Final Pre Season Friendly talk

Final Pre-Season Friendly

Today is the day of our final pre-season friendly vs Cologne, Lukas Podolski's former club. It's a great chance to analyse how the team may line up and play against Sunderland when the Premier League returns this coming weekend.

The match itself has been brought into the spotlight by the fact that RVP may play, and even retain the captains armband, this surely is not the way forward. The media have been led to believe this after quotes from the Dutch manager Van Gaal,

“ 

Gaal:

"He is too important to the Dutch team."

Robin will play his first game this Sunday. He has told me he is at least going to play 45 minutes this weekend,” Van Gaal told The Mirror.
“It is a good job, because I almost had not selected him.” 


If the lad does get a run out, I'm 60:40 sure that it will be his last in the red, of Arsenal that is, as the speculation linking him with a move to Manchester united gathers pace as the Daily Star reports that United are ready to up their bid to £20m, matching Arsenal's reported asking price.

Of course this is nothing but media speculation, but its worrying speculation nonetheless.

The thought of RVP banging in a goal at the Emirates FOR United is worrying, but I believe that we'll be OK in the attacking department this season even if RVP leaves to go up north.

The signins of Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla more than make up for the departure of the "one season wonder" that is RVP.

The game also comes on the back of more speculation linking midfield maestro Alex Song with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona. Song's departure, in my opinion, would be more of a loss to the squad than that of Van Persie. Song's new found role of a box to box midfielder, rather than an out and out anchorman has seen him come on leaps and bounds, especially last season. Reports suggest £15m, but i reckon we should hold out for a lot more.

This worrying post on Alex's Twitter this morning has set some supporter's alarm bells ringing.

"Arsenal will always be in my heart."

This could mean anything from "I'm willing to stay and sign a 'long term deal' " or "bye bye, but i love you" preferably not the latter.

Over the coming days i'll post a couple of 'Premier league previews'. Summing up how i think out season will go and who will be the star individual(s) so be sure to check back, follow if you wish, and give them a look!

Thanks for the read guys,
Jay.