Bernd Leno: Impressive first season overshadowed by disheartening defence

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18-07-2019

Bernd Leno’s first season at Arsenal has been good but was overshadowed by the disheartening defending. During the 2018/2019 Premier League season the German was Emery’s favorite between the sticks as he made 32 appearances out of the possible 38. He started the season as a back-up but seized his chance when Cech suffered an injury against Watford at the Emirates.

Nonetheless, he just managed 6 clean-sheets. A reported fee of £19.3m, paid by the Emirates Club to sign him, is a bargain in today’s market, nevertheless, such a return is dismal considering his stark potential. In the Premier League alone the 27-year-old shot stopper conceded a whopping 42 goals but there’s more to this statistic than just his performance.

Being his first season he might be given a benefit of doubt. Most players, who are new to the Premier League struggle to deal with its intensity in their first campaigns and Leno was no different.

Emery anticipated that and thought he could watch first and learn. However, without firsthand experience on the pitch, it might have been challenging and the injury to Cech was just a blessing in disguise for Leno, an opportunity to kick start his career in North London.

The initial matches did not present the perfect start, though he never committed any conspicuous blunders, Leno looked quite nervy. Speaking to Sky Sports News earlier this year, he confessed that:

“..Physically it is strong and the referees don’t whistle for every contact, I like this way, but it needed a little bit of time because in Germany you are always protected by the referee, but here nobody protects you and you have to get used to it..”

The poor statistics can blatantly be attributed to Arsenal’s defensive vulnerability which left the keeper exposed most of the time. The Gunners’ defence story is a pitiful one and judging Leno under such circumstances is significantly awkward. How is he to be rated if on his best days he still ends up on the losing side?

Take for instance against Leicester at the King Power, he was the only silver lining for the fans during the gloom. The German international was sensational in goal. He put on a man of the match performance despite the team losing 3-0 against Leicester. This is just one of the many stories that happened in the 2018/2019 season. However, on a few instances, his worth was untarnished with the highlight being against Manchester United and Tottenham at the Emirates.

Great goalkeepers win matches for their teams and on such days Leno proved to be a great Keeper. Against top players, he displayed awesome reflexes to make unbelievable saves. His leadership and overall performance reminded everyone why he is a massive bargain.

Leno’s quality is undeniable but can he guarantee consistency? He needs to work on a few things to be dependable. His flaws are exposed during set pieces and this is something that can be addressed with an appropriate defense set-up. His second season at the Emirates will present the best opportunity for him to unleash his potential. However, will he get the necessary support? The defense must perform if he is to shine and hope Emery is working on a plan.

Nicolas Pepe’s agent speaks out after reports of Arsenal’s €80m bid

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

Nicolas Pepe is one of the players that is linked with the Arsenal and it now appears that a move might actually happen, according to reports in French publication TF1.

TF1 are reporting that the North London club have made a bid worth €80m to LOSC Lille. Speaking about the news surrounding his transfer, the agent of Nicolas Pepe Samir Khait told French TV show L’Equipe Mercato:

‘He is wanted by a considerable number of clubs. For him the most important thing is to be wanted and to go to a good club in which he will play and continue to progress.’

Pepe who has had an amazing season is away on national duty for the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. The 2018/19 season was in many ways a breakout season for the winger as he went on to score 23 goals in 45 goals.

This is an incredible return for someone who plays on the wings. Given the quality of the performances that he has been putting up every week, it is no surprise that clubs such as Arsenal are behind him.

As the player’s agent has said, there are other clubs in the hunt for Pepe and one of them happen to be PSG. The situation is a little complicated due to what has been going on around Neymar and his transfer saga. It is expected that the Brazilian will be leaving the club.

If that were to happen, then it is thought that the French champions will make a move for the Lille winger. Pepe is without a doubt one of the hottest properties available in the market and any club that ends up getting him will have one hell of a player on their hands.

Arsenal need to get a player who can play out on the wings as the club does not really have anyone who can do that job. Pepe can not only do this but his goal-scoring record proves that he can be quite a huge threat.

The Emirates club do not have a huge transfer budget to play with but if they can somehow generate the funds, it will be an amazing deal for the club and Pepe would be welcomed with open arms.

Arsenal technical director Edu holds talks with Brazilian winger Everton Soares

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

Everton Soares who recently finished as one of the top scorers in the Copa America is in talks with Arsenal over a move to the Emirates.

According to reports in UOL and GloboEsporte(via Metro) Arsenal’s new technical director Edu has held talks over a move for Everton while Copa America was still ongoing.

The former Arsenal midfielder who recently took charge at the club is very impressed by the youngster from his time being part of the Brazil national team.

The report further states that Edu spoke to the player’s agent earlier this week before traveling to England to discuss the potential transfer with the North London club. Unai Emery’s side are now considering launching a formal big to Gremio.

The presence of the technical director is sure to have played a major role in convincing a player such as Everton to make a move towards the English capital.

The winger was instrumental for Brazil in their Copa America campaign for his country and even went on to become the man of the match in the final. Everton scored 3 goals and ended up being the joint holder of the Golden Boot.

The 23 year old has been impressing for a number of seasons over in Brazil and it could be time to make a to the European shores.

It is being suggested that the Gunners will have to part with £30.5m if they are to get their man but the club does face some competition for Everton in the form of Atletico Madrid. Regardless of what other clubs may try to do, the fact that Arsenal have Edu should tilt the deal back in their favor.

If there is one type of player that the Gunners could do with, it is an exciting winger that is also capable of scoring goals and that is precisely what Everton can do. He would no doubt gel well with the other attackers at the club and his potential connection with Aubameyang is one that will have the fans dreaming.

Everton’s performances in the Copa America have shown that he can perform on the big stage as well. Arsenal have an inside source that can get the deal done so they should not hesitate to complete the signing as quickly as possible.

Sky Sports: Arsenal have launched £25m bid to sign Kieran Tierney

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

As per the latest reports emerging out of Sky Sports, the Arsenal have approached Celtic with an improved offer for Kieran Tierney in the region of £25m.

The North London club had failed in their earlier attempt to sign the left-back after Celtic rejected their initial bid of £15m. Napoli are also interested in the signature of the Scotsman but it appears that the London club has the edge over the Italians.

Tierney is under contract with the Scottish Champions till the year 2023 and is currently recovering from a hernia problem that hampered the way his season panned out.

What has made his move to the Emirates club seem more and more likely is the fact that Celtic have signed another left-back in Boli Bolingoli.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is interested in bringing the left-back to solve the defensive crisis that is present in the Gunners squad at the moment. If there was one reason as to why the club failed to get back into the Champions League it would be due to the failings of the backline.

It is good that Emery realizes that this needs to be changed and is looking at getting the right kind of players. At present, Arsenal have two players who can play in the left-back position in the form of Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac.

But the only problem with the two is that they are not as consistent as they should be. The fact that Monreal can also play in the center of defense is probably another reason why Tierney is being looked at.

Tierney is a fantastic modern full-back who is great at attacking but does not forget his defensive duties. This is very important for the team that Unai Emery is trying to build. He likes to make use of the full-backs to create width and help further the attack.

What makes the Scot perfect for this role is that he is incredibly quick and he also has high levels of stamina. It would be a great deal for the Gunners to get a player such as Tierney and for that to happen, they will have to give Celtic what they are looking for.

Arsenal move to hijack Tottenham’s bid for Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

As per the latest reports coming from Italy, Arsenal and Tottenham are going head to head in the race for the signature of Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.

La Gazzetta dello Sport(via Calcio Mercato) reports that apart from the two London clubs, Juventus are also in the hunt for the player.

The price that is being quoted by Roma is in the region of £40m [€45m] and the Emirates club are willing to pay that amount to beat their rivals.

Zaniolo joined the capital side from Inter Milan last summer and went on to have a real breakout season as his performances were very impressive. The player scored 6 goals and contributed 2 assists but it was his manner of playing that was the most notable aspect of the youngster’s playing time.

Tottenham were interested in bringing the attacker to North London and Corriere dello Sport reported last week that Spurs had tabled an opening offer worth £20m in cash plus Toby Alderweireldin exchange for the midfielder.

However, they now face some serious competition from their bitter rivals. The one factor that could complicate a deal is the fact that Zaniolo does not really want to leave the Italian capital and move to the English capital.

If a move was to happen, there is only way it is going to take shape and that would be as a result of the attacker getting a big pay raise from any of the London clubs that are after him. There is a suggestion that the Gunners might be looking at Zaniolo as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey who left the club to join Juventus on a free. The departing Welshman has left a huge void in the club and it is necessary to fill it as soon as possible.

Zaniolo has quickly become one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world and bringing him to the Emirates would be a real statement of intent. And the fact that the Gunners would beat their arch rivals to the signature of a player would make the deal even sweeter.

Arsenal might find it a little difficult to generate the funds needed for Roma to agree to a deal but it is surely going to be an investment that will be worth the price that they pay. Whatever the case may be, Arsenal need to move quickly to secure a deal.

Jack Wilshere believes Rob Holding could become Arsenal’s next captain

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

With current Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny refusing to travel with the team for their pre-season tour of the United States, there are going to be repercussions going far and beyond.

One of those would be the change of captain’s arm-band as Koscielny is expected to be stripped of the captain’s role.

Former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere thinks that young center-back Rob Holding would be the right man to replace the 33-year-old French defender.

Wilshere who left the Gunners in the summer of 2018 was speaking to Football London, and he said:

‘Rob Holding was playing so well before he got injured and will be a great addition to their defense once he’s fit again.

‘I really think he could be a potential Arsenal captain of the future.’

Holding was one of the most impressive members of the Arsenal squad last season but his season was cruelly cut short due to an injury that he suffered in an away game against Manchester United. The long-term effect of the injury meant that the center back did not play any game after that.

This was especially disappointing for manager Unai Emery as Holding was a key component in the 4-man back-line that the team used so successfully in the middle part of the season. His reading of the game coupled with great passing ability meant that he was the perfect foil for whoever happened to be his partner.

There is no doubt that he will have a huge part to play in whatever Arsenal are trying to do next season. Getting back into the Champions League is going to be the most important objective for the squad and Holding will play a big part in that endeavor.

The situation with Koscielny is one that the club would definitely have tried to avoid but they have to face the fact that it is happening now. Getting a solution to this as quick as possible is needed and the club should be looking at all possibilities before making a decision.

Holding is an extremely talented player and in his short time at the club has shown some genuine leadership qualities. If the club were to reward him with the captaincy they should stick with him.

Arsenal table £42m bid to complete transfer deal for Dani Ceballos

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

Arsenal have started negotiations with Real Madrid regarding a move for their midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to reports in Express.

The Express(via Spanish publication Eldesmarque) claim that the North London club have officially launched a bid in the region of £42m.

Ceballos is on his way out of Real Madrid as he is looking to move in search of first-team football which is something that he has not been getting in Spain.

Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also in the hunt for the midfielder but it is the Gunners who have gone one step ahead of them and submitted an actual offer.

The reason that the Emirates club are behind a player like Ceballos is due to the club looking for a replacement for Aaron Ramsey who recently left for Juventus on a free.

The club really needs to replace both the attacking as well as defensive input that was being provided by the Welshman and they feel that Ceballos is the player that can do that particular job.

The Spaniard made his name at Real Betis before making a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. His time at the Bernabeu has not really gone as well as the midfielder would have liked it to go.

The path to the first team has been blocked by more established players that are set to continue starting for the club. Ceballos is also not in the plans of Real manager Zinedine Zidane and is, therefore, looking elsewhere to ply his trade.

Getting a player of his profile would be certainly beneficial to the Gunners as he would add a new dimension to their midfield. He is great on the ball and can pick out passes both long and short.

Apart from this, there is a defensive side to his game that is not often talked about. He is quick to read any attacks that may develop and snuff out passes through the lines.

If the Gunners were to beat the interest of Spurs and get a player as highly rated as Ceballos, it would put the club in good stead. While the fee being quoted is large, it is what will have to be paid for a player of such quality.

The real reason Arsenal rebel Laurent Koscielny went on strike

By

Nithyanand

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14-07-2019

Arsenal’s captain Laurent Koscielny created ripples through the entire squad as he refused to travel with the club for their pre-season tour of the USA.

ESPN are now reporting that the French defender was willing to commit for two more years with the Gunners with his current contract ending next year but an offer was not forthcoming from the club.

This created doubts about whether the North London club really wanted to keep him. Arsenal are looking for £10 million to let go of the center back but ESPN are reporting that there are no firm offers for Koscielny at the moment.

On the contrary, L’Equipe are reporting that the 33-year-old wanted his contract to be terminated this season as he wanted to leave the club on a free and join Ligue 1 side such as Bordeaux.

Despite the fact that his contract was ending only next summer, he was counting on the club to end his contract now. As per French publication L’Equipe, a source from the French club Bordeaux told them:

‘I think that he wants to come. On our side, in any case, it is work that we have put in for a long period of time.’

If the captain had wanted to leave then a more amicable solution could and should have been found but the fact that it has reached this stage does not look good for the club. Koscielny is the Gunners’ longest-serving player and has given the club a lot.

But to look at the situation from the club’s point of view, it makes sense that they are looking to get a fee for the player instead of letting him go on a free. As it is, the North London club do not have a large transfer budget to speak of and they will be looking to get any and every amount of money that is possible.

The actions of the center back has gotten a very divisive response with many people criticizing the way he has conducted himself. Whatever your opinion on this issue may be, there is no denying the fact that it has become messy. It would be in the best interests of the club to find a solution as soon as possible and one that will benefit all parties involved.

Arsenal still confident of signing William Saliba, despite Tottenham’s hijacking attempt

By

Nithyanand

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13-07-2019

If the latest reports are to be believed, Arsenal remain confident that the club can complete a deal for French center back William Saliba.

The Guardian reports that the North London club are set to beat any interest that Tottenham might have in the defender. Spurs have tried to hijack a deal for the Frenchman at the last minute to prevent Saliba from going to the Emirates.

The report states that Tottenham offered St-Étienne a better deal than the Emirates club. Although the transfer fee is similar to what Arsenal offered, the Champions League runners-up but with better add-ons.

If earlier reports were to be believed, the Gunners had agreed on a deal that was worth around £27m but that deal may be in jeopardy now. The deal for the center back did include a clause that would send the player back on loan for the next season.

Reputed BBC journalist David Ornstein also confirmed the same:

‘Negotiations between Arsenal, Saint Etienne and Saliba were in their very final stages – much of it already in the hands of lawyers to agree wording of contracts etc – but Tottenham have reignited their interest and are now pushing hard to get the deal completed.’

It would not look good for the club if their arch-rivals were to nick in front of them and get a deal done for Saliba. Given the history that exists between both the clubs, it will not be a surprise if both the clubs fight it out till the end of the transfer window.

Saliba who is 18 is thought to be one of the most promising defenders to emerge out of France and it would be a major coup for the club if they manage to get him. But the way the payment would be structured is what is thought to be pushing the deal in favor of Tottenham.

They are willing to pay more of the amount upfront and that would suit Saint-Etienne better whereas the Gunners would want to pay less this summer and pay the majority of the deal when Saliba would actually join the Gunners.

A deal like this is less about the player and more about the power balance between Arsenal and their rivals. Saliba is a great talent for the future and the Gunners should try their best to get him to the club.

Arsenal in pole position to sign Dani Ceballos this summer

By

Nithyanand

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13-07-2019

Arsenal are now in pole position ahead of Tottenham to win the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, as per the latest reports in Marca.

Marca claims that although there have been reports of Tottenham opening discussions with Real London, the North London club are still favourites to sign the Spaniard this summer.

The Sun are reporting that the Emirates club are hoping to sign Ceballos on an initial season-long loan deal and that could be ideal for us as Emery only has a tight budget to work from this summer. AS claim the midfielder is valued at £45m.

Ceballos is thought to be a replacement for Aaron Ramsey who joined Juventus on a free transfer at the end of the last season. The Spaniard joined the Spanish giants in the summer of 2017 but has not really been able to hold down a place of his own in the Real team.

His journey has been complicated with the presence of players such as Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro. And with Real manager Zinedine Zidane informing Ceballos that he is no longer part of the team’s plans, the midfielder is looking for opportunities elsewhere.

The Spaniard feels that he is not playing as many matches as he should be and it is understandable given that he is still a very young player. He turns 23 in less than a month and will be hoping that he can find regular playing time at another club.

If he were to come to the Emirates, he will surely fit into the way the Gunners set out to play. He could be the perfect foil for both Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka. Apart from being excellent on the ball, he is an underrated tackler.

This is one aspect of his playing style that does not get mentioned a lot. But for those who have seen him play, they know that there is a lot of steel beneath that silk.

Not having Champions League football will put Arsenal at a bit of a disadvantage but manager Unai Emery really wants the player. If the club is able to get Ceballos on a loan deal with an option to buy, it would be a very good deal. Arsenal need to strengthen if they want to get back into the Champions League and this is one way to do it.