MUDRYK TRANSFER FEE GETS LOWER AND LOWER

I know this is going to sound mad, but the joining together of some of the big hitters in media last week to rally around the idea that Mikel Arteta’s behavior is uncouth appears to have influenced ANOTHER FA decision. This time, we’re being slapped for appealing a penalty against Oxford United.

Can you believe it? I can.

These sorts of joined-up attacks from all the major papers at the same time are not an accident, they are influence campaigns that are tried and true.

It’s been pretty clear for a number of years that there are a lot of weak people at the FA that want to avoid the ire of the papers, so it’s no surprise a proper nothing burger moment in the Oxford game would result in the heavy hand of the law coming down on Arsenal again.

It is not shock to hear Conte amp the impression Arsenal are a bad club in pre-match presser. He knows it’ll land. It’ll increase the chances of a ‘we’ll show this lot’ red card or penalty. It’s all very transparent.

Once again though, it needs to be reiterated… Arsenal is back, and that is why everyone suddenly cares about these things.

Max Rushden has penned an article about Harry Kane’s career shouldn’t be judged in trophies. He opens the story talking about how cool it’d be if Harry won a penalty against us in a ‘clever way.’ Imagine talking up how good your main man is at winning dubious penalties when trying to paint a new type of legacy that doesn’t focus on the lack of winning anything in a 12-year career?

I am really looking forward to the game this weekend, it’d be nice to bury the myth of Antonio Conte and this Premier League title-winning squad he’s supposed to be creating. Last time we lost at their place we had massive injuries and Rob Holding was sent off early. Hardly a demonstration of elite football from Spurs. We need to do the job this weekend and smash them up.

We have a fully fit squad, the momentum is with us, the only excuse we might have is the customary ‘clever penalty’ Harry Kane will spend the whole game trying to win.

The BIG story today is the BIG transfers journos are now saying the Mudryk deal is properly close. The fees are basically agreed and there will be a whole load of murky figures thrown out to ensure Shaktar don’t feel silly and Arsenal don’t feel ripped off. I think we’ll pay around £45m (what we bid for Raphina) for him and add-ons will take it closer to £60m. I just don’t see a world in which we paid £100m or anywhere close. That isn’t market rate.

But whatever, it’s not my money, if Arteta and his team think he’s the next level of player we need, that’s all I need to know.

This is really a player for next season who we have to hope can take the weight for cup games this season. He’s fast, powerful, and committed to Arsenal. When coaches like De Zerbi are saying this is a player who has no ceiling, it does get you a little excited.

Chelsea should be investing like that, instead, they’ve dropped £15m on a winger who is now banned for 15% of his Premier League games after getting a straight red against Fulham. Another game they’ve lost. They are having quite the season, couldn’t happen to a nice club, could it?

Right, that’s all I have time for today, remember, get on our Patreon for the NLD preview!

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BEFORE THE WHISTLE

We talk about the North London Derby, focusing on Hale-Enders, Spurs injuries, and the ramifications of a win.

We also talk about the new Arsenal artwork!

Feat: @iJohnnyCochrane @mattkandela & Pedro

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— Le Grove (@LeGrove) January 11, 2023