Let’s take a look at the Arsenal news and gossip from around the internet that didn’t really seem to warrant articles all of their own.
Arsenal news
Stan Kroenke’s fortune has dropped in the past year from $9.7bn to ‘just’ $8.3bn according to Forbes. This makes him the 59th richest person in the US. Billionaires, it should be noted, should not exist.
You might also like:
- Arsenal do NOT have to pay another €1m for Pablo Mari after Manchester City game
- Pep Guardiola picks out 2 Arsenal players for praise
Arsenal are currently looking to hire a full-time sports psychologist to work with the women’s team to “to lead and support the delivery of a congruent psychology and wellbeing service for its First Team, focusing delivery on psychological support, assessment, intervention and consultation for players – on and off the pitch.”
Lia Walti, Noelle Maritz and Malin Gut all missed out as Switzerland lost to France. Travel restrictions due to Covid means that a number of Arsenal players were unable to join up with their respective national teams as they would have to quarantine upon return.
Arsenal gossip
According to a report in the Chronicle, Arsenal are once again considering a move for Newcastle United’s keeper, Freddie Woodman, who is on loan at Swansea and was heavily linked before we signed Maty Ryan on loan.
Tiago Tomas is a rumour that won’t go away with A Bola in Portugal claiming Edu and Mikel Arteta are big fans of the player. Arsenal are apparently willing to pay €23m for the teenager.
Arsenal and Tottenham are both said to be interested in Auxerre’s 21yo centreback, Evan N’Dicka according to Sport in France. The French site claims Arsenal are looking to replace David Luiz
Ex Arsenal
Mesut Ozil may have received all the plaudits for his workrate on his full debut for Fenerbahce but his second match, which saw the Turks lose 1-0, saw Milliyet write, “Mesut Özil, one of the biggest transfers of not only Fenerbahçe’s but also Turkish football history, kept pace with the bad football of the team last night.” This reminds me of Arsene Wenger’s ‘we were not very good and the referee was at our level’ comments.
Robert Pires has moved to Ibiza, blaming Brexit.
Arsene Wenger has named two Arsenal youngsters he expects big things from. “They [Smith Rowe and Saka] already were there when I was there a few years ago,” said Wenger.
“We had always a good youth system, with good young players. It’s good to see that they come out.
“We just spoke about injuries and touch wood that these players [don’t get long-term injuries]. It’s a sensitive part between [the ages of] 20-22 once they get game after game to see if their body can adapt and cope with it.
“Let’s hope. They look to me to have top quality and as well a good mentality, so I am quite optimistic for them.”
Chris Willock, Joe Willock’s older brother, is impressing with QPR. “Chrissy has so much ability – so, so much ability – but the Championship demands of players with and without the ball,” QPR manager, Mark Warburton said. “A bit like Ebs [Ebere Eze] last year.
“We know the talent with the ball, it’s about the work without the ball. Chrissy is working hard every single day.
“[There was] no hesitation to start with him but I know sometimes when the game gets a little bit more fatigued, and some defenders get a little bit tired, he can have such an impact.
“He’s done really well. No hesitation, as I say, to starting him but he’s a really exciting talent.”
Former Arsenal forward, Benik Afobe, has urged Folarin Balogun to quit Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer.
On his return to football, Mike Dean sent off former Arsenal youngster Semi Ajayi this weekend while he refused to look at a replay of another former Arsenal player, Kyle Bartley, who seemed to clearly handle the ball in the box.
“With [Kyle] Bartley I can’t believe the referee wasn’t asked to look at that on VAR, that is quite troubling,” Keown said on BBC Radio Live.
“The first one was definitely a sending off, it was almost like he was playing table tennis – the arm came out instinctively. [Semi] Ajayi had to go and then I don’t understand
“I think they were hoping would be a nice easy game for Mike Dean, but there was lots of controversy and I thought it should have been a penalty.”
Football general
Fifa ‘very satisfied’ with VAR ahead of global update on technology [Evening Standard]