By Danong
The Premier League is back, and Gooners will be hoping it returns with a bang especially given the tough start Arsenal face.
Provides an independent, analytical and mature approach to Arsenal's games and related issues.
By Danong
The Premier League is back, and Gooners will be hoping it returns with a bang especially given the tough start Arsenal face.
By 1970s Gooner
Raya has looked shaky throughout this Asia tour. This shakines has come to the fore in todays NLD.
He has been nowhere good enough defending corners with two of them plainly sailing over his head and almost into the goal. Once the post came to his aid and then for the next one Richarlison blocked it from going into the net!!
But what was he doing passing the ball to MLS in the middle of the pitch with his back turned and with two Spurs midfielders around him.
He needs to come off.
By Danong
The first North London derby abroad is here as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur clash in Hong Kong in a pre-season friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium.
So far, so good as Arsenal’s Asian pre-season has got off to a bright start.
A 1–0 win over AC Milan and a 3–2 victory against Newcastle have set the tone for the Gunners. They should head into this game buzzing.
Given it’s a derby, Mikel Arteta needs to go full strength. He can’t let Thomas Frank win his debut NLD and with it, claim the first North London derby ever played abroad.
Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are unavailable for the game.
While he has also admitted Viktor Gyokeres could feature against Spurs, it’s unlikely he’ll start (Kai Havertz starts). Jurrien Timber may also get some minutes, but it is unlikely as he’s only just returned to full training.
Still, Arsenal should line up close to full strength:
Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard
Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Max Dowman impressed against a physical Newcastle side. It would be interesting to see him handed another cameo to confirm he’s truly ready for a breakout season.
As for Nwaneri, he didn’t shine against Newcastle, but if introduced versus Spurs, let’s hope he silences the critics and reminds everyone of his brilliance.
By Danong
By 1970s Gooner
By 1970s Gooner
By 1970s Gooner
Arsenal made a formal offer of €63.5M + €10M in add-ons, but according to A Bola only €3M are considered easy to achieve. So there is a difference of 7m to be covered.By 1970s Gooner
Amid growing speculation about his future, Viktor Gyökeres has been spotted in high spirits, enjoying time with legendary sprinter Usain Bolt.
The Sporting CP striker, heavily linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal, was photographed alongside the Jamaican icon at a wedding event in Stockholm.
The moment captured the pair striking Gyökeres’ now-famous “mask” goal celebration — a gesture that has become his trademark in Portuguese football.
The timing of the photo has sparked further intrigue, as it comes just days before Gyökeres is expected to report back to pre-season training with Sporting.
However, with negotiations between the Lisbon club and Arsenal reportedly at an advanced stage, many believe the Swedish striker could soon be headed to the Premier League.
Gyökeres, 26, enjoyed a sensational debut season in Portugal, scoring 43 goals in all competitions and helping lead Sporting to the Liga Portugal title.
His dynamic style, physical presence, and clinical finishing have made him a top target for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are in search of a proven No. 9 to complement their attacking setup.
The striker’s relaxed demeanor in the presence of Bolt — a global sports figure known for his charisma and winning mentality — could be interpreted as a sign that Gyökeres is mentally ready for his next challenge. The two athletes appeared to share an easy camaraderie, highlighting Gyökeres’ growing profile beyond football circles.
Although no deal has yet been finalized, reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to meet Sporting’s valuation. The coming days will be crucial as both clubs work toward a resolution — but if his recent mood is anything to go by, Gyökeres is more than ready to sprint into the next chapter of his career.
By 1970s Gooner
Local press in Lisbon is reporting that negotiations for Gyokeres transfer to Arsenal is finally coming to a conclusion.
Arsenal have made an offer of 65m euros plus 15 m euros as add ons bringing the total package at 80m euros. Sporting however are demanding at least 70 plus 10.
It is also reported that Gyokeres himself has offered to contribute 2m euros towards facilitating a conclusion to this saga.
One would think that with Berta's presence in Lisbon this 5m euro difference will be bridged.
It is impressive however that Gyokeres himself has been so enthusiastic from almost day one to join Arsenal. An enthusiasm that he will bring on the pitch I am sure.
The hope now is that we pursue Eze AND Rodrygo!
By Danong
In recent days, it has emerged that Arsenal’s new contract offer—reportedly retaining his current wages—has not convinced the Ghana international, who is believed to be holding out for improved terms.
With his departure anticipated, Arsenal are now considering following up the Martín Zubimendi swoop with another midfield addition.
Several high-level midfielders have been linked, but one name standing out is Sevilla’s 22-year-old Lucien Agoumé.
It is not his relatively modest £20 million price tag that makes him so appealing.
It is the fact that, should Partey leave, Agoumé is quite capable to step in and share the workload alongside Zubimendi.
In Agoumé, Mikel Arteta might finally find the Moisés Caicedo-style midfielder he once believed the team desperately needed.
Why compare Agoumé to Caicedo? FBref uses statistical profiling to show how closely players match in terms of output and style—and in Agoumé’s case, he is remarkably similar to Caicedo.
Their underlying numbers tell the story. Both players rank closely in several key areas per 90 minutes: non-penalty expected goals and assists, expected assists, tackles, blocks, progressive carries and passes, and goal-creating actions.
According to FBref, Agoumé completes 87 percent of his passes when under pressure, slightly ahead of Caicedo’s 84.9 percent—an indication of his composure and quick decision-making under duress.
In terms of forward momentum, both average over five progressive passes per 90 minutes (Agoumé: 5.74; Caicedo: 5.78), highlighting their value in transitioning play from deep.
Defensively, Agoumé exhibits stronger ball-winning instincts: more blocks (1.55 vs. 0.83), more clearances (1.74 vs. 0.89), and more tackles and interceptions (3.48 vs. 2.89) per 90 minutes last season.
Yet Agoumé is also seen as a future elite number six due to his ability to control tempo, read play, distribute progressively, manipulate the ball under pressure, retain possession reliably, and duel effectively—both on the ground and in the air.
He is an all-action midfielder, and there is reason to believe he could handle the number eight role just as well.
In Agoumé, Arsenal may not just be getting the Caicedo they once chased—they may be landing a more complete, hybrid version of the South American.