From Arsenal to the Ball God

This year, they were more radiant, fully prepared to chase higher honors. Let them admit their innermost desires and believe they can achieve them!

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On July 28th, there was sudden news from the transfer market that Arsenal is interested in Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Prior to this, Lloris, who performed excellently in the European Cup, had already received offers from multiple teams in the four major leagues, becoming a hot commodity in the transfer market.

Arsenal fans hadn’t held much hope for this transfer initially, thinking that Lloris might not join Arsenal under the competitive pressure from Szczeny, even though there are 4 of his national team teammates here.

But that night, two reports from Romano gave them confidence and made them feel this transfer could become feasible.

”The Lyon chairman stated that the player is indeed very popular, but from the player’s own desire, he wants to join a Premier League team the most.” — Reported by Romano

”The Lyon chairman further stated that he won’t obstruct the player’s transfer; he just hopes to get a suitable offer.” — Reported by Romano

Going to the Premier League, with the club willing to release him... This signal is very clear and means Arsenal is prevailing in the negotiations with Lyon and Lloris, just finalizing the price.

Lloris is highly likely to join!

”The French team is about to sweep across the Premier League! With the signing of Hugo Lloris, Arsenal could have up to 5 French National Team starters playing simultaneously in the new season!” — Reported by The Guardian

”Lloris is definitely a great choice. I believe Wenger has not only contributed to Arsenal but also to the France team by developing many talents.” — Former Arsenal legend Bergkamp on social media

”With Maie around, the French team will absolutely adapt easily since he was already the core in the national team, transferring to the club is naturally a smooth transition. I support their consecutive championships.” — Former Arsenal legend Henry on social media

”Arsenal’s excellent performance in warm-up matches might give Lloris confidence. He might feel that joining Arsenal will allow him to win important titles.” — Former French team legend Platini on social media

July 29th, Tottenham base.

The team owner Levi, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, walked in. After lighting a cigar, he asked, ”How’s Real Madrid? Can they still not give a clear offer?”

An assistant shook his head slightly, ”They are still chasing Maie. I’ve heard a senior executive is in Portugal looking for Mendes, possibly Florentino; he is very interested in Maie.”

”Bang!” Levi slammed the table heavily, expressing dissatisfaction, ”Since the transfer market opened, they said they wanted to buy Bell, but until now can’t provide a reasonable offer. Are they playing us?”

”Also, Florentino went around Poland and Ukraine, to France, and to Portugal, chasing an impossible Maie, yet he isn’t willing to come to London even once for Bell?”

The assistant lowered his head, not knowing what to say, unable to argue that this sharp insight and persistent efforts post-decision are precisely why he can be the best chairman.

”But....” He recalled something, hesitated for a moment and then said, ”I heard from Bell’s agent that a senior executive at Real Madrid revealed they are willing to prepare a £55 million transfer fee for Bell.”

”£55 million?!”

Levi laughed with anger, taking a deep puff, ”That’s just £20 million short of Arsenal’s initial offer! Preparing this amount means they’d offer at most £45 million!”

”If that’s the case, I would rather sell the player to a competitor! Tired of dealing with them!”

Ignoring the ash from the cigar falling on the ground, his right hand gestured continuously, ”They think I wouldn’t make such a choice against the fans’ wishes, so they insult us with this price?”

”Money to bid for Maie, yet stingy with Bell! Push Levi to the extreme, and Levi can do anything!”

”After being criticized by fans for so long, anyway, it doesn’t matter for this once. Moreover... to speak harshly, we have no competitive relationship with Arsenal; they’re contesting the crown, we’re aiming for the top four.”

The assistant opened his mouth wanting to say something, but looking at the boss’s anger, held back, only checking if anyone else heard this rebellious statement.

Once Levi calmed slightly, the assistant advised, ”But it’s different; we have a derby relationship... and there’s Kyle Walker ahead, we shouldn’t sell Bell; otherwise, there’ll be protest marches and impeachment.”

Unexpectedly, this sparked Levi’s anger again. He slammed the table fiercely, ”What protest and impeachment! Being able to sell Kyle Walker means we can sell Bell!

”The player’s condition is good this season; who knows if it remains the same next season? It could depreciate by half within a year! After that, it’ll be hard to find a buyer close to a billion!”

”Calm down, calm down...” The assistant understood that Levi knew the severity of the situation, merely angry at Real Madrid.

”I can’t calm down.”

Levi placed the cigar next to the ashtray, took off his black gloves, ”Isn’t it because you high-level executives are inactive? How much did Sports Director and Redknapp spend; even if all recouped, why hasn’t there been a single championship?

”Boas is coming this year to reshuffle aggressively, so why not go all out, sell Bell for money, and allow reinvention. We want to compete for the championship!”

The assistant didn’t know how to persuade; Real Madrid’s delaying and disrespectful offer was indeed disheartening, coupled with Levi’s inherent emotional tendencies leading to extremity quickly.

At this moment, a female assistant rushed in with a brand-new document in hand.

Levi took the file, browsed through the contents with a dark expression, and then strangely calmed down.

He slowly placed the document on the table, glanced at his assistant, ”Arsenal’s latest offer has reached £80 million. It’s really hard to refuse; I’m going to commence negotiations.”

On July 29th, the second round of the Emirates Cup began, with Cologne facing Manchester City first.

This match ended in a 1-1 draw; Cologne played well, yet Manchester City still couldn’t find their form.

And as a result, it gave Arsenal the chance to lift the trophy just by beating Kitchee in the second round.

At 3 PM, Arsenal’s match against Kitchee started at the Emirates Stadium. Wenger deployed an all-rotating lineup, giving substitute players the chance to prove themselves in this game.

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PS: The next chapter will be available tomorrow morning. For the new season, unimportant matches will be fast-tracked, so don’t worry about dragging on.