It has been an odd couple of weeks for every one of the Arsenal persuasion. We haven't kicked a ball since the final week of the season when we decimated Wolves, but we have constantly hit the headlines for some reason.
Since the season ended, there has been three European tournament finals with Sevilla West Ham and recently, Man City, coming out as winners. Arsenal hasn't featured in any of those tournaments but for some reason, Arsenal has trended because of them.
Most of the jokes are about the fact that we had a seemingly good season but couldn't finish the journey we started so brightly. Alas, finishing second and playing a good brand of football has led to ridicule from opposition fans.
The jokes started when West Ham won the European Conference League and pundits claimed that the Hammers had a better season than Arsenal. They didn't compare it to Spurs, Newcastle, or even Liverpool which will be in the Europa League with the Hammers next season, they jumped straight to Arsenal.
It is obviously an attempt to undermine Arsenal's stellar season and make fans think harshly of the team but most of us see it differently. Apparently, the consensus from Spurs fans and other haters is that Arsenal winning the conference league would have been a better achievement than finishing in second position.
Funny how nobody said anything about Spurs last season when they conceded the Conference League to focus on finishing in the top four. A feat they achieved, mind you, at the expense of Arsenal.
We are bigger than Spurs, so expectations are much higher from us, so I understand where the hate comes from. It's just funny how the rules are bent whenever an opportunity presents itself to troll Arsenal.
More Rice for the Stew
In any case, our approach for Declan Rice has been documented by numerous outlets looking to get a click. They'll get the clicks because Arsenal fans are eager to know how things are going.
Declan Rice is one of the brightest talents in the English League and while I don't think his price tag is $120m, this is not unique to him because I don't think any footballer that isn't producing like prime Messi is worth that amount.
The addition of Rice will most likely see Granit Xhaka make way and I think that is a massive upgrade in the squad. Rice has the perfect blend of technicality and athleticism to go with Arteta's stew.
Arsenal is rumoured to be ahead of the chasing pack and also to be Rice's favoured destination but we have heard it all before. Nothing is done until the deal is done, so sprinkle salt on your optimism.
Arsenal faithfuls will eagerly watch things as they transpire in the window, hoping for further additions that strengthen the club.Till we meet again, up the Arsenal.
