Martin Zubimendi
Long term readers will know that I have been a fan of the Spanish defensive midfielder for a while.
Last February, I made it clear that if we were priced out of deals for Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, then the Real Sociedad midfielder should be the man we go for.
Whilst we ended up with Rice, we have to assume that Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny will all leave in the summer. That opens up a squad place for a new defensive midfielder.
Zubimendi is a class act.
He is a calm presence who reads the game exceptionally. He does not need to cover a lot of ground, or rely on pace and power due to his fantastic positioning. And in his passing range and ability to create from deep and you have a Xabi Alonso regen.
I think Zubimendi would compliment the more “all-action” Rice in games where we want to play two defensive minded midfielders. He also has the talent to be the sole defensive pivot if Rice is out for any period of time.
That £53m release clause is still rumour to be active. His recruitment would be a no brainer for me this summer.
Kieran Tierney
The Scotsman has picked up his second hamstring injury whilst on loan to Real Sociedad.
I know many an Arsenal fan still hold a candle to the short sleeve wearing former Celtic player, but it is time for Arsenal to cash in.
Prior to signing for us, he missed a lot of games for Celtic. His injury issues continued at Arsenal, and his loan spell in Spain shows they are not going anyway anytime soon.
Cash in on him whilst we can.
Aymeric Laporte
With all the noise coming out from Saudi Arabia, one mans interview caught my eye – Aymeric Laporte.
Firstly, his interview is a really good insight to the struggles that many players have faced in Saudi Arabia, and highlights just how unprepared players were, and how amateurish the clubs are.
It is all well and good being Cristiano Ronaldo, constantly rubbing shoulders with the who’s who and treated like the royalty he is hanging about with. But for other players who do not have his profile, the struggles have been real.
As for Laporte, I wonder if Arsenal will be sniffing around him.
We were heavily linked with Laporte last summer before he made the decision to go to Saudi Arabia. He has the Premier League experience and is used to the demands of Mikel Arteta having spent 5 years with Pep.
Soon to be 30, Laporte could be an option if we are looking for quality, experienced cover for Gabriel and William Saliba. Keep an eye on this one.
Atmosphere issues
Yesterday’s blog led to a lot of discussion on the She Wore Facebook page.
As always, I just try and write as a fan that goes home and away, drinks in pubs before and after game, and tries not to be too reactionary and without agenda. I know this upsets some people.
The Facebook page is a brilliant community of Arsenal fans that we have built over more than a decade. We have rooted out many of those that try to divide the fanbase and try and reflect their negativity onto others.
Whilst views, both positive and negative, are welcome from all, we have tried to create a platform for reasonable discussion rather than attention seeking and abuse (of both fellow fans and the club).
If having a good, proper chat about Arsenal if your thing, give the page a follow.
UTA.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 