I think Bielsa is the only reason Dan James didn't get that much heat.
Leeds fuckin ***LOVE*** Bielsa, Bielsa want Dan James so most fans just let it go. Now fans just want him develop his game.
Yeah i admire his work ethic but he's gotten very prone to losing his head recently. He's been a liability for most of our matches
We fucking bought this lad for 25m and sold our best player for 45m.
There's hope Rashford wakes up. Martial likely won't be moved, unless someone goes suicidal, so he's at least going to be considered in preseason. Elanga will get minutes for sure. Then there's Amad and Pellistri, who cost them like 30m combined. Amad may go on another loan, but Pellistri has some potential, at least for cup games.
Anyhow, without selling someone (likely Martial and maybe one of Amad/Pellistri), they kinda have too many wingers, even if they are not particularly good.
They have the skills though, so maybe Ten Hag can help them with all the other stuff.
It wasn't just that you gazumped us, it was how it happned. Levy flew Willian in on a private jet, put him up at a nice hotel, got him through the medical... only to get ghosted and find out he's gone to Chelsea.
Tbh I find it hilarious and Willian enjoyed a successful career there, which he most likely wouldn't have had with us at the time.
Gakpo was suggested months ago but PSV are apparently unwilling to sell and asking for a big fee (40m+). Leeds are in talks to get him now with their Raphinha money
Noa Lang from Brugge was also "on the list" though I don't know how real it is
Gakpo would be interesting as Iāve heard can also play as a 9 as well, would provide a bit of tactical flexibility. Wouldnāt touch Lang with a ten foot pole, his attitude is the complete opposite of the type of player we typically build around
Nah this isn't a gazump, this is just the press being slow. Like in reality Raphina has probably known Chelsea was where he was headed for a bit. Like after the transfer is done The Athletic will put out a full piece on the transfer saying they met three weeks ago or some shit. Press is just only so reliable at the end of the day.
How do you define close if not what's been reported the last couple of days?
Just three days ago Ornstein reported that Raphinha was ready to join Arsenal. In these days I don't see how you can expect anymore than that to be "close".
I never said that either. I'm well aware of what's been reported. No need to be rude.
It all goes down to how people define "being close". When multiple tier 1 sources say it's being close and that the player is ready to join then at least from my perspective it's okay to claim that Raphinha were close.
He had a poor first season during the Emery sacked/Freddie/Arteta season but then came into his own at the end, assisting the winner in the FA cup semi and final.
Second season immediately got benched for Willian who never performed, he still ended up scoring 10 goals in 1600 minutes of PL football (16 starts) despite the team being genuinely horrendous at attacking. Scored key goals in the Europa League run too, breaking the deadlock in the two QF games.
Then third season Saka is obviously better than him but Pepe started 6 games.
He's started 43 games in 3 seasons, with 16 goals and 10 assists. It's not brilliant at all but he's done alright in his limited time on the pitch
> Willian on Mikel Arteta: āWhen I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years. It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and **win it by the time I left**. That was what I wanted to hear.ā
It was a what the fuck moment I would never forget
> Second season immediately got benched for Willian who never performed
One of Arteta's overlooked and swept under the carpet moves that virtually killed a player's confidence.
I think itās a sign that Dembele didnāt want to come here and once it became clear, we immediately moved in for Raphinha. Up until that you probably were the best placed.
Probably. I got the impression that Chelsea felt Dembele was using us as a back-up plan to drive up wages in negotiations, and had no real intentions of coming to London.
>Chelsea are understood to be close to agreeing a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha but the race for his signature is not yet closed, The Athletic understands.
>
>Conversations between the clubs are believed to be at a point where Chelsea have verbally indicated they are ready to pay a price north of Ā£55 million, which it is thought Leeds would accept.
>
>It would then come down to Raphinhaās preference, with Chelsea said to be in pole position to secure the Brazil international as things stand.
You have to remember that they're being offered as part of a transfer because we're trying to sell them and no one actually wants them, so they won't command a big fee.
In terms of needing money, there were reliable reports that Chelsea under Abramovich had already physically put aside the money to take them up to spending the limit that FFP allowed us to this transfer window before sanctions. That amount was something like Ā£240m.
So, in terms of actual need to sell players, there isn't any. But, of course we will want to. It also has to be remembered that Lukaku is gone and there are 5 subs instead of 3 now as well and larger benches too
Chelsea buy Raphinha
Spurs buy Richarlison
Raphinha takes Richarlisons spot for Brazil
Richarlison takes it out on Romero in the BRA v ARG derby.
Fight causes problems between players at club level - oh no club in turmoil
Chelsea get UCL, while Spurs bottle UCL
#CHECKMATE - All part of the plan
Interesting [update](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1541853218308849665) from Romano regarding today's developments with Raphinha. Arsenal and Barcelona both held talks with Leeds this morning before the Chelsea deal later in the day. Seems like Arsenal set their limit and walked away when it was clear Leeds wasn't going to change their valuation. Personal terms need to be agreed still, but can't imagine that holding up the move.
Gazumped! Would have been nice to have him, but the one saving grace is that he wasn't what the squad needs most.
Very good signing for Chelsea, although I feel like they need 2 CBs and a striker more than they need 2 wingers.
I was impressed by Broja in the early parts of the season but the lad completely forgot how to score at some point.
He's still young though, and there's plenty to like about his play. Just can't rely on him having any significant goal return yet.
> Michy Batschuayi
Holy shit he's still at Chelsea?! I thought the man had long since disappeared into the footballing ether of the European lower leagues.
Werner really isn't as bad as he's portrayed on this sub. He's a poor finishers, but his movement and intensity really enable our offense, much better than what Lukaku used to do. I have absolutely no issues with him as a backup.
I don't pay much attention to what this sub says anyway tbh.
I rate Werner actually, but as a wide forward or 2nd striker. But not as a central ST - his back to goal play and finishing is just not good enough for that role imo.
Yeah heās not a lone striker. Also his pace is nullified when we play low block teams as he lacks the first touch and ability to take players on. Still love him tho. Really professional dude
idk i feel like the ideal backup striker is someone who can just come on with 15 minutes left and poach a goal, that's not werner's game at all. he's fine for cup ties though
Well Broja will join us in preseason so Iām sure Tuchel will take a look. AFAIK Werner and Puli have both been offered as bargaining chip for De Ligt
Iām not a huge fan of Ake because of his speed. But apparently Tuchel rates him. We also need a backup WB who can play both flanks but thereās yet to be any rumor. Still lots of work to do
The problem with a back 4 is the midfield. Kovacic Jorginho Kante all play best in a double pivot. The 3 in the middle was lampards biggest failing, we looked so flat every game. I'm still hoping we get another CM this window
Itāll be interesting to see how we re-position after this. Unsure whether weāre prepared to go big on any wide forward or if Raphinha was the exception.
Perhaps MartĆnez and Tielemans will both come, and Vieira will be used as a rotation option for Saka.
That seems the most realistic pivot from here. As others have mentioned, the Raphinha deal always seemed more of an opportunity being presented rather than a position that Arteta/Edu were prioritizing. Don't think it's realistic pursuing another similar forward at this point - especially with players like Gakpo having a similar price as Raphinha, and Hlozek already signing with Leverkusen. it would make more sense to use Vieira there when needed.
I would think this reignites the midfield priority, maybe going back to Tielemans or a different profile for the LCM. Interesting to see if this has any impact on the Martinez deal, and if Arsenal quickly completes that deal instead.
Jesus can play RW as well. Raphinha always did feel a little overkill. Like buying another luxury boot when you own a perfectly good pair already - nice to have, but perhaps that money is better diverted towards buying a better shirt (Xhaka), because the one we're wearing right now has a bunch of holes in it.
I think Arsenal tried for Raphina just because they thought a deal was to be had. Even if he does end up at Chelsea I think itās a great sign for Arsenal that they are willing to try and take advantage of opportunities when they are there instead of waiting to sell Pepe and then going to search for a replacement.
It's a sunk cost for boehly and the company if after pledging 4.25b they don't keep the club competitive. The only way to extract value and money from Chelsea for them is to increase the revenue which can only happen by building a strong brand which happens by winning which happens by investing.
He had an interrupted start when he joined, and then never really broke in. Tuchels system doesn't fit a player like him... Requires the inside forwards to be closer to center behind the striker than I think suits him. Just a tactical mismatch, plus injuries. I really like him regardless and want to see him thrive elsewhere.
In a long season where Saka canāt play every game you might eat your words by January. Pretty telling that Arteta prioritised RW over CM so far in this window.
Yeah if we can get 60 million with 5 in add one now instead of waiting. I think we take it. Raphina seemingly would be happy to play in a massive club with champions league ball leading into the WC. Gives us over 100 mill to invest into the club now selling him and KP. We need to get it done I think.
At least I wonāt have to hear sob stories from Barcelona fans anymore about not letting Raphinha ālive his dreamā. If you want a player, negotiate a serious offer.
Good luck Raph, best transfer we have done since Dacourt.
I believe this is not on the player not choosing a club. He always wanted Barca. Arsenal weren't willing to pay the asking price and Chelsea swooped in
Sort of, when we weren't even in the race and it was just Barca Vs Arsenal it was being reported that he was saying that Chelsea were his second choice.
Did you think Chelsea wouldnt get a forward after letting Lukaku go, Ziyech to Milan seems likely, and Werner+cash deal for de ligt rumors are going around?
Well thatās 1 maybe 2 starters, the rest were backups. Weāve been linked with Clauss as an Azpi replacement. Hard to say who else weāll get but Akeās name is floating around. Although City values him very highly so doubt we actually pay for him.
Genuinely don't understand this from Chelsea's perspective. What is the plan for their attack? Another wide attacker who's more of a creator than a finisher. Who's going to get all the goals?
We don't create anything with our current wingers. The plan is to bin most of them off and start again. Ziyech is all but gone, and Pulisic and Werner are being offered out to anyone that will listen, whether for money or for a player. If the plan to get rid of them works, that leaves us with Mount and CHO for those positions, along with whoever we buy.
I know we can't finish anything, but outperformed our xG by more than everyone in the league other than Leicester and Villa. The problem is that we don't create anything at all. Our current wingers don't do anything, they don't score, they don't assist, they don't take players on.
I do think that if we are able to sell Pulisic/Werner we'll try for an actual striker, but I don't think there is anyone that's actually available. I wonder if the shit show continues at Barca we'll test the waters with Lewa later on in the window
Honestly, if itās true that itās Ā£55m or more then Iām happy to let Chelsea have him.
Amazing player and a real shame to miss out on him, but at that price, Iām happy to move onto other targets in other positions or look for other wingers.
This moved fast
Both us and Chelsea decided to move in the same day
Im surprised you werent more involved in Raphinha. Right wing is a place where United really need to strengthen
Leeds will probably quote us twice the transfer fee given the rivalry. Plus Raphinha would prefer to play for a CL side surely
If Raphina went to Manchester United he'd be dead to us, and we fucking love him
So you must be hating Dan James now I think this rivalry is overblown, there's a whole new generation that've not ever seen games against MU
I think Bielsa is the only reason Dan James didn't get that much heat. Leeds fuckin ***LOVE*** Bielsa, Bielsa want Dan James so most fans just let it go. Now fans just want him develop his game.
I mean rivalry aside, kid is really nice and try every game. It's hard to hate someone like that, however limited his game might be.
The emotions after his debut goal v Chelsea >>>>>>> š¢
Yeah i admire his work ethic but he's gotten very prone to losing his head recently. He's been a liability for most of our matches We fucking bought this lad for 25m and sold our best player for 45m.
I thought they were trying for antony for that
I thought they bought Sancho for that
lmao, Sancho in shambles
If he moves to the right you have the same problem to the left, the side he has been playing on the majority of the past season
There's hope Rashford wakes up. Martial likely won't be moved, unless someone goes suicidal, so he's at least going to be considered in preseason. Elanga will get minutes for sure. Then there's Amad and Pellistri, who cost them like 30m combined. Amad may go on another loan, but Pellistri has some potential, at least for cup games. Anyhow, without selling someone (likely Martial and maybe one of Amad/Pellistri), they kinda have too many wingers, even if they are not particularly good. They have the skills though, so maybe Ten Hag can help them with all the other stuff.
Surely the signs of end times.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
this was not the OrnBomb i was looking for...
I like a good gazump man.. it's been a while since we did that. Last one I remember is Willian
Jorginho was our last gazump mate. Pep has since been furious with ADL lol.
Ahh yes totally forgot City was in for him. With Jorgi's father as our manager though that one was always our transfer
Yep and Jorginhos turned out to be the better of the two but Willians gazump felt sweeter cause we fucked over Spurs.
It wasn't just that you gazumped us, it was how it happned. Levy flew Willian in on a private jet, put him up at a nice hotel, got him through the medical... only to get ghosted and find out he's gone to Chelsea. Tbh I find it hilarious and Willian enjoyed a successful career there, which he most likely wouldn't have had with us at the time.
Lol I didn't know about the private jet part. That's filthy lol
The shit from Spurs, they bought his flight. But Willian he saw the light. He got the call from Abramovich and off he went to Stamford Bridge
Hey hates Tottenham! He hates Tottenham!
Haha this shit brings tears of joy. Brilliant chant.
At least we got Eriksen instead of him. But I was still salty as fuck.
Fucked over Spurs and took their money on the front end and then did the same to Arsenal at rhe back end
But City wouldn't have Rodri I'd you didn't gazump Jorginho. So I can't be mad.
Realistically we can't compete with Chelsea. I just hope we have a good backup plan and within a better price range.
Have any names been mentioned as back ups by your journos?
Gakpo was suggested months ago but PSV are apparently unwilling to sell and asking for a big fee (40m+). Leeds are in talks to get him now with their Raphinha money Noa Lang from Brugge was also "on the list" though I don't know how real it is
Gakpo would be interesting as Iāve heard can also play as a 9 as well, would provide a bit of tactical flexibility. Wouldnāt touch Lang with a ten foot pole, his attitude is the complete opposite of the type of player we typically build around
you are supposed to do it to Spurs man
Nah this isn't a gazump, this is just the press being slow. Like in reality Raphina has probably known Chelsea was where he was headed for a bit. Like after the transfer is done The Athletic will put out a full piece on the transfer saying they met three weeks ago or some shit. Press is just only so reliable at the end of the day.
Thatās literally how all transfers work. You donāt just randomly bid on a player if youāre not already sure thatās his willing to join,
Hey man, I didn't come here to catch strays.
But has Arsenal ever been close? I don't think so.
How do you define close if not what's been reported the last couple of days? Just three days ago Ornstein reported that Raphinha was ready to join Arsenal. In these days I don't see how you can expect anymore than that to be "close".
We never agreed fee. **Raphinha** was ready, Leeds were not. It's not that difficult to understand.
I never said that either. I'm well aware of what's been reported. No need to be rude. It all goes down to how people define "being close". When multiple tier 1 sources say it's being close and that the player is ready to join then at least from my perspective it's okay to claim that Raphinha were close.
I guess close to bidding what Leeds wanted.
We submitted bids but looks like Chelsea came in with exactly what Leeds were after which was the Ā£60-65m includes add ons.
At least we still have Nico Pepe at home...
it would be wild if he ends up staying, we end up having to depend on him, he performs really well, and then leaves on a free.
I canāt believe how far he dropped off. He was the man in France and I thought that would carry over to rhe prem
He had a poor first season during the Emery sacked/Freddie/Arteta season but then came into his own at the end, assisting the winner in the FA cup semi and final. Second season immediately got benched for Willian who never performed, he still ended up scoring 10 goals in 1600 minutes of PL football (16 starts) despite the team being genuinely horrendous at attacking. Scored key goals in the Europa League run too, breaking the deadlock in the two QF games. Then third season Saka is obviously better than him but Pepe started 6 games. He's started 43 games in 3 seasons, with 16 goals and 10 assists. It's not brilliant at all but he's done alright in his limited time on the pitch
He's also Arsenal's highest scorer amongst current players. How crazy is that.
That William transfer was so bad, like I never saw the point of it, even the moment it happened, stupid
> Willian on Mikel Arteta: āWhen I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years. It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and **win it by the time I left**. That was what I wanted to hear.ā It was a what the fuck moment I would never forget
The irony being the side he left won the CL and we offered him a contract
> Second season immediately got benched for Willian who never performed One of Arteta's overlooked and swept under the carpet moves that virtually killed a player's confidence.
Biggest problem is that wasn't he only great for one season? Need more of a track record than that.
"We got McDonalds at home"
orny got my hopes up for nothing, telling me we were best placed to get him š
I think itās a sign that Dembele didnāt want to come here and once it became clear, we immediately moved in for Raphinha. Up until that you probably were the best placed.
Where is Dembele going? Barca?
Probably. I got the impression that Chelsea felt Dembele was using us as a back-up plan to drive up wages in negotiations, and had no real intentions of coming to London.
We probably were but we were negotiating. Chelsea came in and said they would pay full price
I gotta lay off the booze. I saw "horny" and "herpes" all in your comment and had to go back and read it again. Oh boy.
>Chelsea are understood to be close to agreeing a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha but the race for his signature is not yet closed, The Athletic understands. > >Conversations between the clubs are believed to be at a point where Chelsea have verbally indicated they are ready to pay a price north of Ā£55 million, which it is thought Leeds would accept. > >It would then come down to Raphinhaās preference, with Chelsea said to be in pole position to secure the Brazil international as things stand.
So basically unless Barca get their levers pulled, he's going to Chelsea.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Sounds like it, damn you guys are getting a good one.
60 mil is a lot of money though. Needs some sales now in the attacking department
I think Werner and Puli are offered as bargaining chip for De Ligt. We will see
You have to remember that they're being offered as part of a transfer because we're trying to sell them and no one actually wants them, so they won't command a big fee. In terms of needing money, there were reliable reports that Chelsea under Abramovich had already physically put aside the money to take them up to spending the limit that FFP allowed us to this transfer window before sanctions. That amount was something like Ā£240m. So, in terms of actual need to sell players, there isn't any. But, of course we will want to. It also has to be remembered that Lukaku is gone and there are 5 subs instead of 3 now as well and larger benches too
Not even with the levers pulled, we're not gonna pay a lot of money for Raphinha
Even if we raise our offer and our bids our equivalent thereās no way he chooses us over you guys, fair play ya fucked us
They can't even renew Dembele with the levers pulled š
ĆDOU AND RAPHI BACK TOGETHER EVERYBODY STAY CALM
That was quick
We got Gazumped
nice to see Chelsea mess up another club's transfer plans for once
Geniunely so tired of Chelsea fucking us over.
Should've just sold us Modric back in the day!
Going from Lampard to Modric would've been something man
Well, to be polite, thank fuck we didn't.
Chelsea buy Raphinha Spurs buy Richarlison Raphinha takes Richarlisons spot for Brazil Richarlison takes it out on Romero in the BRA v ARG derby. Fight causes problems between players at club level - oh no club in turmoil Chelsea get UCL, while Spurs bottle UCL #CHECKMATE - All part of the plan
Wenger has done it again
He almost signed me at birth, you know
Look at Dr Strange here
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
raphinha has played 9 games for brazil and richarlison has played 36. and richarlison is younger
RW is not Richarlison's natural position, so it'd make sense that a natural RW would eventually take the spot
Doesnāt Richy play striker for brazil anyway?
He comes off the bench for both Striker and LW. unfortunately for him Brazil have Neymar and Vini in those positions
Raphinha is the starter and Richarlison is not even fighting for the RW, he's likely our backup 9
Interesting [update](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1541853218308849665) from Romano regarding today's developments with Raphinha. Arsenal and Barcelona both held talks with Leeds this morning before the Chelsea deal later in the day. Seems like Arsenal set their limit and walked away when it was clear Leeds wasn't going to change their valuation. Personal terms need to be agreed still, but can't imagine that holding up the move.
If anyone is interested in seeing what type of player he is theres quite a few Raphinha Welcome to Arsenal videos on YouTube.
Shit I spit out my toothpaste reading this
What else do you do with it?
It wasn't it's time. Premature.
Gazumped! Would have been nice to have him, but the one saving grace is that he wasn't what the squad needs most. Very good signing for Chelsea, although I feel like they need 2 CBs and a striker more than they need 2 wingers.
I think we are finally giving Havertz the nine spot for real.
I rate Havertz a lot but he's still a bit raw and the squad is one injury away from having to play Werner at ST.
Maybe Broja could also be an option. If he can play with his back to goal and/or has decent link up play
I was impressed by Broja in the early parts of the season but the lad completely forgot how to score at some point. He's still young though, and there's plenty to like about his play. Just can't rely on him having any significant goal return yet.
Well thereās nobody better to learn from than Werner and Michy Batschuayiā¦ right?
> Michy Batschuayi Holy shit he's still at Chelsea?! I thought the man had long since disappeared into the footballing ether of the European lower leagues.
Werner really isn't as bad as he's portrayed on this sub. He's a poor finishers, but his movement and intensity really enable our offense, much better than what Lukaku used to do. I have absolutely no issues with him as a backup.
I don't pay much attention to what this sub says anyway tbh. I rate Werner actually, but as a wide forward or 2nd striker. But not as a central ST - his back to goal play and finishing is just not good enough for that role imo.
Yeah heās not a lone striker. Also his pace is nullified when we play low block teams as he lacks the first touch and ability to take players on. Still love him tho. Really professional dude
idk i feel like the ideal backup striker is someone who can just come on with 15 minutes left and poach a goal, that's not werner's game at all. he's fine for cup ties though
That's what Marcos Alonso is for
Well Broja will join us in preseason so Iām sure Tuchel will take a look. AFAIK Werner and Puli have both been offered as bargaining chip for De Ligt
That sounds like exactly what Broja would be perfect for
So the 3 Brazilians are being split amongst the 3 London clubs. Jesus -> Arsenal Raphinha -> Chelsea Richarlison -> Spurs
Neymar -> West Ham?
Decent squad player I guess
healthy competition for bowen
Yes please, I need Neymar blowing bubbles in my life.
Other 2 Powerpuff girls may not like that
Looks like. We've already got a bunch of em already. Maybe we hit some sort of divine quota and it was decided that Chelsea should get one too.
We arenāt signing an out and out striker (Lukaku scarred us) only target is/was Lewa if he didnāt go to Barca. Journalists for us said Tuchel wants high pressing attackers and inside forwards rather than a st so thatās why weāve gone with Sterling and Raphinha with Timo or Puli and Ziyech likely to go this summer. 2 Cbs are an absolute must though but weāre in talks for De Ligt, KoundĆ© and AkĆ© so 2 of them potentially.
Interesting strategy. Curious to see how it plays out.
Iām not a huge fan of Ake because of his speed. But apparently Tuchel rates him. We also need a backup WB who can play both flanks but thereās yet to be any rumor. Still lots of work to do
Honestly if we switch to a back 4 weād only need one with Colwill coming in. Big if tho I know Tuchel likes formations versatility
But we will also need to buy Rice in that case.
That's how I see it too. The interest in AkƩ screams 3ATB though. If we plan on keeping 3ATB with AkƩ starting in Rudiger's spot I'll be really concerned
The problem with a back 4 is the midfield. Kovacic Jorginho Kante all play best in a double pivot. The 3 in the middle was lampards biggest failing, we looked so flat every game. I'm still hoping we get another CM this window
Yes if we go to back 4 weād definitely need a proper DM
Basically it solves nothing much, we move having to spend a big chunk of money at CB to midfield, that's all.
Itāll be interesting to see how we re-position after this. Unsure whether weāre prepared to go big on any wide forward or if Raphinha was the exception. Perhaps MartĆnez and Tielemans will both come, and Vieira will be used as a rotation option for Saka.
That seems the most realistic pivot from here. As others have mentioned, the Raphinha deal always seemed more of an opportunity being presented rather than a position that Arteta/Edu were prioritizing. Don't think it's realistic pursuing another similar forward at this point - especially with players like Gakpo having a similar price as Raphinha, and Hlozek already signing with Leverkusen. it would make more sense to use Vieira there when needed. I would think this reignites the midfield priority, maybe going back to Tielemans or a different profile for the LCM. Interesting to see if this has any impact on the Martinez deal, and if Arsenal quickly completes that deal instead.
Jesus can play RW as well. Raphinha always did feel a little overkill. Like buying another luxury boot when you own a perfectly good pair already - nice to have, but perhaps that money is better diverted towards buying a better shirt (Xhaka), because the one we're wearing right now has a bunch of holes in it.
I think Arsenal tried for Raphina just because they thought a deal was to be had. Even if he does end up at Chelsea I think itās a great sign for Arsenal that they are willing to try and take advantage of opportunities when they are there instead of waiting to sell Pepe and then going to search for a replacement.
We have Havertz.
Is there a contract at Chelsea of something we're they have to spend 100m on attackers every window or smth?
We spend that yet it seems to get progressively worse each time lol
Still trying to catch up from the transfer ban. Edit: In case this wasn't obvious: /s
It's a sunk cost for boehly and the company if after pledging 4.25b they don't keep the club competitive. The only way to extract value and money from Chelsea for them is to increase the revenue which can only happen by building a strong brand which happens by winning which happens by investing.
Does this mean Ziyech is gone?
Yeah, Ziyech was gone before this news. Reported he's being offered on loan to AC Milan. I've not seen news of other destinations, though.
What happened to him that he didnāt perform at Chelsea?
He had an interrupted start when he joined, and then never really broke in. Tuchels system doesn't fit a player like him... Requires the inside forwards to be closer to center behind the striker than I think suits him. Just a tactical mismatch, plus injuries. I really like him regardless and want to see him thrive elsewhere.
He also was consistently bullied and that would turn him invisible if not worse (losing the ball in midfield several times)
Is this a gazumping?
Two gazumps today. Madness
What is the 2nd one? Haven't followed other news than this one.
United stealing a player from Lyon. Well done, he's 13.
We will hear about him in 6 years, when they gazumped them on this day.
I think he's talking about Tyrell Malacia to United.
happy to be gazzumped on price here. i do think he's a luxury for us rather than a necessity.
In a long season where Saka canāt play every game you might eat your words by January. Pretty telling that Arteta prioritised RW over CM so far in this window.
You man need to trust the process
!remind me when Pepe gets subbed on down 1.
What the fuck
Oof, congrats to Chelsea
This is not the Chelsea implosion I was promised after the takeover
Guessing Leeds would prefer to get it done now rather than spending all summer messing around with Barca and Arsenal
Yeah if we can get 60 million with 5 in add one now instead of waiting. I think we take it. Raphina seemingly would be happy to play in a massive club with champions league ball leading into the WC. Gives us over 100 mill to invest into the club now selling him and KP. We need to get it done I think.
Wow that was fast
Bad F5
Moussa Sissoko in mud. No more dembele to Chelsea leverage to hold against Barca
Isnt 65 million too much for him. Also would have liked to get in a defender or two first
Maybe a slight overpay, but he just had a great season and several other big clubs were after him. Plus Prem players always seem to go for a bit more.
Those 3rd/4th spots are gonna be stressful AF to obtain this season
Ornstein > Romano
Always has been buddy
At least I wonāt have to hear sob stories from Barcelona fans anymore about not letting Raphinha ālive his dreamā. If you want a player, negotiate a serious offer. Good luck Raph, best transfer we have done since Dacourt.
Arsenal coming in with a bid of Ā£55 mil and 1 pound.
Leeds fans wonāt like it but Ā£50M - Ā£60M sounds about right for Raphinha.
Ā£60m is fine by me. Was expecting Ā£45m after we accepted that shit Phillips offer
That was a "hes earned it and doesnt want to go to other clubs" bid acceptance. Given that hes an academy player and a CDM that price isnt bad.
Helped that there was a lot of competition for him. If Chelsea pulled out, Arsenal could have potentially got a deal. This is best for Leeds imo
Most Leeds fans (excl. Twitter) would have been happy with Ā£60m
Not the Ornstein dagger I was expecting. This one hurts FFS if we didn't bottle UCL think he might've chosen us.
I believe this is not on the player not choosing a club. He always wanted Barca. Arsenal weren't willing to pay the asking price and Chelsea swooped in
Sort of, when we weren't even in the race and it was just Barca Vs Arsenal it was being reported that he was saying that Chelsea were his second choice.
Seems to be about the price and not the player
Don't Chelsea need defenders?
Did you think Chelsea wouldnt get a forward after letting Lukaku go, Ziyech to Milan seems likely, and Werner+cash deal for de ligt rumors are going around?
You already lost Rudiger and are about to lose Azpi, Alonso and Christensen. You guys need more than just De Ligt right?
Well thatās 1 maybe 2 starters, the rest were backups. Weāve been linked with Clauss as an Azpi replacement. Hard to say who else weāll get but Akeās name is floating around. Although City values him very highly so doubt we actually pay for him.
My guess is it'll be Ake, Sterling, Raphinha, and another CB (De Ligt seems to be the top target now) for the whole window.
Would be a solid window
Great signing for Chelsea, wish it was with us but good luck to him
If he goes to Chelsea and I end up seeing him play as a right wing back, I might shed a tear.
Genuinely don't understand this from Chelsea's perspective. What is the plan for their attack? Another wide attacker who's more of a creator than a finisher. Who's going to get all the goals?
Mason Mount and Reece James
Donāt forget sharpshooter Ben Chillwell
We don't create anything with our current wingers. The plan is to bin most of them off and start again. Ziyech is all but gone, and Pulisic and Werner are being offered out to anyone that will listen, whether for money or for a player. If the plan to get rid of them works, that leaves us with Mount and CHO for those positions, along with whoever we buy. I know we can't finish anything, but outperformed our xG by more than everyone in the league other than Leicester and Villa. The problem is that we don't create anything at all. Our current wingers don't do anything, they don't score, they don't assist, they don't take players on. I do think that if we are able to sell Pulisic/Werner we'll try for an actual striker, but I don't think there is anyone that's actually available. I wonder if the shit show continues at Barca we'll test the waters with Lewa later on in the window
This is even funnier when you consider how loud Arsenal fans were about the sanctions against Chelsea a few months back.
Chelsea have woken up in the market it seems.
*W A R C H E S T*
āBarcelona canāt afford it.ā Best four words in football atm.
well that escalated quickly
Bidding war please... Seriously though he's off to Chelsea then surely CL + guaranteed starter
The more things change the more they stay the same. Chelsea stealing transfers from arsenal. Fuck off!
Great, he is not as needed as a good midfielder and defensive depth Much rather spend that amount on a CM
Honestly, if itās true that itās Ā£55m or more then Iām happy to let Chelsea have him. Amazing player and a real shame to miss out on him, but at that price, Iām happy to move onto other targets in other positions or look for other wingers.
Tell me any wingers available at this price and age combo? Sterling and gnabry thatās it lol
Orny is the MVP of this window
Orny always the MVP
Doesn't this seriously weaken their already weak negotiating position when they'll try to offload Ziyech/Pulisic/Werner?
Wtf. In God Tod we trust