Morning all.
As the preparation for the weekend continues in earnest, there are a few bits and pieces of transfer news to keep us going. First, a report that Monaco tabled an official bid for Folarin Balogun – which Arsenal rejected. There was no detail on the fee offered, but their interest continues. Inter Milan are also keen on the 22 year old, but have thus far failed to make an acceptable offer.
At this point, I think his departure is far more likely than anything else, so the fact that two clubs are very publicly interested could be useful. Despite going on the US tour, he had an injury which prevented him from getting any playing time, which is unfortunate because I’m told the plan was to assess him carefully during that period before any final decision was made about his future. Being unable to train or play is not ideal in that sense.
It was interesting to hear Mikel Arteta say after the Monaco game, “The plan with Flo doesn’t change at all,” but of course we don’t know what than plan is. I’ve said before I think there is a discussion to be had about the options we have up front, but when Gabriel Jesus returns we have him, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah – while Gabriel Martinelli could be used there at a push.
However, if you’re a relatively young player who wants to play regularly after a good season on loan, do you back yourself to beat that competition and stake a claim for a place, or strike while the iron is hot and go to another club where there are greater assurances of first team football? Balogun is already on record as saying he doesn’t want to go on loan – although often the market decides what happens rather than a player – and it does feel as if he’d be open to leaving.
Monaco may come back with a better offer. Their interest might spark Inter into making a bid which is not derisory. Or, the increased awareness of his potential availability may rustle-up someone else. I wouldn’t be that surprised if there were some Premier League interest him in too, so let’s see what happens. Would people be happier with more money from an English club, but having to deal with Balogun as an opponent?! Let’s see.
Meanwhile, Matt Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest looks like it’s nearing completion. I saw yesterday that a figure of around £10m was mooted, this would be the fee + add-ons, so perhaps it’s similar to the way we sold Bernd Leno to Fulham. Which is to say, much too cheaply but with some clauses that push the fee towards respectability. Honestly, I think £7m+ is about ballpark for a goalkeeper who has never even played a Premier League game at the age of 29, but hopefully he does well enough there to spark those add-ons … just not starting this weekend if he’s picked. Sorry Matt.
That departure also means the signing of David Raya edges closer. That two goalkeeper dynamic is both interesting and slightly worrying to me, and I do hope it’s something that Mikel Arteta is asked about in more detail at some point. He has very carefully constructed his squad, and I’m sure this move has been made with the best intentions, but its a fine line between genuine competition and, potentially, leaving a disgruntled player in your ranks. No doubt that’s something he has considered, but it’d be interesting to hear him expand on it publicly.
Elsewhere, Marquinhos is off to Nantes on loan, and despite some talk that there’s discussion over a €12m option to buy, the Ouest-France outlet reporting this first insists that no such option is included. Which makes a lot of sense, because who would pay that really? Perhaps he can have the kind of season which will make that look like a decent price, but as it stands, there isn’t a club in the world that would pay that much for him. A loan is little surprise, when we hijacked his move to Wolves, they had already arranged a season out on loan, and he’s not ready to play much at Arsenal. Hopefully he can do well there, after a somewhat disappointing spell at Norwich in the second half of last season.
The future of Kieran Tierney has been a discussion point this summer. The big bid from Newcastle never materialised, and there hasn’t been much in the way of interest beyond that. Talk of a loan offer from Real Sociedad is interesting, but if KT is homesick in London, how would he fare much further away?
I have to say, he’d be mad to turn it down if the bid was acceptable to Arsenal. It’s a beautiful part of the world, a bit more verdant than other parts of Spain, and the new stadium is great in one of the best towns on the planet. Given Arteta is from San Sebastian, perhaps he can convince Tierney of its qualities, despite the greater distance from Glasgow. Then again, if Arsenal were willing to let him go on loan, would it open the door for a return ‘home’, if Celtic could rustle up sufficient funds?
Finally, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Lyon, a very decent move for him, and he’ll hook up with former teammate Alexandre Lacazette there. I enjoyed this when he was about where he’d like to play:
My favorite position? Midfield. I hope to establish myself in this position, but I am ready to work anywhere to help the team.
Bon chance, Ainsley!
Right, let’s leave it there for this morning. Have a good one folks.
