Football Daily - Are Arsenal ready to take the next step?

Episode Date: August 12, 2025

Kelly Cates and guests chat all things Arsenal ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Theo Walcott, Alex Howell and Alex Moneypenny ask if Arsenal are ready to go again.Get the latest on summer arrivals, including Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi - can both hit the ground running?The panel debate what a successful season looks like for Mikel Arteta, and former Arsenal academy coach Temisan Williams joins to lift the lid on wonderkid Max Dowman after an impressive pre-season from the 15-year-old.Timecodes: 02:15 Arsenal's business so far 03:30 Gyökeres arrives 06:00 Havertz & Gyökeres 13:20 Praise for Zubimendi 19:55 Noni Madueke's role this season 25:20 Will Ebere Eze sign? 29:00 Is a trophy a must? 36:50 15-year-old Dowman 47:15 Man Utd v Arsenal previewBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Wed - 2000 - UEFA Super Cup - PSG v Spurs Sat - 1500 - Premier League - Sunderland v West Ham Sat - 1500 - Premier League - Spurs v Burnley Sat - 1730 - Premier League - Wolves v Man City Sun - 1400 - Premier League - Chelsea v Palace Sun - 1400 - Premier League - Forest v Brentford Sun - 1630 - Premier League - Man Utd v Arsenal

BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts. This is the Football Daily podcast with Kelly Cates. Hello and welcome to the Football Daily podcast with me, Kelly Cates. Coming up, we'll be chatting all things Arsenal, as the gunners aimed to lift the Premier League trophy after three consecutive second place finishes. Joining us for the next hour, BBC's senior football news reporter, Alex Howell, host of the Canon podcast, Alex Moneypenny,

and former Arsenal in England forward. Theo Walcott is here. Theo, we just heard, as you will have very clearly noticed, your goal for Southampton during Arsenal's title run in two years ago. Feeling a little guilty? No, and just doing my job, like everyone else's doing their job, you know, correctly tonight. No, stitch me up proper there, I've got to say. I've actually had a few people on the street pull up to me and always say to me,

how could you do that? How could you score against us? And it's just matter what people think at times. You've got to do a job. But yeah, it was my last ever goal for Arsenal, 14, 20. What did they expect you to do? Exactly, exactly. You can't win, but that's the life of being a football, I suppose.

But look, it was a very interesting evening for me. But we were winning at a time when I came off. So, you know, I did my job. But the team sadly failed towards the end. But look, Arsenal this year, it's going to be tough still. I do believe that. I'm not sure how you guys feel. But I love the transfer market.

I love the window. What everyone's doing, that's the worry, what everyone's doing for me. And the number nine, number 14, it's what they've been craving for. but it's just going to take time and I don't think he's got it. I really don't. Alex Money Penny, as the season approaches very, very quickly,

how are you feeling? Excited, apprehensive? What are your thoughts and your feelings? You've got to be excited this time of the season. You've got to have that hopeful delusion as a fan, surely. Yeah, I think Theo kind of said it. I think, yeah, I do have concerns, but I think I'm positive.

I do think what we've done in the window I'm happy with so far. I'd love to see us do a couple more. things towards in. And then we'll talk about that a little bit later. But yeah, I'm positive. I think this part of the season, we talk so much about transfers and the stuff that doesn't, for me, it doesn't affect loads of stuff.

But it's, yeah, I'm really forward to the football actually starting and talking about that again. I'm looking forward to that. Yeah, well, you might think it doesn't affect loads of stuff, but it is where we're going to start our conversation this evening. So Alex Hull, just kind of bring us up to date with where Arsenal are in terms of the of the transfer window. Who are the big ins and outs for them? So Arsenal been busy, as you've said, six players in, five of those went on tour.

They signed Nani Madiwakei from Chelsea, who didn't go. They left here to give him a bit of a break after the Club World Cup to easing him and have him fresh for the season. Christian Norgaard for a bit of experience to replace Giorgino in midfield, Christian Mosquera, the centreback. And then the big one, which Theo touched on there, is Victor Yoccarez, of course, the striking. and the expectation around him is so big from the Arsenal fans. I've been to all of their preseason games and the reception he got not only in Hong Kong and Singapore, but his first goal at the Emirates,

it's really going to help them with the presence and that focal point and not only just that of what he's going to bring off the pitch, but I've met him and he's absolutely massive, so I'm going to have a good focal point to ain't some crosses too. So you're going to be nice about him as well. When you say about Fockeport and Yokorez, my only concern is the dynamic in the squad of how they adapt to playing with someone now

that's going to be in a position which they didn't really have at all last year and it's just that time element I was talking about of how long it will take to get used to playing with number nine again because they've essentially gone, what, four or five years now without a recognised number nine that does things out of the ordinary

like the players for me was Van Percy would do something out of the ordinary. He probably compares to, Giroux, not as good looking, I don't think, but he's definitely got an iconic celebration and it's one that we want to see more of, but my concern would just be, you know, that dynamic between, you know, Saka, who's going to play on the left, those connections, who's going to play behind him because I think it's a really big season for Odegaard, personally, if I'm looking at the season compared to last. So there's all these different dynamics,

the new team, but I do feel Arsenal are stronger. Will they still finish above Liverpool, because I think Liverpool are dangerous. These questions are still going to be asked until, but I agree with you guys, I still feel like there's a couple that they need just to put their icing on the cake, I believe. Well, that's really interesting

in kind of what you were saying the fear about the settling in period. One of the biggest differences of seen from Arsenal during this preseason, and it was from the first game, is just how much more direct they're going already. It's a big difference.

Arsenal last season really struggled to break down those teams that sat in really deep and were really organised, really defensive. But they're looking a lot more direct going in behind the spaces, playing between the lines a lot quicker. And that has all been constructed with the thought of bringing in Victor Yocchere's to play to his strengths. It was really interesting. One of the training sessions they had in Hong Kong, they had two sets of 11s on half of

the pitch. One had Kai Havert's and one had Victor Yockerez. and the massive difference, Yokores has no interest in coming into midfield to drop in and link up the play. He just stays near the area looking to get on the end of those crosses. So I wouldn't rule out those two playing together at some point,

but it's definitely going to be a different Arsenal when they line up old traffled on that first Premier League game in the season. Alex, you were talking there about watching and watching the Arsenal side training and watching the difference between what's happening with Yokorez and with Havert. What do you think this means for Kai Havert's, the signing of Yoccharest?

It's definitely competition and it was really interesting to see him play coming on Saturday when he replaced Yocchrez. The goal he scored was probably one of the most unlike Kai Havert's goals I've ever seen a ball hooked over defence, him running past defenders. So it's going to be interesting for him. It's going to be difficult, but Kai Havert is one of Mikhail Artetta's favourite players. He loves what he does. He loves how clever he is and how much he links the attack. So although it doesn't seem like there's a natural place for him at the moment,

I'd be surprised if he doesn't play as many, if not more games than Victor Yokorez. Just because he knows the system, he's proven it for Arsenal in the league and in Europe as well for them when they've been going through these campaigns. So they'll offer something completely different. And I think that's exactly what Arsenal need. Alex will have watched a lot of Arsenal as well for the last couple of seasons when they've been struggling to get goals. and they've had Havert's, yes,

but what can you do when you're looking for something different to try and get that second goal or the only goal you need to win a match and maybe that's what they've been missing? Yeah, I think we've been so... A lot of Arsenal fans will use the phrase, the horseshoe, and I think that's been a big thing for us, unable to sort of get through the middle of stuff.

And I think, especially another player we haven't mentioned, is Uber Mendi, who I think sort of being able to sort of punch that ball through the lines to Yokorez, as well as, I think Theo mentioned it, Martin Erdogar, able to play those balls through the lines. It's a very different style. So, yeah, I think they can, complement each other. I think Yokorez, it was an interesting one when his price was being

sort of considered at 80 million, 90 million. I was looking at him and going, oh, I don't know how you translate, but as a sort of pairing complementary to Havert's, I think there's something really interesting there, who starts games, who finishes games, who sort of what type of game are you playing and what type of nine do you need? I think it's a really interesting pairing. When you talk about type then, Old Trafford, Yoccarez in the first game of Premier League, do you start him or do you go over the trial and tested Havert's who's reliable? Or do you play? in both and play Havits off the left because there's another debate on the left-hand side, I feel like it's up for grabs still.

So obviously it's the new shiny centre forward, Shesco and Yoccares, who's better really. But in your eyes, who do you see you will start that game? I look at it very differently and see the fact that Havertz is obviously very reliable. He can trust him. And to bring Yokka as an impact player for the first game, ultra-a-way from home, is a big ask for a player they're expecting to perform straight away. and he probably will, but will he be ready with pre-season? As a player, sometimes it can take two or three games to get into it.

Arsenal can't really afford that this year because of the amount of points they lost out last year to Liverpool. So it's a big dilemma, but I love the fact he's got this dilemma because that's the one thing he's not had for many seasons, is having this competition. And then you have the players who are being too comfortable that I'll start next week, it's no problem. That's, you know, there's a few now I feel like are going to be put under pressure.

Havis is one of them, but like you said, if you're scoring goals out of the ordinary, you're going to get something else out of Howitz? I think he's a tremendous footballer. I think people forget he was playing out of position and he did a great job and they missed him so much throughout that season, didn't they? And Saki even missed the connections there.

So for you, who starts the weekend? Personally, I'd probably start with Havert and have Yoccas off the bench to impact the game. I think when you're facing tired legs 60, 70 minutes, what Yokores does running those channels. I'm really interested in seeing. The biggest problem for Arsenal last season I feel that, well, there was

a number, but maybe the biggest one was changing games. If you look to the bench, we're playing Kieran Sini on the left wing. We've got Jack Henry Francis, no disrespect, but, you know, hasn't played in the Premier League on the Champions League, you know, on the bench, etc. I really felt for Mikkel, because I looked at that bench and just went, you know, what can he do? If the game's going

a certain way, everyone's got a, what's that phrase? Everyone's got a plan to get punched in the face, right? You know, everyone can sit there and say, oh, we're trying to do this. He couldn't change it. So, I'm yeah, I'm, I think we need more tools in the toolbox, but I think there's an opportunity to change games and to come back to the question, I probably would start with Havert. Theo, I'm actually curious on your

take. Yocchores physically, how do you see that? Because he doesn't, for me, he looks massive. He's got an Excel top on, is he? Yeah, he's a big guy. Do you think he'll stay that way, or do you think he'll, what do you think? I think, looking at his frame, he's, you look at someone like Wayne Rooney, for instance, who always had that statue. was always going to, like Mikkel Artetta said, destroy defenders. And I love the fact he said that because defenders will hear that and they want to try and get up in person with him. But that won't work.

It really won't. But I think he will stay like that. I think the, you know, he's already been in the Premier League briefly. It didn't quite work. But look, that's his build. I think that's how he's made. And I think it's more the goal threat from the aerial threat, really. I think I'm more intrigued him.

Like you saying, when there isn't an option, why not? put it in there. That's what we did with Juru. Put it into an area. A Ford knows where to be at that right time, the right minute. And obviously the goal he scored, you know, preseason recently was him, you know, in a nutshell. So look, I think that's for me, I like this build. I think it's different. I think it's something they need. And like you say, it will compliment habits as well, having that, you know, those guys behind. But I think, uh, I'm intrigued to see how it works with Saka because I'm a big fan of his and the fact Saka has now got someone like Madaweke can take the load off him. And that's the problem. He's played a lot football

for someone so young. I think we're going to see the best out of him this year. I really do. Alex, Theo and Alex have given their thoughts on who they would want to start. What's your take on who Mikkel Arteta would want to start? Miquel Arteta is not to criticise. I think his default, he's risk averse.

So I think he'll go for Kai Havert's because he knows the plan. He's played away at Old Trafford before. And like Theo said, it's a lot of expectation for Ky, for Victor Yokorez to come in. and start a game, especially against Manchester United and at Old Trafford as well. And coming onto the frame thing,

I don't think he's had that much team training. Because he had the whole issue with sporting to try and get the move done, he hadn't trained with a team since sporting won the title in May. So it's only these last two weeks he's able to get back up to full fitness. So I think that will be in the back of Mikhail Ateta's mind as well.

And like Theo touched on, having that presence, to bring on Yokorez with 20, 30 minutes to go when you're a Manchester United defender and thinking we've been up against it already and now they're bringing on a 70 million pound striker. It might have as much of a physical impact as a mental one. That's the side of it as well that people won't realise as a fan thinking, oh, he's playing habits. He should be playing Yokores. Like we've spent all this money on them, but you just hit the nail on the head of the fact that he's only trained a short amount of time. So it takes time to get up to speed with

these players. And yes, of course he would want to start the first game of season. But It's one of those. It has to go right for Mikkel to justify the decision. Look, we're obviously speculating if he's not going to start or not, but that's the side of it that people got to understand the patient side of it. But I don't think Mikal's going to get it. So he's in a bit of a catch-22. He's in a dilemma this year where people believe he needs to win.

But I feel he needs to be competitive throughout the whole season and to potentially even be right at the top of the Premier League for a consistent period. That's what I believe. Theo, on Martin Zimmermendi, it feels like in any other transfer window this would be the big signing. This is the one that Arsenal fans were waiting for. This was a transfer saga of

its own. They had to fight off competition and they eventually got their man and they got him early. It's been overshadowed by the signing of Yokorez a little bit just because he's newer apart from anything else. That's great. We want the strikers to do well. That's what we were all about. But could Zippermendi actually

be, if not more important, maybe have more of an immediate impact given that he was player of the match in the last preces and fixture? Yes, and the reason why I say that so confidently is is forward thinking and he's not a player that would play the easy option. He likes to take the risks. And we always look at wingers and particularly wingers take the risk and they're always

the first player to come off. But he's a player in the field who likes to go forward first. First touch is forward. First passes, always his thought is forward. And I like that. It's always positive in my eyes. And the Norgaard one as well, again, they might compliment each other really well, having someone who would do a lot of the running.

It's Declan Rice, that dynamic, how that's going to work as well because I feel like he's brilliant when he's higher up the field. But Zumandi, for me, controls the calmness as well. Physically, it will be the test for him. I think that would be the biggest test, but that's always the case when any foreign player comes to the Premier League. It's ultimately the toughest league in the world of football, but someone who's won pretty much most things anyway,

it won't phase him, and it's a player that they've been fond of for many years. so and Michael obviously got his man now and he has been overshadowed but look it's one of those as a midfield player we don't mind that because they do the work correctly and that's what I like about him he's just forward thinking

and I was sick of midfield players when he passes side and side without doing anything he's different and again it's another difference they didn't have last year it's another option so and as well if he thinks

I'll put it into the area what happened goal your career's goal so he's not afraid of doing that as well so I like players that take risks So we want to see it a little bit more often in the Arsenal shirt, and I think we will this year. Alex, why is he the player that you want to talk about

that you're looking forward to this season? I've fallen in love, Kelly. I really have. A couple of pre-season games. You don't need to explain anymore. That's enough for me. That's enough. A couple of pre-season games, and I'm there.

Now, Theos sort of mentioned it. If you look at the data from last season, I think Arsenal were, in terms of the central progression, the lowest amount of their progression, went through the middle last season. I don't think that's going to massively change because I think that relates to. the thing that Alex said earlier in terms of the risk aversion.

And you can make a case for it. You can understand it. Okay, if you go wide, if you lose the ball, it's less risky, etc. You can understand it. But Zubimendi, Theo, said he has that kind of force the issue gene, which we really need. And there are so many players in this team who are brilliant technicians, but do I say, are you going to go and win a game for me?

Are you going to take that risk and play that pass that's going to win the game for me? And as we saw it in the preseason game, it felt as though the game was sort of not drifting, But we had a lot of final third possession. We were in, you know, we were pressed up against them. Every Arsenal fan knows that horseshoe shape had taken place. And he goes, do you know what? I'm going to whip it in the box.

And what do you get? We need players like that. I was really surprised, to be honest, you know, what you hear about him and you think metronome, Spanish midfielder, Mikhail Ateta type player. He's really, firstly, not easy forward thinking. He's right in the pockets. He's getting up and he's really sturdy. Alex actually said he met him in Hong Kong.

He says he's massive as well, another player. so yeah I'm really looking forward to seeing him I think that pairing of him and Rice on the slant to create those central passes to actually get through teams quicker

another issue I think last season was our transitions another thing in the data was how bad we were in terms of turning high turnovers into shots so we have an unbelievable press

that gets the ball in the final third then what do we do with it and I think that's been an issue for Arsenal for a while and I think Supermendi is another way of solving that And I just think he's, yeah, I think he's class.

I'm in love. Defensively, Zubendi, how does that compare to, you know, obviously I'm missing as Georgineau, that big factor in that middle? That's why Norga probably is a really big key for Arsenal. I think people don't realize that. I think he's looked really good defensively. I mean, I've been surprised personally. If you look at his heat maps,

I've been surprised where he's standing and where he's winning the ballback because I thought he'd just be basically the base of the midfield and Rice goes and wins it back for you. I've been really surprised. It looks really straight. It doesn't go to ground. Not that going to ground is always a problem,

but he just looks really sturdy. So, yeah, I mean, I'm curious on your take. You're in love. I can tell. I can tell. I will hear no bad words about my boy. He's still at the phase where all the oxytocin is flooding his body and he can do no wrong at the moment. Just a quick one, Alex, how?

Just because the physicality of the two signings, these two big signings, has been mentioned a few times, is that something you think, Mechal Ateta and Arsenal and Eddie or whoever's going into the transfer market for them, Is that something that they've, a problem they've looked to solve or to tweak? It definitely is. So when Arsenal were planning this window at the back end of last year, a thing they were looking at, they were going through their toughest period,

lots of injuries just ahead of the Christmas fixture list. When they were drawing up these transfer plans, they were looking at physical robustness as a key part of the potential players they were going to bring in. That's why if you look at the players, they've brought in all very good athletes. to when Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal's training ground, a few people were surprised by his stature just because of, they weren't expecting that.

You think Zubimendi are thinking ball player midfielder to link it, but he's the same as most of that Arsenal side. They feel as if they can physically compete with most teams in the Premier League. And I was at the Newcastle game, one of the most physical sides in the Premier League in Singapore, and Arsenal more than match them at that aspect of the game. And it's not only Zubimendi in front of the back forest,

the impacts he's having on the whole team, not only kind of keeping hold of the ball, but physically as well. So he was switching with Declan Rice. So Declan Rice, although he would be playing as the number eight, would end up deeper. And you saw the goal that he crossed for Victor Yokorez.

He was on the edge of the box in the top right hand corner of the pitch when Rice had filled in and him staying there has meant that Lewis Skelly is now playing a bit more traditionally as a natural left back. So Michel Artetta is evolving this team, but the physical aspects and requirements were definitely thought about when he's bringing in these new players.

But the signing that came maybe as the biggest surprise to supporters was Noni Madweke from Chelsea for just shy of 50 million pounds. Now, this is not at all to validate the abuse towards him, particularly on social media, which is becoming an increasing problem.

It was bad to start. with it. It's getting even worse. But just to kind of reflect maybe the real concerns that more thoughtful supporters may have about him. Why do you think that some supporters weren't convinced about this signing, Theo? Look, when we talk about supporters, you support the team, you support the club and the players that play for it. And I've got nothing but love for Arsenal, but it's a small majority, my honority, sorry, but Andre Berth is sporting players that will make the squad better He's a player that will push Baccai Sacken to a different new level as well, I believe. And I said this at the start before coming on.

The load he will take off Bacaya this year is so key because the amount of games they play, they have a World Cup year as well. Players will be thinking slightly differently, and they will be towards the end of the season. It's just natural knowing that there's a big, obviously, international coming up. And for me, I think he's a player that will – he plays for England. People forget this. He plays for England.

And they're having to go at him there. He's not good enough to play for Arsenal. You play for England. You're good enough to play for anyone, I believe. That's how I believe. So for me, I think he's one of those where he can play on the left. He's different. He's a different dynamic.

But he liked to go on the outside. And who have they got in the middle? Yorcares. So all you've got to do is put him to a space. Look, it's starting to maybe come back as well. Maybe he wants to bring back the old-school winger, a little bit like I was, to go on the outside. You have all these players now inverted who want to cut it in and shoot.

But he can do both. He can play on the left and he can play on the right. So for me, I think it's a great addition. And, you know, he's a really good lad around the place as well. I know that for sure as well. So look, you have all those England connections, Declan Rice. It's only a good thing for England as well when you've got all these English players, you know, leading into the World Cup.

So I'm a big fan of his. I'm surprised Chelsea let him go. But, yeah, it was sticking into here and to see visually everything that was said. But for me, I think he's going to come very strong because that shows the character he is in my eyes. I think people just get names in their head and just almost like it's a shiny new toy thing or something. I really didn't understand it.

He's 23. He's an England international. He can play both sides. He's got probably an experience. I really didn't get it. Look, maybe people have names and people were hearing other stuff and just didn't like it. Maybe it's the Chelsea connection because we've signed a lot of players from there. Look, I think, Madweke, I'm really interested in. Sometimes you maybe think, you know, am I just sort of thinking my way into this? But the fact he can play both sides, what Theo mentioned as well, the strong foot on the left, we don't have a player who can do that. We literally don't have a player can do that

and we have all these players who want to collapse into the central spaces which is not a bad thing but if you get too many of them that's a problem. Nonny is unbelievable 1v1 like his numbers are truly exceptional in terms of getting the ball into the box

the thing that I'm really curious about the sort of the people that I really really trust coaching wise and people I look up to they all say that it's just this next part of his game is it the final action and I'm curious actually with what you think It feels to me when I watch him

He loves the bit Where he beats his man 1v1 off the touchline And then just the final action It's a bit, it's a bit rushed It's a bit, there's something going on Does it rhyme you with me? No comment

To be fair though I scored over 108 goals So it's not bad But I totally, I get your point But you refined that You refined it And that's the next step for Noni And I'm curious what your take is

Yeah no to be fair This is the side of it as well that people don't realize when players are running at so much pace they have to think very quickly and very differently to other players

and this is the element when I say about the risk they're the ones that will take the risk they're the ones that are going to lose the ball as much as they can because they have that license

and it's more it's just the patient side of it will you have that license? I think they've given the patience from Martinelli I really think they have I think it's starting to run out to be honest

but I've been there in this position as well at times and it's okay to rotate the wingers it's just normal it's a normal thing because the load they do not just going forward. It's defensively as well people forget

about. And they've got to put in the numbers consistently and people expect them wingers when there's one if you want to go at them and if they pass the ball back they always moan them for instance but he may have just done 10 sprints going back for all you know. But look they're fit guys but I totally agree. I think the fact that they have that player who

can do a bit of both but yeah it's just tuning that last little bit but like say if you put into an area that's not a bad place to be. So I'm intrigued. Do you know what I wonder as well? At Chelsea he's playing with so many different players There's so many players in the squad. I think in a bit more of a predictable environment,

he knows, okay, like if you watch Arsenal Crash the Box, it's pretty, sometimes pretty, almost too formulaic. And I wonder for a player like Nonny, you know, that might be a more predictable environment and that might suit him, is my feeling. Yeah, I do feel like, just don't overcomplicate it as well. I think that's one thing. Players like to beat players, beat him again,

beat him maybe again, maybe one more time. Don't overcomplicate it. Trust your skill, trust your pace, and then you'll express yourself. I think it will be allowed to express himself. I think he really will. I think Mikkel will allow that in periods of games, particularly if he's going to be a player coming off the bench.

And I think that's more likely to happen more consistently. But I feel like he will get into that team because that left-hand side is up for grabs still. I really do, unless they get Eze, which I'm praying for. Well, Alex Howl, what do we know about that? Yeah, please. Spurs have suddenly come out of nowhere saying that they would be interested in Erez. Where are you, the Beretsiazza? That's right.

And my colleague, Sammy Mockbell, who was on earlier, knows about the interest, and they are stepping it up and looking at Eberichie Eze at Tottenham. And for Arsenal, it's undoubted. They have been interested and are interested in Eberichy as a player, but there are a few different factors around this. It's not so simple as having interest and sign him. They've just spent $190 million on six other players. So they have got the accounting and PSR to take into account.

as well. Alongside that, it was also around at the time they were going into negotiations with Ethan Waniary, who has now signed his new long-term contract. So there's his pathway to think about and as a young player being 18 and him now seeming to be one of those options as the middle three for Arsenal. Now he had his breakthrough on the right-hand side after he filled in for Baccio Saka. Then you have Max Dalman behind him, another pathway issue to think about. It's also So the banking, they're potentially, Arsenal looking to move players out. You have interest around Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira, Jacob Kiriore, all players who have had some kind of interest and Arsenal would be willing to speak to other clubs about.

And Mikhail Arteira said himself, just after the last match against Athletic Club, Athletic Bill Baal, that they are still looking at the market so that could potentially mean Eze, who they have an interest in, but they also have to try and move a couple of the players out of that squad as well. All of which leads for a very complicated situation, which Spurs, extremely irritatingly

for Arsenal fans, might be poised to take advantage of. Would you like to see him there, Alex? Would you like to see EZEZA playing for Arsenal? Issaq to Liverpool, Rodrigo to City, Eze to Spurs. It's like someone's drawn up a nightmare list for Arsenal fans of transfers, of stuff

going on. Look, I I think we have some fantastic footballers, but on that left-hand side, in that left-half space, players who can create from nothing, we just don't have someone. I think Eze is perfect creating in isolation. I was watching the Community Shield.

I don't think he had a particularly good game, but he's so efficient. Every touch is literally one touch out of his feet, next action. He's unbelievable. I'd love him. I still think there's concerns on that left-hand side. I don't know how I feel about Eze coming in

as a pure winger on the left. If we're not going to sound like an overlapping fallback or something to support him, that feels a little strange. But in all of those front-fire positions, I think Eze could be fantastic. But yeah, if Spurs get him, I'm annoyed about them getting Thomas Frank. I think Thomas Frank's a top, top manager. In the mid-90s, whilst Britain was having its beckham moment, South Africa was having its own.

But cricket captain Hansi Cronier didn't kick the ball. He hit it for six. I must congratulate in particular, Captain Hansi Cronier. Hansi Cronier. Hansi Cronier could do no wrong, but in January 2000, he did. South African cricket captain Hansi Cronier and three teammates have been accused of match fixing.

I'm Mark Butcher, former England cricketer. Join me for sports' strangest crimes. Hansi Cronier fall from grace. Listen on BBC Sounds. This is the Football Daily podcast with Kelly Kitts. So the big question, having talked about the squad, having talked about who's definitely coming in, who might be coming in, is a trophy a must. And I think, Alex, that's a fan's question to answer because it felt as though it was getting a little bit tense towards the end.

Tense maybe frustration is probably a better word to use there towards the end of last season. That frustration of being so close, being so consistently good, being so consistently in the mix and just not quite getting there. Joy, it's so funny. It feels like some of the things that when Mikhail first came in, he was sort of praised for and lauded for the non-negotiables, how structured we were, how sort of discipline we are. It feels like some Arsenal fans, that's almost starting to annoy them now because we need a bit of a bit of explosion, a bit of risk,

a bit of chaos, a bit of creativity. It's almost like the other side of it. That for me, I think, look, it's very easy to say, you know, trophy or nothing. Who knows what's going to happen. the one thing I really don't want to see is the same issues that we've seen in the last 18 months so we've spoken a little bit about them today

so I think lack of chance creation I think we're like eighth in terms of in the Premier League for extra last season if it feels like we're playing risk-averse sort of horseshoe football, that sort of stuff but mainly not shooting ourselves in the foot it feels like a lot of the times we're the ones who beat ourselves I want to be beaten

if we're going to lose the Premier League I want to be beaten by someone else and it feels like a lot of the time we're the ones who beat ourselves Look, I look at the stuff we've done in the market. I think Madweke takes a massive load off the likes of Sakaa and Martinelli and so on and so forth. Moscares, you know, you talk about a, you know, even last season, we went in with 22 men registered and you can have 25. Obviously, we found Miles and Ethan along the way, but that, you know, we went in with a short squad. Mikkel said that many, many times.

It feels that we've rectified that this season. You know, Mosquera hopefully takes up that place for Tomiasu, which means you can actually have some depth for Gabriel and Saliber, etc. so I hope the issues have been fixed but I really do want to see a return and a fixing of some of these tactical issues which we've spoken about this evening that's yeah and I want to be beaten by someone rather than us being ourselves

Theo the question that's always asked and look Alex raised Tottenham and the sort of rivalries a little bit earlier when we were talking about ESA so it's not me bringing this up but it's just to say that it felt like there was a certainly they talked about a mentality change at Tottenham from, you know, a poor league season, undoubtedly, but getting

that trophy last season and what that can do for the club and how that answered a lot of previous critics, including their own managers at Tottenham. Is it something that Arsenal need? From a player, is that something that needs to switch in the brain? Is it something that can give them the impetus to go on and win more silverware? Do you know what? It's a mindset they don't want to go into, I remember when we were, when I was playing for the club and top four was good enough. And then all of a sudden it's, it's implemented into the squad that top four's okay. And the managers, we want top four. And then all of a sudden as players, you're like, well, we've got top four. That's the job that was in hand. We did that. Yes, of course,

we wanted to win the league, but we done our job at top four. Now it's a different kind of element where people are expecting Arsenal to win. And I'm not expecting Arsenal to win the league. I'm really not. You know, like Alex was saying there, you want someone to beat Arsenal. to it. I want asked to be competitive until the end of the season. They got distracted from the Champions League. I think that was key.

I think that really did stand out because of the squad that Alex referred to there was too short. They didn't have those players that, you know, like I said before, take the load off certain players. Players played too much football. It's a different feeling this year,

but I still feel that there's elements of it will just miss out again. I know it may be negative or just how I see it. at this moment of time. But look, it just can't get into that cycle of always being second best.

And I think it's going to be continued pattern until that mindset changes. And, you know, maybe hopefully some of these players, you know, someone like an experienced Norgaard, yes, I know he's not experiencing winning at the highest level, but he's a player who's really established in the league and he demand a lot, even if he's not playing.

I think it's important to have players that may not be playing as much, but will make standards to the players that need to push the other guys. and I think he'd be key for that going into this season. I've had a few of those when I've been playing in my time and they're really important for the squad because you can get some negativity feedback

from players that aren't playing. Mikhail is all about positive around that club. So I think someone like Norgaal will make sure we put people in check. So I think that's a really key signing. I think people tend to forget that. So yeah, look, it's all about the trophies, but I do feel they need to be competitive.

They need to be till the end of season. And domestically, I would say win at least one, maybe two to that stand a chance. We'll see. In my eyes. So Alex Howell, if we take it as read that Arsenal want to win trophies, what's the view from inside the club on whether they need to win trophies or a trophy? I think the messaging around the club and speaking to players or McKell has changed.

Before they were kind of a bit hopeful, but now it feels like the club and the players are ready to win. They're not scared now to say, oh, we're going to go to a new level. all we want is trophies, whereas before it felt like there was a bit of a process and project. They've come second three times in the Premier League in a row now. So there's not really too much wiggle room now for the progress. I think it also comes down to the way they've built the squads as well. Mikhail Artetta used to have these tier one players,

which were guaranteed starters. He's ripped that up now because he's realized you can't do that through the demands throughout a season. So that's why these signings, some of them, there may not be a natural place for them to come into the squad or it does add that bit of competitiveness for one position and that's done on purpose to try and keep these players at a high level and then if you are like Theo mentioned earlier having to protect Bukaiosaka

because he's playing the majority of the games the drop-offs to then bring in Noni Madueke isn't too far because you've got an England international there who's young who's played a lot of games who's always available and that's why they've kind of across the pitch as well with Martin Zubimendi, with Noni, Madweke, with Victor Yocchres as well. They're trying to increase the goal threat

from every position across the pitch because they know it's those teams when they can't find a way to win. There's so many different options. And at that pre-season game on Saturday, it was a big difference to last season. The bench was a lot, a lot stronger. And I think that's going to be key

throughout the whole campaign. When you say about the difference to last season, Man City aren't going to be. be as bad as they were last year. And they finished only three points below Arsenal. People forget that. They had a poor season. Chelsea, no one knows what team they're going to pick.

Obviously, the difference in United already, when you're adding someone like a Kunja and Buema of 30 plus goals into a squad who will create chances is going to be a key for them. And Tottenham, obviously, with the manager, which I'm again, I'm a big fan of as well. They will be better as well. And Liverpool will always be strong. So they've got all those dynamics to deal with as well. The set piece side of things,

get as many set pieces they did this last year it just just won't it just that pattern will break because other teams

will just find out Arsenal at some point but they have all the other options so there's all these variables now that

like Man City are going so quiet right now they're just under the radar they will be very strong I know in the

rebuilding but people forget that so that's another battle that Arsenal I'm going to have to face and it's for me

it's a hard top four to call but it's an interesting I think everyone's different to be honest I really do time now

to move on to discussing some of the who might be ready for a breakthrough season at Arsenal. Where better to start than with 15-year-old Wonder Kid Max Dowman. He's an academy player. He's already been integrated into the first team. He's not even done his GCSEs yet.

He's been capturing a lot of attention throughout the preseason. Former Arsenal Academy coach, Temesan Williams, joins us now. Evening, Temesan. Good evening, Kelly. It's great to be on with you and Theo, especially legends on and off the pitch in the game. Thank you. Theo, a legend, and actually has experience of being a Wonder Kid himself, which we will come on to because it's an interesting perspective.

But you coached Max Damman yourself, Temasan, you know, a few years ago. So tell us what you saw in him. Sure. So when I came to Arsenal, I heard about Max. He was in the under tens at the time and I was with the 12s. But I hadn't seen him in my first year. And there were so many coaches who were talking about, we've got this kid called Max, he's got great potential.

I thought, okay. And then the next season, Max was an under 11, and he played up in age group in the under 12s who I was coaching. And that's where I saw Max for the first time and thought,

okay, there's something special here with this young man. And by the time I coached his actual age group, Max was only with us when we were playing cup games, and he mainly trained up with the under 13s. And as we've seen now, fast forward,

So what set him apart do you think? What were the differences? When you see a player who you just get a feel sometimes, this player might have it. But how do you start to quantify that? So the one thing I always tell people about Max is, one, he was humble, but two, he was always ready for the next challenge constantly. And probably throughout his, the majority of his time in the academy. And of course, he's still in the academy as a under 16. He's always trained and played. up. So with that challenge being continuously something he's faced, it means that Max's development, of course, from technical, tactical perspective, he can manage the game from a physical perspective as well. He's just been able to really grow leaps and bounds. And it, of course, has just shot up in the last couple of years, and especially this year. And I think the key thing is that his super strength, which is carrying the ball, as we're seeing in the first team, has been something he's been doing throughout the academy. His left,

effort is brilliant in terms of carrying the ball, protecting the ball. We can see when he's driving forward, he's putting his arms out because he knows and he expects the physical challenge is going to come. And of course, he won the two penalties, one against Villarang, one against Aisemalan. You know, when you're at school and there are two people or more in the same year group with the same first name, but different surnames, you just get your first name plus an initial. Well, Max Damper's school, when he made his senior debut for Arsenal, posted on Instagram, huge congratulations to Max D, Brackett's Year 10 on making his senior debut for Arsenal in their preseason match against A.C. Milan, which is just one of the loveliest messages on lots of different levels.

And Theo, for you, you know, Arsenal signed you when you were just 16 years of age. You weren't much older than Max is now. What are the things that we can do to encourage this young talent whilst not getting too ahead of ourselves and not kind of, you know, setting him up for a fall, even if it's just by accident. Well, we love building players out. We love building talents up and then we will see what happened. I think what they will do, what they've learned really well this year, even whenieri, they've kept them away from the likes of us at times and the likes of the outside world and protected in that sense

and train them in the media world. I never had media training in my life. I was thrown essentially into the deep end. I don't think they will do that with him. They won't do that with him. It's hands down. Even when Yeri's been kept. away. I think we'll see a lot more of him this year.

But the fact you say about he's playing up age groups and always has done, that was something that was, I did as well. Very similar. I always played up age groups. I wasn't physically built. He's got a bit more stature about than I did. I was just all about the pace. I just wasn't, you know,

it wasn't fair, really. That's the thing. It wasn't fair for him to play his age group because, like you say, you want to be tested and they're good enough to be tested. And I always say to parents when they look at their players, players, players. like, you know, someone stopped me on the street the other day,

actually at the airport and said about, oh, can you give a bit of advice to my, my, actually was his cousin at the time, he's 14 and he's playing the under 18s. And I said, stop there. He's playing under 18s. He's doing something right already. He's playing up his age group.

So you're just putting too much pressure and to expect something straight away. So I think they will protect him in that sense and use him wisely. But when we're going and talking about McCartetta, need to win a Premier League, are you going to want to rely on a 15 year old you know ahead of it's a big ask

you know it was different for me when I was asked I came in when it was the you know the invincibles that were starting to break but it was a different kind of feeling this is a different kind of pressure but I think he'd be protecting it in a nice way he's in a good environment he's got younger players that have come from the academy

that can look after him as well so he can relate to that I didn't have players I could relate to at my age and that was a difference for me but I think the very key thing for him he can relate to someone like Ethan and Miles so that's really key to help his development, to integrate him into the squad,

to make him feel part of the squad of having people that he can connect with. So I think that's really key for him. I really do. I love him. Alex Howl, I know you've been watching him in preseason. So what have you spotted in terms of how he is being managed through this very early stage of his career?

It's been really impressive because he's someone that's been around the Arsenal first team. He first trained at 14 with the Arsenal first team. He went to the winter training camp they had in Dubai. So Michel Artetta has been building it slowly. But it was the first game against A.C. Malani came on replaced Baccao Saka, which is already a compliment. And he had a couple of bright moments, a couple of shots. I'm like, wow, this is special for a 15-year-old.

But it was a game against Newcastle where he went up a level. He's going around Premier League left backs. He's getting in front of Joelinton to win penalties. And these are really physical players, and he's 15. But I think the most important thing is the confidence of his teammates. Michael Artetta was asked like how have they taken to him and he said well you can see it for yourself

when he's on the pitch the players want to give him the ball so that's how highly they rate him and fear will know of her players speak about it's quite a brutal place right to be in a change room or more on the pitch if players don't rate you they're not going to give you the ball so I think that's the biggest compliment he will get

and in terms of managing him they're even doing it now Michael Artetta has given him some time off so he wasn't in the squad for that last game against athletic club at the weekend and that's because he did go to a Euro's in the summer of the under 17s then he went on tour with Arsenal

so they are managing him already and recognising that he is just still 15 Temesan we talked a lot about the ways in which he needs to be protected and they seem to be things that aren't happening on the pitch because at Arsenal there seems to be that clear

path through the academy and that clear style of play how much easier does that make it for the players to to integrate into the first team, purely on a football level? So definitely would have started from years ago. And obviously with Theo having the opportunity he did at such a young age at the club. But when we look at Roy Massey and Sean O'Connor, under their tutelage,

we saw Jack Walsher come through, Alex O'obie, Saka, then Ketia, Nelson, Smith, Roe, Willock. And it goes on. And so it's always been something that we've seen across the years. and obviously Perma, to stack under his now leadership. We're seeing, of course, Mars Lewis Skelly and Ethan and, of course, Max and others, Marley and Marley Salmon coming through as well. And there's definitely that clear pathway at the club, which is exciting. And of course, we want as many academy players to get through to the first team

and have longevity where possible. But we see that, especially with Max, the individualised program that he has, and of course all the academy players do. But it's managed well. got great support from his parents and he's been at the club for since I think about four or five years of age, pre-academy all the way through. So he knows the club, he's passionate about the club and wants to go all the way. Thomas, I'm really good to hear about him. And I know Theo wants to come in. Sorry.

Can I have one question? Yeah, you do. You can have one question. Sorry. Of course you can. I'm going to get told off by you. Sorry, apologies. Just a quick question in regards to his stature and is robust for playing the league. Do you feel, you know, going out on loan or someone like that would benefit him or do you feel like just keeping him protected at the club is the right call in this moment in time for his development? Because the championship was great for me. I just feel like at that age, it's a lot of pressure to play for Arsenal. You know, will he be able to cope? That's all. It definitely is. And we've seen, you know, the loan moves been beneficial to many young players across different clubs as well. And I think Artetta will manage, you know,

with Per, they'll manage it quite well to make sure that he has the best development for himself. I think he's with the under 21s this season coming up. From a physical perspective, Max can definitely deal with the challenge and he's still growing and that's something important to recognize as well. I think his dad's over six foot and Max probably most likely will be maybe 6-2, 6.3 potentially. So that still needs to be taken under consideration as well and don't want him to almost become injury prone potentially

if you give him too much too early. But I'm sure they'll manage. that exceptionally. Great answer from a question that was well worth asking, Theo. Temesan, thank you so much. Really good to get that kind of insight. Thank you so much for joining us.

Thank you for having me, Kelly. Thank you, Theo. Great questions. Thanks, Alex. Cool. Thank you, Temesan. Temesan Williams there, former Arsenal Academy coach on Max Dowman.

And while we are trying to be cautious because he is only 15, he's such an exciting prospect for Arsenal. Now, look, Five Live has got more Premier League commentaries are never before this season. Our five live commentary on Sunday at 4.30 is Manchester United against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Now look, this is always an all-timer fixture. When you just see those two names on the fixture list, you want to see that game. But it's Amarim against Yokorez, who's the striker that he wanted, Arteta against the striker he wanted in Cheshko that he was

interested in. There are little kind of subplots, just bubbling away very nicely underneath the surface. But maybe Even more so, it's going to give us a chance, Theo, to see what these two sides are made of in the opening game of this Premier League season. We will read a lot into what happens in this game. We will. We want to see goals, but I do feel like it will be quite cagey. First games of seasons,

I don't see many goals in this game, even though I did say you add Cunja and Buema into this team who are dangerous. And Bueme was a player. I was a big fan of Arsenal, maybe should have hunted a couple years ago, to be honest. So it's like you said, say it's a great plot. There's so many different stories that could happen or not happen,

but it's a great game to start the season, isn't it, for Arsenal. And it will essentially see if Maynard are ready and, you know, where they're going to be the season. Arsenal's a great test. And I think it's good to have the test early on because teams may not be up to scratch so that it should be, but Arsenal need to be. And it'll be a statement win for them, Old Trafford away from home. But I do feel a very, very narrow win for Arsenal. I do. Only by one clear goal. Alex Money Penny, we've talked about this being a challenging season because of the, I mean we've focused on Arsenal but because of the predicted improvements in Manchester City

because of the signings perhaps that Liverpool have made although it remains to be seen how they settle across the course of a season but if this is going to be a really tight, possibly three-way title race how important is it that Arsenal start well? Yeah, it's massive. I think we've spoken a lot today about sort of Arsenal becoming more versatile and I think this is a game where we can really show it. I can't remember.

I think it was Rob Edwards a couple of years ago, talked about Arsenal and sort of what games they can play. This, to me, feels like a running game. If you look at that front three, if it's going to be, you know, Kunya and Burma and Sheshko with the wingbacks or whatever, can we go and match them? Or go different stylistically and try and control the game,

I don't know, but I feel like United have, they've caused us some problems over the years. I'm really excited. Can we go and run through them? You know, we talked about habit starting, but with a yocker as or whatever. So, yeah, I'm really interested to see how we set up. and hopefully we have something for them.

But it's massive. I mean, it's so primed for narratives, isn't it? Old Trafford, opening day, Sunday, you know, Super Sunday, all that stuff. It's huge. But it's also, we've spoken about the pitfalls of Arsenal and the possible issues we're going to have and the problems we're trying to solve. We are a brilliant team, brilliant team,

who looked unbelievable at the back end of the Champions League last season, and we've added 200 million pounds worth of talent. Obviously, we all want more. We all want to, you know, see that final piece of the puzzle. But we have a fantastic squad with a fantastic young manager. Yeah. And, you know, I think Mikhail has probably said it best internally. The fact that there is pressure on us means that people think we can do it.

So let's do it. Manchester United against Arsenal to start things off this season for Arsenal. Get the pizza in for that one. Alex Moneypenny. Thank you very much for joining us. Thank you to Alex Howell as well. Theo, as always, thank you to you too. It's been really interesting getting everybody's thoughts on this.

and what could be a fascinating season and a big one for Arsenal coming up. That is it for this episode of the Football Daily. On the next one, Steph Horton, Sam Lee and Guillem Ballagay join me to focus on Pep Guadillo's Manchester City.