Mid-Summer Transfer Round-up - JET to Gibbs

     Today is July 7th, and the summer is about halfway over. Due to Arsenal's poor season, Arsene Wenger has been stressed to make new signings, but it's also important to let go of some players who give little to the side, and keep the players that are our prized assets.

     I'll be addressing all of our own player's transfer situations in alphabetical order. There are exactly 31 players in our first team, so I'll do five players per post. Today, I start with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

11. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas - 

     Also known as JET, Jay is a 21 year old reserves player, that can play in nearly every position except in the goal. While he has featured for the reserves in a plethora of positions such as right back, center back, and midfield, JET has found his best position as a central forward. Jay did brilliantly for the reserves earlier this past season, scoring 10 goals in 9 appearances. In January, JET was sent out on a loan move to Cardiff. Jay is known for his fantastic footwork, but his main problem which many say stops him from making his "big break" are his attitude problems. When Jay is focused and has his attitude problems put aside, he is capable of producing magic, such as his goal for the Arsenal reserves against Everton's reserves, and a brilliant goal for Cardiff against Hull City. JET had a decent season with Cardiff, scoring two goals and making two assists. 

     Nothing is confirmed yet, but it is expected JET will go to another Championship side on loan again, unless he works wonders in the pre-seaso to impress Wenger. My prediction is that if JET doesn't perform next season on loan, then Arsenal will sell him. 

Please shave and get a haircut. 

12. Lukasz Fabianski - 

     Two seasons ago, Fabianski did himself no favors by making error after error when featured in the first team, most notably for his gaff against Porto in the Champions League. Despite his constant mistakes, Arsene Wenger supported the Pole and said that he had exceptional quality, despite what the majority of Arsenal fans (and those who watched football) thought. However, this past season Lukasz proved Wenger right, when he was called upon to replace the injured Almunia. Fabianski put in very solid performances, and showed that behind is couch potato, slob look, he was a fantastic 'keeper. Sadly AND luckily, Fabianski got injured in the away match against Manchester City, which allowed Szczesny to steal the number one spot. 

     As of now, there have been no offers for the Pole and he will stay with us. But with rumors circulating that Arsenal is after Sunderland 'keeper Craig Gordon, Fabianski, Gordon, and Szczesny will have a real battle for a starting spot. 

13. Cesc Fabregas - 

     Lucky number 13, eh? Our captain has once again endured an injury-plagued season, his hamstring being the problem. He struggled to find a run of games, which stopped him from finding the fantastic form he had found two seasons ago. But never mind all that. The real question is - will he be an Arsenal player next year? 

     Here's my post regarding the details of rumors linking a move for Cesc to Barca, up to that date. The latest on the transfer saga is that Ivan Gazidis and the Arsenal board have stuck a 40 million price tag on Cesc, and it's up to Barcelona to meet that, whether Cesc wants to leave or not. It's very simple really - if we put a price tag on a player, and you meet that price, we sell. If not, tough luck. Barcelona doesn't seem to understand this concept. Until then, Cesc will be an Arsenal player. 
     On another note - Cesc was also supposed to go on the Asia tour with Arsenal, but his hamstring injury has stopped him from doing so. Cesc is back in London and London Colney, currently doing weight training. Nasri, meanwhile, is booked to fly to Kuala Lumpur with the squad this Sunday. 

14. Emmanuel Frimpong - 

     

     Frimpong was able to feature in the Emirates Cup, where he impressed many. Unluckily, he suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and missed all of last season. Frimpong will travel with the squad to Asia. 

     In July, Frimpong admitted that he was in talks with Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic for a loan move, where he could get regular first team football. However, there are rumors circulating that if Frimpong impresses well enough in Asia, he will sit the bench and be the replacement for Song and Wilshere when they become fatigued/injured. 

15. Kieran Gibbs - 

     In the past few seasons, Gibbs has given a lot of assurance to Gooners, as it seemed Gibbs was the long-term replacement for Clichy. However, this past season Gibbs was constantly injured, which stopped him from finding form, or games for that matter. When Gibbs did play, he was very poor, particularly his FA Cup match against United. 

     There have been no rumors linking Gibbs away from the club. Instead, much of the talk regarding Kieran has been whether or not he will be the replacement for Clichy. I think he will, which is a decision I don't agree with. Gibbs is more of a winger than a full back, and his lack of experience and fitness could be a problem. He doesn't offer enough to the side defensively. We need to strengthen our squad, not replace it. 

     That's that for today. Tomorrow I'll have updates on Koscielny, Lansbury, Mannone, Nasri, and Ramsey. I hope you liked the post, and encourage you to comment and leave your thoughts.