Watkins - give him to us, he’s worth it

💣 The Loose Cannon: Watkins Over Eze – The Smarter Arsenal Move?

So, Arsenal are circling Crystal Palace again, ready to drop £60m+ on Eberechi Eze. Classy on the ball? Absolutely. Worth the same as a prime Fabregas and a small Caribbean island? That's up for debate.

Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins just quietly bagged 19 non-penalty Premier League goals, 13 assists, and nearly dragged Villa to the Champions League all by himself — and yet Arsenal haven't seriously thrown their hat in the ring. It's baffling.

Here's why Watkins is not just a better fit, but better value:

⚖️ Stats Don't Lie – Watkins Delivers

Player	Goals (Non-Pen)	Assists	Total G/A
Ollie Watkins	14	8	22
Eberechi Eze	7	8	15

You want end product? Watkins has it. Eze is all flicks, flair, and fancy footwork — great when you're mid-table. But we're talking about a team gunning for the title. Arsenal need output, not just vibes.

🎯 Tactical Fit – Does Eze Solve a Problem?

Arsenal already have:

• Ødegaard as a central playmaker

• Rice running midfield

• Havertz looking reborn

• Martinelli and Saka on the flanks

Where exactly does Eze fit? Off the bench for £60m?

Watkins, though, answers a real question: Who leads the line? Gabriel Jesus struggles to stay fit. Kai Havertz is doing a job, but a natural No.9 like Watkins gives us depth, movement, and goals. Merino and Trossard are good stand-ins, but no one wins leagues without a proven goalscorer upfront.

💷 Value for Money – Who's the Better Deal?

Let's be honest, £60–70m for Eze is mostly English tax + release clause noise. Villa might ask around the same for Watkins, but:

• He's Premier League proven as a No.9

• He's a big-game player

• He's ready to start, not rotate

If you're going to spend serious money, why not fix the one position that's actually holding Arsenal back?

🧠 Arteta's Call

Arteta has a habit of being two moves ahead. But if he's thinking about squad depth, unpredictability, and title-winning goals… Watkins should be top of the shopping list.

Eze might light up a League Cup game or two. Watkins? He might win you the league.

🚨 Verdict: Watkins > Eze

Eze is a luxury.

Watkins is a necessity.

And if Arsenal miss out on both while chasing shadows, don't say The Loose Cannon didn't warn you.

💥

Ex-Gunner’s legal battle takes centre stage

Aside from the Ollie Watkins transfer rumour resurfacing, there's not much to report on, except some high-profile online  Gooners condemning Arsenal for not disciplining Tomas Partey for off-the-field allegations, which were made some time ago.

Despite news of Partey's scheduled court appearance, we don't know if the allegations are true or not. For that reason, I don't think the club has did anything wrong by not taking action against the accused, who was at the time an Arsenal player.

It shouldn't be guilty until proven innocent, should it? There's something called the British Rule of Law, but bloggers and online influencers don't seem to respect that, unfortunately. Ultimately, it's up to the courts to decide Partey's guilt, not for anyone else.

However, if Partey is proven guilty, I think most people will hope he gets the sentence such heinous crimes deserve. 

As a footnote, here's a list of footballers who were charged with serious or crimes but were cleared — either acquitted in court, had their convictions overturned, or had charges dropped.

⚖️ Footballers Charged but Cleared of Serious Crimes

1. Benjamin Mendy

• Nationality: French

• Clubs: Manchester City, Lorient

• Allegations: Multiple charges of rape and sexual assault involving several women between 2018–2021

• Outcome:

• 2023: Acquitted of six counts in first trial.

• Later in 2023: Acquitted of two remaining charges in second trial.

• Notes: Career derailed; resumed playing with Lorient after being found not guilty.

2. Ched Evans

• Nationality: Welsh

• Clubs: Sheffield United, Chesterfield, Fleetwood Town

• Allegation: Rape (2011 incident in a hotel)

• Outcome:

• 2012: Convicted and jailed.

• 2016: Conviction quashed due to new evidence; retrial held.

• 2016: Found not guilty at retrial.

• Notes: Media controversy followed; Evans returned to professional football.

3. Neymar Jr.

• Nationality: Brazilian

• Clubs: Barcelona, PSG, Al-Hilal

• Allegation: Rape (2019, accusation by a model in Paris)

• Outcome:

• Brazilian police said there was insufficient evidence.

• Case was dropped; Neymar always denied the allegation.

• Notes: He released private messages and videos to defend himself, sparking privacy debates.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Clubs: Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, Al-Nassr

• Allegation: Rape (2009, Las Vegas hotel – alleged by Kathryn Mayorga)

• Outcome:

• Ronaldo denied the claim.

• 2019: U.S. prosecutors declined to file criminal charges, citing lack of evidence.

• 2022: A civil suit was dismissed after the judge ruled Mayorga's legal team used improperly obtained documents.

• Notes: Ronaldo has never been arrested or charged formally.

5. Robin van Persie

• Nationality: Dutch

• Clubs: Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United

• Allegation: Rape (2005, while in Rotterdam)

• Outcome:

• Arrested and held for two weeks.

• Prosecutors dropped the case due to lack of evidence.

• Notes: No charges filed; he resumed his career without lasting legal consequence.

🧾 Final Thoughts

• Being charged doesn't mean guilt: many footballers face intense public scrutiny, even if found not guilty.

Let's hope justice prevails.

Eze option for Arsenal?

Here we are again: bold takes, swirling rumors, and north London sizzle—on Arsenal's potential warpath to land Eberechi Eze for over £60 million.

🔥 COSTLY ACQUISITION WHO COULD BLOW THE PL TO BITS OR WASTE OF MONEY? 

Once again, Arsenal are linked to a 'world beater' from Palace. We've had Ian Wright in the past: one of the biggest success stories in the club's history. More recently, there was the possibility of signing Wilfred Zaha, who has since moved on.

Wilfried Zaha currently plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, on loan from Galatasaray.

• In January 2025, Charlotte FC finalized a loan deal with Galatasaray. Zaha joined as a Designated Player, with the loan set to run until January 17, 2026, and includes an option to extend through June 30, 2026  .

• The move comes after a brief and underwhelming stint at Olympique Lyonnais, where he made only six appearances before the loan was cut short.

• Since arriving in Charlotte, Zaha has already made his mark—he earned Man of the Match honors in his MLS debut, contributing a goal and an assist in a 2–0 victory over Atlanta United  .

🌍 Quick-read Summary

Item	Details
Age / Nationality	32‑year‑old Ivorian international
Current status	On loan at Charlotte FC from Galatasaray
Loan duration	Jan 2025 – Jan 2026, with option to extend to June 2026
MLS impact	Strong start with goal + assist on debut

🗣️ What Zaha Says

He's been clear about one thing: a return to Crystal Palace isn't in the cards. Recently he mentioned:

"I'll be honest. I'm 32 now. I'm not one of those guys that are trying to go back to a team when I've got no legs…" 

So yes, Zaha is currently based in the U.S., eagerly showcasing his flair in MLS with Charlotte FC!

Arsenal instead brought Nicolas Pepe, who was effective in his first season, which people conveniently forget.

As of summer 2025, Nicolas Pépé is playing for Villarreal CF in La Liga, having signed a two-year contract in August 2024 on a free transfer  .

⚡️ Quick Career Update:

• Club: Villarreal CF

• Joined: 4 August 2024

• Contract: Through June 2026 

• Recent Season: Over 28 La Liga appearances, contributing a few goals and assists 

Prior to Villarreal, Pépé had a season-long spell with Trabzonspor in Turkey (2023–24), and before that, loaned to Nice (2022–23). After leaving Arsenal in 2023, he's been on a journey to revive his career abroad  .

🔄 Transfer Buzz:

Speculation has surfaced about a return to England, with Everton and Wolves reportedly monitoring his situation at Villarreal—where he's scored 2 goals and notched 4 assists in 23 league games this season  .

✅ Summary:

• Currently: Villarreal CF, La Liga (since August 2024)

• Contract: Valid through June 2026

• Form: Regular starter, contributing in both goals and assists

• Rumor mill: Potential Premier League return in the cards this summer.

Going back to the point of this article, fans get blinded by penalty goals. Zara's best season was 10 non-penalty goals, which is the same as Pepe's, in the Premier League. 

I feel the same may be happening with Eze. He scored 7 in open play last season! Fewer than Pepe at his peak!

Nevertheless, Arsenal apparently have their wallets open and eyes on the 27‑year‑old attacker. With a £67.5m release clause, the Gunners are all-in, seeing Eze as the creative spark they've been missing since their title bids stalled 😤  .

Would Eze be the missing part to complete the jigsaw? I'm not convinced. He is quite versatile and good running with the ball, but does he explosive pace? He's no slouch, but I see him as a squad player and Palace inflation rules out a move, I'd say.

💷 MONEY TALKS – BUT AT WHAT PRICE?

• Palace reportedly want £60m upfront + £8m add-ons—and nothing less  .

• Arsenal are negotiating installment-friendly terms—Palace are playing hardball, but there's wiggle room  .

• There still is talk that the Gunners might trigger the clause or hope Palace crack later in the window, especially if Eze is keen  .

🧠 THE PLAYER—A CREATIVE GENIUS WHO GOT AWAY

On the plus side, Eze isn't just another flashy kid—he's a late bloomer with Arsenal roots (released at 13), now an influential England international who bagged the FA Cup-winner and posted 25 goal contributions in 43 games last season  . Arteta apparently sees him as a direct upgrade—versatile, tricky, and capable of unlocking any defence. Talk about full-circle drama.

⚔️ SPURS, RODRYGO, AND THE NORTH LONDON DERBY DURCHMARSCH

• Tottenham aren't sitting idle—they want Eze too, desperate to outshine their north London rivals  .

• Elsewhere, rumors swirl of Arsenal eyeing big names like Rodrygo (with rumored €90m price tag)—but budget discipline could push them straight into Crystal Palace's cozy little war room.

🚨 NOW OR NEVER—TIME'S TICKING

With the pre-season looming, Arteta and new supremo Andrea Berta are sprinting to wrap up deals—especially after the Tomiyasu and Partey exits, the tight midfield options, and the striker domino effect (Sesko, Gyökeres, etc.)  . Eze could be their decisive coup—if they pull the trigger.

🧨 LOOSE CANNON VERDICT

If Arsenal pay the £60–68m asking price, they're sending a message: they're challengers, not pretenders. Eze, bristling with flair and creative chaos, would instantly boost their attacking punch. And pulling this off against Spurs? That's north London bragging rights on steroids.

But there's a catch—the price is mental, and Palace aren't known for giving discounts. Will Arsenal risk financial strain chasing a creative midfielder rather than a centre-forward? And if Spurs dive in harder, will Arteta stand firm?

This one's either going world‑beater spectacular—or a cautionary tale of splurging on sizzle over substance.

TL;DR

Angle	Details
🎯 Target	Eberechi Eze, Palace → Arsenal, £60–68m
⚖️ Why	Creativity, north London pedigree, FA Cup final influence
📉 Risk	Massive fee, potential backlash if results don't follow
🧩 If pulled off	Solid statement signing— north London bragging rights and Arteta's bold blueprint

Buckle up—this one's heating to a meltdown. Will Arsenal light the fuse? 👀

Mean defence means Heinze

Not only are Arsenal busy on the transfer market, but there's also recruiting staff behind the scenes!

🧨 From Red Devil to Red Army: Heinze Joins Arteta's Ranks

In a twist few Gooners saw coming, Arsenal have recruited former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze to bolster Mikel Arteta's backroom staff. Yes, that Gabriel Heinze—the snarling, no-nonsense Argentine who once patrolled the flanks at Old Trafford—is now donning red for a very different cause.

Heinze joins the coaching setup as a replacement for Carlos Cuesta, the sharp-minded assistant who's left the Emirates to try his luck as the new boss at Italian side Parma. Good luck to him—but it's Heinze's arrival that's turning heads.

At 47, Heinze brings a mixed managerial CV to north London. Since hanging up his boots in 2014, he's had spells in charge of clubs in his native Argentina, including Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Vélez Sarsfield, and most recently Newell's Old Boys. None of them set the world alight, but maybe that's not the point. Arteta has often favoured passion, grit, and diverse tactical perspectives over flashy résumés.

What can Heinze offer the Gunners? Well, if nothing else, a dose of old-school South American edge. Known for his fiery character, Heinze could be the kind of figure who keeps standards high and tempers hotter—ideal for pushing this youthful Arsenal squad to the next level.

One thing's for sure: seeing a former United man in the Arsenal dugout is going to take some getting used to. But if Heinze can help deliver silverware, we'll happily forgive his red-tinted past.

Watch this space, Gooners. Arteta's army just got a little meaner.

Goalkeepers of Arsenal’s past rated R

✨ Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson: From Arsenal Wings to Copenhagen's Net

📍 2025, Where's He At?

Rúnar is locating his groove as FC Copenhagen's reliable backup, signing with the Danish giants on February 1, 2024, on a contract that runs until summer 2027. His presence has been felt behind the scenes throughout their triumphant 2024–25 Danish Superliga and Cup double, even if matchday appearances have been limited  .

🎯 Snapshot: 2024–25 Season

• Domestic Cup & Matches: Served reliably as a second‑choice keeper, stepping in as needed during the Superliga.

• UEFA Conference League: Featured once, playing 90 minutes—conceding one goal, rounding off a tidy 0% clean-sheet rate ().

• Transfermarkt Data confirms he clocked in 45 Superliga minutes over 8 appearances, plus 15 matches in the championship playoff rounds (totaling 1035 league minutes)  .

🧱 Career Journey: Goals, Guantlets & Grit

Club	Years	Role & Highlights
KR Reykjavík	2013–14	Debuted with 3 league apps plus a Europa qualifier appearance ()
FC Nordsjælland	2014–18	60 Superliga appearances; cemented starter by 2017–18 ()
Dijon (Ligue 1)	2018–20	36 top-flight games; steady save rate of ~63.8% and 1.70 goals against per 90 min ()
Arsenal	2020–24	Played 6 first-team matches (1 PL, 4 Europa League, 1 EFL Cup) ()
Loans:
• OH Leuven 21 games (2021–22)
• Alanyaspor 32 outings, 6 clean sheets (2022–23)
• Cardiff City 8 appearances (2023–24)
Copenhagen	2024–present	Backup keeper during their 2024–25 double ()

He's accumulated around 185 senior club appearances, backing it up with 27 caps for Iceland's national team since 2017  .

🧩 Behind the Numbers: The Bigger Picture

• At age 30, Rúnar is in goalkeeper prime, standing 1.86 m tall and carrying a professional pedigree across seven leagues in six countries  .

• Though not the regular starter at Copenhagen, his role is vital—bringing senior squad depth, mentorship, and a steady presence on the bench, all contributing to team rhythm and readiness.

• His experience at competitive levels—from Ligue 1 to the English Championship and European tournaments—makes him a reliable option when called upon.

💬 What Rúnar Is Saying

In April 2025, he opened up in an FCK interview, sharing his excitement for being part of a winning culture and how he brings professional standards & mentoring to the goalkeeping unit  .

🔮 Looking Ahead

• Goalkeeping Peak: With age on his side, Rúnar is poised to assume more prominent performances—especially if Copenhagen rotates during European and cup draws.

• Contract through 2027: Unless a dramatic dip or spike occurs, he's likely to complete his deal—and could embrace leadership or even coaching roles thereafter.

• Iceland Spot?: His international place is less certain, given fewer 2024–25 caps, but stay tuned—Copenhagen's success could reignite his national team passion.

✅ Final Word

From aspiring talent at Arsenal to steady professional in Denmark, Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson's career arc is a quintessential footballing journeyman magic—marked by resilience, adaptability, and quiet professionalism. He may not headline transfer gossip, but within locker rooms and smaller arenas, his impact remains substantial. At Copenhagen, he embodies the second‑string hero—ready, able, and professionally prepared for the bigger moment. Whenever it comes, he'll be there.

If this were a Loose Cannon episode, he'd be the reliable assassin—single-minded, sharp, and effective when it matters most. ØÆ

Sources: Transfermarkt, FBref, Wikipedia, FootyStats, FCK media

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