From Arsenal to the Ball God

Many times, even the arrangement of certain training sessions is clearly related to him.

Whenever he doesn’t perform well, Wenger will call him to the office for a private session to explain tactics.

”The team won’t have too many long passes.”

In the office, Wenger is focused on the tactics board, explaining Arsenal’s fundamental attack and defense style to Ma’el, ”We’ll try to advance the ball to the forward position quickly with short passes, aiming for rapid progression throughout the process.

”The right center back Vermaelen has excellent footwork, and he usually undertakes the task of passing the ball forward from the backfield. Occasionally, we also need the two full-backs to advance the ball further.

”Midfield and forward players need to find gaps to receive the ball between the two lines, with lots of runs in between to confuse the defenders and create more gaps and opportunities.

”When the ball reaches a more advanced position, Alexander Song usually takes on the organizational duties, and further forward, we’ll try to get the ball to Fab.....”

His words paused here, but his expression remained unchanged, ”In the final step, we aim at the penalty area, launching a swift assault with an intense desire to attack their dangerous areas.

”The ball usually advances toward Van Persie’s direction, as he is our primary striker.”

”Understood.” Ma’el nodded; he had already encountered quite a few detailed passing and cutting tactics during regular training sessions.

After understanding the team’s main ideas and direction, he was somewhat integrated into the team.

From here on, everything is left to time; chemistry and harmony can only grow slowly.

The days passed one by one, and Ma’el could feel his training performances improving, and his coordination with his teammates becoming more seamless.

On July 21st, his coordination ability had an upgrade, marking his third Level 4 physical ability.

[Skill: Coordination Level 4]

[Skill Level: (1/5000)]

[Utility: Your control over your body is approaching maximum levels, with flexibility and balance capabilities nearly at their peak. It seems that no challenging actions on the football field can trouble you!]

”Coordination?”

He didn’t expect that at Level 4, this ability would be simply named Coordination.

It seems the Skill Level panel holds the word ’Coordination’ in high regard... Makes sense, it’s hard to find a better adjective than coordination.

Perhaps when it reaches Level 5, a surprising new adjective will appear.

”3 physical skills all at Level 4!”

Ma’el finished the day’s training in high spirits, and he submerged himself in the swimming pool of his mansion to relax his muscles through swimming.

Afterward, with Davis’s help, he could elevate his Physical Ability to Level 4, and then focus on one of these four skills to upgrade to Level 5!

He’s immensely curious about what the ’human limit’ level mentioned on the initial panel is really like.

......

On July 22nd, Mendes arrived in London, ready to start negotiations with Arsenal on Ma’el’s new contract.

Before the negotiation, Ma’el met him at a cafe, where they discussed some final issues.

”My estimate is 80,000 pounds.”

Mendes mentioned Arsenal’s lower limit with great confidence: ”Trust me, I’ve understood Arsenal and Wenger’s stance before. They won’t offer a new contract below this price.

”Additionally, do you have any thoughts on the buyout fee and duration? I estimate their proposal to be 100 million pounds with a 2-year extension.”

”What’s your suggestion, Mr. Mendes?” Ma’el chose to first ask Mendes, as the latter clearly had more experience and expertise in this regard.

”It depends on the salary.”

Mendes paused before continuing: ”If they offer a salary above 100,000 pounds, then this aspect is not unacceptable.”

”Of course, I will try my best to negotiate downwards for you. What are your thoughts?”

Ma’el slightly nodded, pondered for a while, then said: ”I have no issue with the buyout fee. As for the extension, I still hold the previous idea, to extend for just 1 year to avoid being stuck.”

”Understood.” After clarifying Ma’el’s demands, Mendes did not stay long; the two then left the cafe.

Ma’el waved goodbye to Mendes, eagerly anticipating: ”Hope it’s good news.”

”Certainly.”

Mendes waved back with a smile, saying; ”After the negotiation is over, I might need to head back first; when it’s time to finalize the signing, I’ll come over again. You should also be about to start your pre-season friendlies soon.

”We’ll keep in touch by phone. I’ll communicate everything with you and strive to first fulfill your requests.

”Play well; leave these matters to me, and you just need to focus on the playing field.”

”Okay.”

Ma’el bid him farewell and returned home, gradually feeling the increasing pressure.

The new Premier League season schedule has been released, and on August 14, they will face Newcastle United in the first round of league competition.

Before that, he heard the team plans to arrange around two friendlies for the final adjustments.

......

On July 25th, Ma’el’s new contract was basically finalized, with his salary reaching 95,000 pounds.

Compared to before, it increased by 43k, and the post-tax weekly pay reached 57,000 pounds, surpassing his previous pre-tax salary!

Thanks to Mendes’s efforts, he signed a contract with Arsenal with a 100 million pounds buyout fee and a 1-year extension, making for a total contract term of 4 years.

Now, they’re just awaiting Mendes and the club’s final confirmation of details; once everything’s set, he’ll be able to finalize the signing.

That afternoon, after training ended, Wenger gathered all the players as if there was an important matter to discuss.