Arsenal go big again, Merino rumbles on, and on

For years Arsenal has had what I would call an under tall squad. When Arsene Wenger’s team was in its pomp, the likes of Petit, Vieira, Edu, Campbell, Toure, Henry, Keown, Adams etc stood tall. Literally.

Now we’re going, or rather we’ve gone, big again. Partey, Rice, Havertz, Calafiori, Saliba, Kiwior, Gabriel and if he ever arrives, Merino. All are 6’ 1” or taller. They’re strong players too but with grace on the ball. The only under 6’ defenders and defence minded midfielders we have is Zinchenko, Timber and Jorginho.

Nice to see five of our players named in the PFA Team Of The Season. Fully deserved too. Haaland, Foden, Walker, Rodri, Watkins and van Dijk made up the rest of the team.

Yesterday was about five things in the news relating to Arsenal. Yes, Merino yet again which is inevitable until he either signs or the transfer window closes. Both Eddie Nketiah and Charlie Patino are very close to leaving Arsenal on permanent deals and Mikel Arteta is very close to signing a new contract. Nothing new there really.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Bournemouth have joined in the race for Ramsdale. It seems no club wants to actually part with money to sign him though as all I’ve read is loan deals. Fine if it means they’ll buy him next year but if Arsenal to sign a replacement, I bet they’ll be expected to pay up in full. Whoever signs Ramsdale will get a top notch goalkeeper.

Raheem Sterling’s name has been loosely linked to Arsenal but unless it’s a loan deal with Chelsea paying the majority of his wages, thanks but no thanks. Ademola Lookman Is another new name linked to Arsenal. Sportitalia via Goal.com claims that Arsenal are looking to make an enormous offer for Lookman this summer. The report claims that the Gunners are preparing a bid worth €50 million (£42.5m/$55.7m) plus bonuses but could include Jakub Kiwior in the deal to lower the fee. A loan with an option to buy is also on the cards as the transfer window draws to a close. Liverpool are linked with him too.

Even if Merino were to sign before tomorrow’s lunchtime deadline, there’s zero chance of him starting against Villa on Saturday in my opinion, or even making the bench because he’ll need to find his feet. Calafiori has already trained and played during the end of the preseason but he didn’t get onto the pitch last weekend. He’ll get his day though, as will any other player who Arsenal sign in the next eight days.

Short one today guys just to refresh the site.