the project⏳️ Further steps yet… pic.twitter.com/p7WRpys2Oc— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) December 1, 2024
Article on Olabe and his tendancies. For those that dont want to read.... Claims he is really big on development of the academy and bringing in transfers to supplement and that when he does buy players he prefers to buy young. That could be because of where he was. If that is his legit philosophy, could be KSE wanting to rein in spending a bit.
🔴⚪️ Understand Arteta’s assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg has agreed to sign new deal at Arsenal until June 2027.Deal in place and set to be formally sealed soon for one more key member of #AFC coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/eK5EkPGpxj— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 5, 2024
That's good news! Albert doesn't get a lot of press or attention, but it's been my impression that he is a super critical right-hand man, playing a large role, somewhat under the radar? As isn't too uncommon for the AM job. p.s. It's a 2 year extension, which is somewhat interesting, in terms of how it aligns with Mikel's contract? In fact, did we extend Mikel yet or not?? I can't recall
Good to hear "Airpods Albert" is sticking around. Did anyone notice yesterday that the camera focused on Gary O'Driscoll for a bit on the Yanited sideline ---- I think when de Ligt was "injured" ?? I screamed "traitor !!!!" Just kidding....kind of.
Arsenal to consider Dan Ashworth as a possible candidate for their vacant sporting director position following his sudden departure from Manchester United. Story: https://t.co/qDBCt999K0— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 10, 2024
I can't claim to know whether Ashworth would be good or bad for us. But him having been booted out of Yanited doesn't seem to be a disqualifying metric per se. One thing I do note is that in recent years he doesn't seem to stay long, especially Yanited & Newcastle (TBF a little longer at Brighton) So I wonder whether there's something in his personality which leads to that? Of those three it seems like Brighton has the best karma. They've been known as a very well run, smart recruiting club. And Dan was a central part of that for 3-4 years. So what's the consensus on him? From those of you who follow SD's, which I'll admit that I basically don't.
I don't really follow SDs but his track record at Brighton & Newcastle is pretty strong. No idea what went down at ManU.
I wouldn't automatically throw out Ashworth because United booted him so quickly, United are a sh*t show and this may reflect more poorly on INEOS than Ashworth.
All the reports also so it was "mutual agreement". Entirely possible that he and management didn't agree on the direction of the club. The question is what was the difference in opinion and who does Arsenal agree with.
Reading the The Athletic article on the situation, it seems Ratcliffe wanted him to be more decisive. The guy under Ashworth saw an opening and undercut him and took his power. My only negative of him is having Gareth Southgate on his list.
Nobody I heard from thinks that's true. They publicly said "mutual agreement" but he was canned. Implication is that there must've been a significant "disagreement" w/ the Ineos brass.
Ed Aarons from the Guardian is claiming that Rosicky is in the running to replace Edu. Claims he has been in regular contact with the higher ups but would like to see out the season at Sparta.
Mokbel says there is growing internal support to retain the interim director (Jason Ayto) as the permanent hire.