Hi everyone. Let’s forget about the football for a moment, as everyone is talking about the expected buyout bid by Daniel Ek to try and get control of Arsenal FC.
The expected bid did come as a bit of a shock as I am very aware that the current owners are into keeping their investments for the long haul. I think the bid will be welcomed by the fans and is obviously being endorsed by some of our top ex-players.
Despite the turmoil around the game since the start of the pandemic, when it comes to Stan Kroenke I don’t think he is interested in selling the club, and why would he be? If he’s not going to sell then the club is in dire need of big investment this summer, so hopefully either way this will be the case.
The Kroenkes big Sports portfolio means that they surely have been hit harder than most by the ongoing pandemic, by not having paying customers into his stadiums to watch any events. Maybe that could have an effect on his thoughts on the takeover proposal, but I believe the fans’ backlash will have the biggest impact on his decision. I believe, along with Arsenal currently on a downward spiral, that this could be the ideal time for them to sell if that was going to be the case.
Also, the failure of the projected Super League would be another setback for the owner. The fans may have been able to nip in in the bud this time, but it is only a matter of time before something similar will be put in place, either with UEFA’s blessing or not, but the fact is that Football needs competition. If the competition is not available to all then what does it matter? Of course it will generate the SL clubs a large amount of money, but what motivation will the clubs then have to build their squads if they’re guaranteed to be there anyway. I don’t think this proposed version will ever come to fruition, but UEFA will probably adjust their competitions to try and reach a compromise.
But if a version of the Super League DOES go ahead in future, questions will be asked on if Arsenal even deserve a place at the top table. I am not sure what the exact requirements were to be in the proposed competition, but nothing should be given if not earned. Arteta needs time and funds but I do think he is the man for the job going forwards.
But if Arsenal continue to not make progress the club will no longer be profitable anyway. In any business if you believe in the product, you invest and make a larger profit. They need to invest like all the other top clubs, or you will see them falling way behind.
In regards to the Villarreal game last week, I thought the first half performance was way below par. There was no life in the team and the starting 11 looked out of sorts and unbalanced. Martinelli should have started at number 9 with the solid base of Elneny and Partey behind him. The second half was much better but again stupid mistakes cost us but overall I thought we will be happy with the result and can be confident going into the home tie on Thursday.
Until the next time
Michael Thomas