From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Standings One: Arsenal 16 wins, 3 draws, 51 points! Standings Two: Manchester United 14 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss, 46 points! Standings Three: Manchester City 14 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 45 points!” — Premier League standings

”Manchester United caused a major upset in the 19th round of the league! They lost 2-3 to Blackburn Rovers, extending the gap with Arsenal! After the match, Ferguson was furious!” — Manchester Evening Paper

”Both failed? Manchester City lost 0-1 to Sunderland in the last match of the first half! The point gap with leaders Arsenal is now 6 points!” — London Evening Paper

”If the winter transfer period is strong and they maintain such hot form in the second half, Arsenal could end the Premier League title suspense within 36 rounds!” — Football Record

”The closest moment to the Premier League title in 7 years! On New Year’s Eve, Arsenal fans in London set off fireworks on the streets, celebrating the team’s unbeaten first half in the Premier League!” — The Guardian

The next day, as time moved into January 1st, the new year’s hot topics in English Football were almost all related to Arsenal.

Unbeaten in the first half!

This is a remarkable achievement, and furthermore, the ratio of wins to draws is extremely impressive, totaling 51 points overall!

Unprecedented!

”The powerful attacking force is the fundamental reason for this team’s achievement, as demonstrated by the 5-5 draw with Manchester United, where they scored five and conceded five!”

”Van Persie and Ma’el’s hot form is also the reason for their unbeaten first half. Although they haven’t connected much, the pair have combined to score 40 goals in 19 matches!”

”It’s the highest first-half score in Premier League history, Arsenal has raised the competitiveness of the league this year!”

”Yeah, in previous years, which team has scored over 50 points in the first half? If Manchester United hadn’t lost at the last minute, there would have been two unbeaten teams in the first half this season.”

”Manchester’s Twin Heroes are impressive (sneaky laugh)!”

”With the winter transfer window open, let me suggest Arsenal’s signings. First, the left-back position with Gibbs needs adjustment, it’s a weak point. Secondly, the midfield needs defensive strengthening.”

”Kyle Walker? Henderson?”

”These two are difficult.”

While most neutral fans praised the team, some Arsenal fans displayed a completely different attitude.

Slightly anxious, they toned down their enthusiasm and didn’t dare to massively praise the players online.

This is a habit shaped by years of ’selling captains’ turmoil, every time the team’s players perform better, they become increasingly panicked.

Sure enough, on January 2nd, the second day of the winter transfer window opening, many players in the team were linked with transfer rumors to other clubs.

”Many players in the team have contracts that expire in 1 year at the end of the season, including central players like Van Persie, Alexander Song, and Walcott. Arsenal plans to initiate a renewal spree.” — Football Record

”Manchester United shifting focus to Van Persie? After seeing no result in their purchase of Ma’el, Ferguson seems to be eyeing the Dutch forward!” — 442

”Real Madrid plans to make an initial offer of 40 million pounds for Ma’el, while Mourinho might leverage his relationship with Mendes to persuade Ma’el! Reportedly, Old Buddha has prepared at least 60 million pounds for this deal!” — Asi Bao

”Barça approaching Alexander Song? Guardiola’s team still seeking midfield reinforcements? An incredible transfer rumor!” — Marca

Upon seeing these reports, Arsenal fans reacted in polar opposite manners, some becoming silent and some angrily voicing their opinions.

”60 million pounds to purchase Ma’el? Why not 80 million? Or 100 million? If you have money, offer 200 million pounds.”

”Alexander Song to Barça? Manchester United offering for Van Persie? Hard to understand, trying to take our captain?”

”51 points in the first half, great championship hope, who would leave at this time?”

”Is this bullying? Whenever this happens I just want to drag Kroenke and Usmanov out for a whipping!”

”What on earth is Wenger doing? Is he so focused on financial balance?”

”.....”

In successive seasons, Arsenal has performed poorly in the transfer window, making the fans extremely sensitive, immediately reacting to the slightest breeze.

But no matter how loud their voices are, the only ones who can affect the whole matter are the Arsenal decision-makers.

...

January 2, in the meeting room.

Wenger, alongside assistant coaches and club staff, stood or sat around a tactical board, which displayed all the players in various positions.

”The transfer negotiations with Zenit for Arshavin have reached the final stage, they’re willing to re-sign the player for 14 million euros.”

Wenger crossed out Arshavin’s name from the lineup, then observed other positions for a while, finally focusing on Shamakh.

The Moroccan forward scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists across all competitions last season, nearly reaching a double-double of excellent results.

However, with Ma’el’s arrival and Van Persie’s burst, he’s almost lost any chance for bench and squad rotation this season... If he can help Arsenal in exchange for a substantial transfer fee, Wenger is willing to sell him.

”Knock knock!” Wenger tapped Shamakh with his pen tip, asking, ”Any offers for him?”

Today, wearing glasses, Wenger stood extremely seriously in front of the tactical board, somewhat resembling a university professor.

”Yes.”

A staff member brought a list, saying: ”West Ham United and Crystal Palace are interested, but their offers are around 6 million euros.”