After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

(Congratulations to Chelsea on winning the Club World Cup! Palmer had both dribbling and passing skills.)

Case 272 has been settled.

But for Yan Yuan and his management team, this is a crucial window of opportunity.

His public relations manager, Eduardo, knew this all too well.

Eduardo, a seasoned crisis management expert, meticulously planned and released a statement the day after the verdict was announced.

In the statement, Yan Yuan was portrayed as humble yet resilient.

Yan Yuan first praised Arsenal for its "zero tolerance" stance and "swift and fair" handling of the incident, and thanked the club for resolutely upholding the dignity of the player and the club's values.

Next, Yan Yuan sincerely expressed his respect to the Football Association, thanking the FA for its clear opposition to racial discrimination and for taking strong measures against violations, thus maintaining a pure environment for English football.

The statement did not stop at official institutions.

The power of fans is also important, especially the supporters who stood firmly behind Yan Yuan during this controversy.

Yan Yuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all Arsenal fans and football fans around the world who "understood, supported, and spoke out for him."

In particular, Yan Yuan used a strong tone to express his gratitude in a separate paragraph to "the Chinese fans who have given him unparalleled trust and support regardless of whether it is good or bad," calling them "a source of strength and warmth that has supported him through difficult times."

This statement perfectly aligns with the expectations of fans and conforms to mainstream values.

Yan Yuan's personal image was not only preserved, but his attitude and sense of responsibility in dealing with the controversy also earned him additional positive reviews.

……

With the legal proceedings concluded, Arsenal's handling of his contract issues became straightforward and exceptionally simple.

The club has officially announced that, based on the ethical clauses in the contract, the serious breach of contract as determined by the court, and with the permission of the FA, it is immediately terminating all employment contracts with 272.

Most importantly, because the grounds for termination were sufficient and based on a major breach of contract, Arsenal not only did not have to pay a single penny in severance pay, but also had a portion of the taxes and legal fees paid on behalf of the club deducted from Özil's compensation.

For a club already suffering huge financial and reputational blows, this saving, while not enough to make up for all past losses, is a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune.

The complete resolution of this matter acted as a shot in the arm, allowing Arsenal to accelerate their summer transfer window operations.

Regarding the clearing out of surplus players, Wilshere's future is a matter of great concern for many Arsenal fans.

This Arsenal youth academy product, with his impeccable roots, carries the emotional weight of many people's feelings for him as their "own child."

Professor Wenger personally took on the task of finding a suitable new home for Wilshire.

He made numerous phone calls, sparing no effort to recommend Wilshere to other Premier League and European clubs. His goal was not to pursue a high transfer fee, but to ensure that this talented but injury-plagued midfielder could find an environment that truly needed him, valued him, and could provide him with regular playing time.

The professor even pleaded with the opposing club to be patient, believing that as long as Wilshere remained healthy, his talent could still bring a huge boost to the team.

This fatherly care and effort was the professor's final act of care for Wilshire.

Ultimately, several potential clubs showed positive interest, and specific loan or transfer negotiations proceeded smoothly.

On the other hand, several key transfer targets that have attracted much attention have made breakthrough progress.

Martin Ødegaard's contract has been successfully signed, pending only a medical and formal signing; news of Villarreal's Rodri joining Arsenal for £2300 million has been widely reported in the media, with the talented young midfielder seen as a cornerstone of Arsenal's future;

The reinforcements to the defense have been even more welcome, with the arrival of experienced Portuguese full-back João Cancelo in London at a competitive price now a done deal.

Then there's the progress of the Ashraf Hakimi deal.

The core framework of this transfer, which was personally brokered by Wenger, has been agreed upon with Real Madrid.

The loan fee was set at a very reasonable £350 million, while the buy-out clause was set at £1400 million.

Due to Carvajal's need to start, Achraf Hakimi has no chance of making a name for himself at Real Madrid in the short term.

Both Real Madrid and Achraf Hakimi himself hope to go to Arsenal. In Real Madrid's current view, Hakimi's role seems to be far less important than Carvajal's.

Ashraf's side also made a clear commitment:

Once his mission representing the Moroccan national team during the World Cup is successfully completed, he will immediately report to the Colney training ground in London without delay.

This fast and energetic "flank lane" seems to have extended all the way to the sidelines of the Emirates Stadium.

Seeing so many more young people this season.

Arsenal fans are actually a bit puzzled:

Is the professor planning a youth revolution this season?

However, the professor didn't think much of it.

He reported to the tactics board and his teammates, his brow slightly furrowed.

On the first team's transfer list, there is still a vacancy in a key position: center-back.

After resolving the issues with full-backs Cancelo and Achraf, the team's key center-backs, such as Monreal, are certainly reliable, but the depth of rotation and their ability to withstand pressure in crucial moments are worrying.

Veteran Mertesacker on the bench has announced his retirement, and while the young center-back has potential, he still lacks experience.

Therefore, a strong center-back who can stabilize morale and provide experience in high-stakes matches and crucial battles is the final piece of the puzzle for Arsenal, who are aiming for the championship.

For professors, the most difficult issues are timing and the market.

With the summer transfer window of 2018 already in its later stages, quality center-backs are as rare as animals in the transfer market.

The price of a well-known, top-performing center-back has already been driven up to astronomical figures.

For example, Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain, and Virgil van Dijk, who joined Liverpool for over £8000 million in the winter transfer window last season.

Arsenal desperately want a centre-back in his prime, but they certainly can't get one on loan or by purchase in the summer transfer window.

Because everyone is short of center-backs, no one would be foolish enough to sell their defensive focus at this time, and even if they did, they would definitely sell it for a very high price.

Looking at the remaining balance of about £3000 million on the transfer budget report, Wenger knew that the club could not and would not spend a fortune again to fill the position, getting involved in an irrational bidding war with big clubs.

That would be too risky and would disrupt the entire season's well-organized financial plan.

The professor devised a new plan.

He no longer pursues top-tier center-backs who are currently popular, nor does he look for young players anymore.

Instead, they intend to find a "veteran" who is extremely experienced, has an extremely tough style, still has immediate combat power, and can step up to stabilize the situation in key games.

Simply put, we need to find a veteran center-back who still has fuel in his tank and has been through countless big games.

With this goal in mind, Wenger led his elite scouting team to begin intensive screening and comparative analysis.

They reviewed countless documents and data reports, focusing on experienced players whose contracts were about to expire and who might be seeking a "final highlight" of their careers.

After repeated evaluations and intense internal discussions, a name gradually became clear and finally came to the fore.

This name is renowned not only in the football world.

This perfectly aligns with Wenger's requirements.

It's that name that once struck fear into the hearts of many top strikers: Pepe.

Yes, it's Pepe, the former "warrior monk" of Real Madrid.

That legendary center-back, known for his fierce playing style, massive defensive coverage, relentless tackling, and top-notch anticipation and positioning.

Although Pepe is currently 35 years old and plays for Besiktas in Turkey, his resume is dazzling enough to dazzle anyone:

Multiple La Liga titles, 3 Champions League trophies, European Championship title…

More importantly, scout feedback and match video analysis show that Pepe is still maintaining a very high level of performance in the Turkish Super League and is in excellent physical condition. The word "tough" is tailor-made for him.

Pepe's experience and ability to control the game are precisely the most scarce assets of Arsenal's young defense.

Wenger personally contacted Pepe's agent.

The feedback from the other party was very positive.

The agent revealed two key pieces of information:

Firstly, Besiktas has made it clear that they will not renew Pepe's contract after this season and are happy to sell the high-paid veteran in the summer transfer window to free up salary space and squad spots for the team. They are asking for a very low transfer fee.

Secondly, Pepe himself is at a crossroads in his career and is open to the possibility of joining another team.

Then, a crucial teleconference was held between Wenger and Pepe, who was in Turkey.

The professor, speaking to his former "football warrior" on the other end of the phone, offered no flowery promises, but instead frankly described his future at Arsenal.

Wenger frankly analyzed the team's current strengths and weaknesses, especially the experience and toughness needed for the center-back position.

He spoke about the sensation and potential brought by signing the superstar Yan Yuan, the youth storm brought by new signings such as Ødegaard, Rodri, Cancelo, and Hakimi, and made no secret of his own and the club's board's determination.

This season, Arsenal are not content with finishing in the top four; their goal for the new season is clearly to challenge for the Premier League title and to make a breakthrough in the Champions League.

These words deeply moved Pepe.

During the summer transfer window, he learned from the news that Arsenal had signed the hot young star Yan Yuan for a high price, which in itself showed Arsenal's ambition.

Pepe's original plan was to return to Porto, the place where he made his name, after ending his contract with Besiktas.

He played in the relatively familiar environment of Portugal, spending the twilight of his professional career in peace.

But Wenger gave him a chance to come to the top stage of the Premier League and fight for the highest honor.

This was like a spark, igniting the fighting spirit that had never been extinguished deep within him.

The Premier League is a global focus, a huge stage in London, and Wenger has given it a central role.

The allure of this combination of elements far outweighs the comfort of spending his entire career in the Portuguese league for Pepe.

(Small extra.

[Later, in an interview after her retirement in 2024, Pepe said this.]

"Back then, being able to play under Wenger and at the Emirates Stadium was an honor for me in itself. I still remember creating that legendary season with the Arsenal guys."

"My favorite player? Of course, it's our national team captain, and that will never change."

But I have to say, Yan reminded me of my days assisting the captain at Real Madrid. He's practically the second Cristiano Ronaldo; he's the most talented and disciplined young player I've ever encountered.

"Is there anything I want to say to Yan? Hmm... I need to think about it."

Yan, taking this opportunity during the interview, I want to tell you that leading Arsenal on the road to winning titles and creating new legends, you can and deserve more honors. I believe the Ballon d'Or winner this season will still be you.

……

Pepe's positive attitude during the transfer negotiations made the foundation for the talks very solid.

Arsenal Football Club quickly made formal contact with Besiktas.

As the agent had previously revealed, Besiktas did not put up any obstacles and readily agreed to release the veteran player.

The focus quickly shifted to transfer fees and personal terms.

Arsenal's negotiating team accurately grasped Besiktas's desire to quickly resolve the contract and save on wages, as well as Pepe's strong desire to join a top Premier League club.

After several rounds of efficient negotiations, the final transfer figures were settled at an incredibly low level.

£400 million!

This is an unbelievable bargain price in the market for center-backs, which often costs tens of millions.

Progress has also been rapid at the individual contract level.

Considering Pepe's age and Arsenal's wage structure, the two sides quickly reached an agreement on his weekly wage:

£10 per week.

This is a balance that respects the player's historical status while also aligning with the club's financial realities.

There was no lengthy back-and-forth, no dramatic twists.

Pepe showed great sincerity in accepting the Premier League offer.

A few days later, at the Colney training ground in London, Capler Pepe officially signed his contract and made his debut.

When this Portuguese tough guy, with his signature short hair, still sharp eyes, and well-built physique, appeared in front of the camera wearing Arsenal training gear, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for a legendary veteran in the Premier League.

Wenger and Wenger were captured by the media chatting with smiles on their faces as Wenger accompanied him on a tour of the training ground.

Wenger patted Pepe on the back, as if entrusting her with a heavy responsibility; Pepe nodded frequently, her eyes filled with eager fighting spirit.

Arsenal Football Club quickly made an official announcement:

[The club is delighted to announce the completion of the signing of experienced Portuguese international centre-back Capelle Pepe for a fee of £4 million. Pepe has signed a two-year contract with an option for one year and will wear the Arsenal jersey for the new season. Pepe's experience and leadership will be a vital addition to our defense.]

This official announcement, like the closing bell of the summer transfer window, signifies the successful completion of Arsenal's entire summer transfer activity for 2018.

Although the investment was substantial, it was highly targeted in strengthening the front, midfield, and defense: a rising star (Yan Yuan), future key players (Rodri, Odegaard, James Maddison), important promotions within the team (Martin, Saka), explosive wingers on the wings (Cancelo, Achraf), and crucial experience (Pepe).

The fans' reaction was enthusiastic and full of amazement.

Arsenal's official social media accounts were flooded with comments from Gunners fans:

"The professor's summer window operations were truly precise and ruthless! The cleanup was decisive!"

"Even though Pepe is 35, the thought of him stepping up against Salah, Kane, and Lingard in crucial moments gives me a sense of peace! That 400 million is totally worth it!"

"Pepe's here? My God! I was afraid of him back in Real Madrid! Now he's a Gunner? The professor has really been good at shrewd play this season!"

"Thanks, Professor! Signing a tough player like Pepe at the last minute is a real lifesaver; his toughness and experience are invaluable! I'm really looking forward to the new season!"

Real Madrid fans also left comments, expressing their delight at seeing their club's legend continue to shine in the Premier League:

"Keep it up, Pepe! Show those Premier League strikers what you're made of!"

"Pepe went to Arsenal? Wenger is awesome! I miss the days when he was in Real Madrid's defense. We felt so safe with him there."

"Best wishes to Pepe! I hope you continue to shine in the Premier League. It's quite moving to see you go from a rising star in the Portuguese league to a Real Madrid legend, and now to the Premier League!"

"Although Arsenal could be our Champions League opponent, it's great to see Pepe playing in the Premier League! Come on, Monk!"

"Professor Wenger, thank you for giving him the Premier League stage! Pepe will forever be a legend!"

After Pepe finished taking his official photos, he touched his red and white jersey and took a deep breath.

35 years old, Premier League, championship dream…

All of this made him feel like he had returned to the beginning of his youth.

Is there still fuel in the tank?

Yes, of course there's oil, and quite a lot of it.

(Pepe doesn't retire until 2024; he returned to the Portuguese league in 2018 and played for several more seasons.)

All these new and old, hope and experience intertwined, form the starting point for Arsenal's journey into the 2018/19 season.

Arsenal successfully completed their summer transfer window this season.

(Buying Pepe serves two purposes: strengthening the central defense and stabilizing the locker room. Cancelo is indeed a troublemaker, but with Pepe's arrival, he won't dare to be as disruptive, as Pepe is one of his seniors. Cancelo's troublemaking will be tamed by the protagonist, the professor, and Pepe together.)

Furthermore, we can look forward to the showdown between Pepe and Son Heung-min in the new season. As a key player for the Portuguese national team, Pepe will also not forget the 2002 World Cup.