Today is July 15th, 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 will be the last post of the series, and I start with Traore.
26. Armand Traore -
Traore was sent on loan last season to Italian giants Juventus, or "used to be" giants. From what I have seen of him, he didn't have the best season there. His defending wasn't brilliant, but it was acceptable, while his crosses were shameful.
I don't know if there are any rumors linking Traore away from the club, and I don't care. Arsene Wenger spoke after Gael Clichy's departure, brushing off rumors of interest in Jose Enrique:
"The reasoning is that Kieran Gibbs at some stage has to get a chance to play. And Gael had only one year to go. I rate Gael very highly but I rate highly as well Kieran Gibbs, and he is now at an age where he has to play. And that’s the main reason behind that, to give Gibbs a chance"
So, with Gibbs looking to be Arsene's first choice left back for the upcoming season, I highly doubt he would make a bid for Enrique, a player that would seemingly sit on the bench behind Gibbs.
Henceforth, with this news, it is safe to assume that Traore will be the second string left back, the same position Gibbs was in last year to Clichy. And while the last memory many Arsenal fans have of Traore is a disappointing one, Traore has improved. Traore easily outplayed Gibbs in the friendly against the Malaysia XI, and now looks the favorite to get the starting position, unless Gibbs can produce on Friday in Hangzhou. Traore didn't look as good going forward as Gibbs did, but Traore looked better defensively, which is more important.
27. Robin Van Persie -
Robin has had an "interesting" season. He participated in a few matches early in the season, but after picking up another injury at Ewood Park, he was out for months. RvP finally returned from injury on New Years Day, and from that point forward, he had a fantastic season. 18 goals in just 19 League appearances - that's quite a season for a striker of any caliber. He also broke a Premier League record for scoring in consecutive away games, with 11 straight. He's something else. Imagine if Robin had fit the entire season - he could easily be regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe. He just needs to get rid of his glass ankles!
There were rumors of unrest in the van Persie camp during the growing speculation of Nasri and Cesc's future. This talk has now been dismissed, after Robin stated that he believes the upcoming season with Arsenal could be his best yet. Just don't get injured, Robin.
28. Carlos Vela -
Ah, the tricky little goal-scoring Mexican starlet! Well, perhaps starlet is a slight overstatement. His role at Arsenal would be "the knock around after thrashing poor opponents at the Emirates chip-shot starlet!". Too long? Alright. How about what West Brom called him: "Carlos Vela". Odd, I know, but it seems the West Brom fans weren't huge fans of Carlos, and neither was Roy Hodgson. Despite scoring crucial, last minute goals for West Brom in two matches, he didn't see much time at the Hawthornes. He didn't get much time at Arsenal before his loan move either; like I said, he only came on in games such as a Bolton at home to score. (<- A rare occasion, a goal where didn't chip the 'keeper).
Regarding transfer news, Vela's agent came out and said that Carlos would not be leaving the Emirates this summer. I don't mind that, Vela's a good lad and seems patient as well. However, I don't see any future for him at Arsenal. Miyaichi, Walcott, Gervinho, van Persie, and Rhys Murphy are just too much competition for him, and competition that will stay for at least another two years. For Carlos's career's sake, I think a move next season to a Spanish side would be best. Until then, he's an Arsenal player, and stays out of the limelight. Therefore, we should treat him with respect. He may not be the best, but when he does play he tends to score. Of course, that's not to say he should start, but based on what Arsene Wenger expects of him, he goes beyond expectation.
29. Thomas Vermaelen -
This past season has exactly been one to remember for the Belgian captain. He only managed three league matches before he was injured for half a century. Arsenal didn't help us fans out either, at one point saying Vermaelen's return would be in "two weeks". Two weeks would pass by with Thomas still in the physio's room. He finally returned in May to play against Aston Villa in a forgetful match. Looking back at all our defensive problems, we really missed the Verminator last season.
No rumors of a departure. He's currently on the Asia tour getting some much needed fitness. I hate to say it (even though Wenger loves too), but having Vermaelen back is like a new signing.
30. Theo Walcott -
The past season has undoubtedly been Theo's best, despite his injury problems. He still has work to do, but it is obvious that his finishing has improved, and his tactical awareness has improved since last season - a side of his game that was often criticized. His goal scoring was fantastic - a hat trick against Blackpool, and fantastic finishes against Chelsea, Blackburn, and Shaktar.
Again, no transfer speculation. Next season should be a good one for Theo - a real battle for places with Gervinho, and if Wenger finally turns to a 4-4-2, Theo could finally get his wish fulfilled.
31. Jack Wilshere -
Do I really have to go over it all? No, I don't. Should I? Maybe. But I won't. It would be too much to write! Jack has had an amazing season, easily our best player. Day in and day out Jack has coped with the pressure and delivered brilliant performances. In fact, on the biggest night of the season, Jack out played Messi, Xavi, David Villa, Iniesta, Pedro, and Dani Alves.
No news of Jack leaving either, as if he would if there was news! Our most dedicated player by far, and many peoples pick to be our next captain. His partnership with Ramsey looks promising, so next season looks good in the midfield aspect.
That's that for today, and the Mid-summer Transfer Round-up series. I hope you liked the posts, and encourage you to comment and leave your thoughts.
In other news, I've got two bundles of good news. Firstly, it seems like Denilson is finally leaving! Apparently he is on the verge of signing for a loan deal to Sao Paolo. For how long I'm not sure. Ten years would be nice, but may be a little optimistic.
The second bundle of fun: Fabregas's hometown mayor, Estanislau Fors said this:
HAH! Arsenal is the club lacking class is it? And if Barca wants Cesc, just pay the fee and take him! For Christ's sake. I want to say the man is complacent, but that's just too nice. This guy is just a fucking idiot.
"We all want Cesc to come home to Barcelona because at the moment he is living in a kidnapping.If Arsenal are truly English gentlemen they should start behaving as such. They need to stop clowning around, it is disorienting everyone"
And on that positive note, I bid you goodbye.
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