It hasn’t been confirmed but Hector Bellerin could now be out for the season. His loss is such a blow it could be the difference between Arsenal making the top 4, or more particularly our willingness to replace him this month. Arsenal have made it clear they are only able to do loan deals this month.
There’s a difference though between there being zero money in the bank compared to not wanting to put your hand in your pocket. If ever there was a moment Emery should demand support from his owner, it should be now. He’s tolerated the transfer policy but could now make a fair argument to Mr Kroenke that by not releasing funds for a right back this month could cost him money in the long term. It’s depressing we have to talk in business terms but that’s the only language the American understands.
Explain to him that the Champions League means more revenue so it’s worth the gamble of taking some cash out of the summer kitty now as the reward is so high. Not having that ambition could cost us a trophy or what European competition we play in next season. Our Spanish full back is going to be on the side-lines for a while, so we need more than our recruitment team trying to find value. Competition in this area would have been one of our priorities in July anyway so you’re only asking for an advance on the money.
Maitland-Niles has designs to play further forward and is viewed better than a squad player playing out of position. There seems an acceptance that it was mistake to give a contract to Lichtsteiner. That’s no criticism on a man who’s had a hell of a career, there’s no disgrace that at 35 he’s found the pace of the Premiership too hard. he might respond now that a run in the first team is up for grabs? Yet I know some Gooners who rather Carl Jenkinson get a chance over the Swiss.
So, our choices are a youngster who’s not a natural defender, or an individual where age has crept up. It’s a long time to only have those two options so I don’t think it would be unfair if our manager asked for some help.
At Chelsea, Sarri has demanded a striker and he’s going to get Higuaín. So, is the injury to our right back enough to get Silent Stan to reconsider his policy?
Does he know who Bellerin is?
Does he know what a right back is?
Does he care?
I think I know the answer to those questions!
Dan Smith