***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

I think Rui Patricio is the better goalkeeper right now, but I really think Bernd Leno will be better after a change of scenery. While the stagnation, and arguable regression of his career is concerning, I think the right people/system/change will benefit him greatly right now.

That's fair.

I guess I just don't see Leno as having a very high ceiling anymore. If you are going to go with someone to learn from Cech, then why not someone who is much younger than Leno and is actually playing well? Lafont/Kepa/Onana/Lopez are all currently performing better while being anywhere from 2-6 years younger.

With Leno, you are gambling on a change of scenery "activating" form he hasn't seen for nearly 4 years, just seems like a bit of a risk although I know Cech has declined quite a lot.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

That's fair.

I guess I just don't see Leno as having a very high ceiling anymore. If you are going to go with someone to learn from Cech, then why not someone who is much younger than Leno and is actually playing well? Lafont/Kepa/Onana/Lopez are all currently performing better while being anywhere from 2-6 years younger.

With Leno, you are gambling on a change of scenery "activating" form he hasn't seen for nearly 4 years, just seems like a bit of a risk although I know Cech has declined quite a lot.

If there's one major thing regarding transfers that I learned this past year from listening to a few rather interesting guests on podcasts, it's that sometimes certain players cannot be reached due to their agents. It's far easier to complete deals with agents you've worked with before, have a relationship with, etc. Perhaps Sven knows Leno's agent very well, and this will help with a speedy transfer, and not one that might not go anywhere.

Just a thought, and a way I've started to look at transfers differently. Without connections, it's not as easy to go after certain players compared to others. Even in a world where everyone is connected, you still need to know people to get things done.

I'm just excited we're signing a keeper.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Xhaka has signed a new deal. I was critical of him for most of last year, but I look forward to seeing him play under Emery.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

What is the favored formation that Emery likes to use?

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

What is the favored formation that Emery likes to use?

4-2-3-1 from everything I've read. I admittedly didn't watch much of him at PSG though.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

4-2-3-1 from everything I've read. I admittedly didn't watch much of him at PSG though.

Me either. Just curious if he ever plays with 2 strikers. Aub & Lacazette would be a pretty good duo. Then again, I've read a few pieces about maybe Lacazette could already be moved on. Aubameyang needs to play through the middle imo, not pushed out wide. What was it 10 goals in 14 appearances or something? Frightening to think what his tally would be in 38 matches.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

I'd be sad if Lacazette moved on, I don't think he was ever given a fair shake between Wenger's apprehension in playing him and his lingering injury that wasn't taken care of. Personally I'd love to keep both so we just have a fresh stable of attackers. Selling Laca then having Auba get hurt or something and having to rely on Welbz sounds like a recipe for disaster. Also just having both of them to rest the other sounds great.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Xhaka has signed a new deal. I was critical of him for most of last year, but I look forward to seeing him play under Emery.

I think he's someone who can excel under Emery, as he's going to be told exactly what to do, and played to his strengths. He doesn't seem like the type of player who wants to "express himself" or be lectured on the philosophy of the game. He wants instructions—what to do, what not to do.

Doesn't mean that will work for all our players, however.

[RoyceDa59]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Xhaka has signed a new deal. I was critical of him for most of last year, but I look forward to seeing him play under Emery.

Could this mean Ramsey isn't resigning?

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

^ I could have sworn I read several articles a few weeks back suggesting that Emery was going to build the team around Aaron Ramsey.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

^ I could have sworn I read several articles a few weeks back suggesting that Emery was going to build the team around Aaron Ramsey.

It was said that he wants to, but that doesn't mean Ramsey wants to stay. I hope he does, though—I want to see him in a new system.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Unai Emery's staff is finalized, and there's been some changes for sure:

Assistant Manager: Steve Bould
Assistant Manager: Juan Carlos Carcedo
First Team Coach: Pablo Villanueva
Player Performance: Darren Burgess
Strength and Conditioning: Julen Masach
GK Coach: Javi Garcia
GK Coach: Sal Bibbo
Data Analyst: Victor Manas

The following staff have left the club:
First team coaches Neil Banfield, Tony Colbert, Jens Lehmann, Gerry Peyton and Boro Primorac; Head of Medical Services, Colin Lewin; Physiotherapists Andy Rolls and Ben Ashworth; Osteopath Dr Philippe Boixel and Travel Manager Paul Johnson.

[PPerfect_CJ]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Bernd Leno...WOW! 😳

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Leno for 19 isn't bad business. Even if he turns out to be less than world class. Between him and Javi Garcia, I have hope for between the pipes.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

Thanks for the years of service Jack Wilshere, I hope, much in the same vein as the ox, you find the potential we all knew you had somewhere else.

Mesut Ozil taking #10 incoming.