Well, the season is over and we are into the most frustrating part of the year – the transfer window. The problem with finishing second is that, although you didn’t win anything, there are fewer things to sort out. With us, it’s as simple as building a midfield.
Xhaka will depart. I refuse to believe Partey will be gone, because he was our best player on the pitch for most of the season. Plus, a transitioning is what we need than buying players outright and mirroring the Chelsea’s situation. My expectations would be to buy a Partey’s competition and replace Xhaka with a starter. Both Rice and Caicedo are defensive midfielders. I would like both of them, but not on the cost of playing Vieira in place of Xhaka in Premier League and Champions League games.
Xhaka had his best season with us but we still need an upgrade on him. We need someone in the same mould, tough, not so injury prone, can score some from distance and pick up the ball from Partey to move forward when the lines are shut. Yes, ESR fits that profile but we will never know. And, with his injury record, I don’t trust him for playing 2 games a week.
So, get in either Rice / Caicedo, I don’t have a personal preference here. Get someone who can pick up from where Xhaka left. When everyone and their dog knew we needed bodies in midfield last season, we were out there buying Jorginho and extending Elneny. I don’t have anything against both of them, but we need to move forward and upward.
Fab is reporting Liverpool has already agreed a medical for Mac Allister next week and are having concrete talks with Manu Kone. That’s two for their midfield and they are sorting it out early. News are that we have the bid ready for Rice but we are waiting for West Ham’s Conference League final. Fair enough, respect should be given to clubs and players. I would love to see the deal go over the line as soon as possible though, because we leave things for the very late and then end up with the likes of Jorginho.
City, will probably make the treble, are already IN for Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. They are making their move. Ten Haag would have his plans I’m sure. We can’t afford to lag behind this time because it’s going to be hell of a season and Mikel n Co. must make sure it’s an exciting one for us.
We overpaid for Ben White. We did for Ramsdale and Vieira too. But I don’t care if we do the same for Rice and/or Caicedo. We need a strong midfield, and we are in the Champions League. It’s the last piece of the puzzle and Klopp showed with VVD that it’s a bargain if you fill your only weakness with a 75m defender. Pay what it takes, tie down Saliba and get Tomiyasu/Martinelli/ESR back to fitness.
And if you still have some money left, buy a CF ‘who can score’.
Short one today. Though the new look do not comes with dark theme, hope it’s better for readability and loads faster. Don’t hesitate to point out if something you don’t like.
Yes, Holding’s position need to be upgraded. Of course we can’t stack 4 Saliba’s on 200k/week wages but there is room for improvement.
Looks like we are interested in Ivan Fresneda but haven’t bid yet. Valladolid has been relegated and his release clause is reduced to 20m Euros. Won’t mind that one.
But I will come back to haunt Arteta about it in September if we don’t fix the midfield.
Fresneda is a player that gets my ducts flowing… A fine physical specimen, rapid, fully committed, ambitious and keen to get forward.
But I’d also give labrador-luvvin Nuno another season if KT leaves. Utilise him sparingly against top teams but let them both have a rip at the lower half teams.
Bob
As you said, it’s a question of opportunity. We have one in front. 20m Euros for a decent RB is no problem at all.
KP
Is it Nuno Tavares you are referring to? I don’t know why but I have an inclination towards chaotic players (may be because of Alexis).
He is one. He can outrun, out muscle anyone and then pass to an opposition player lol, won’t mind him picking up the KT’s role. We have got a lot of games coming season.
A big ‘no’ to Nuno from me. His strength is as a marauding wing back or even as a left attacker. I understand Zinchenko’s strength is not in defence but I do not trust Nuno to defend with any decent level of skill. There also seems to be a question mark over his professionalism. ‘Yes’ to Fresneda.
I’d like both Caceido and Rice but I’d be willing to pay a premium on Rice if we then got Fresneda and say Veiga.
KP-I would have both Nuno and Marquinhos back in the squad, for tactical versatility purposes whether late in matches, during Cup affairs or whenever a particular matchup suggests that deploying wingbacks would be best…let’s face it, MA isn’t going to all of sudden flip his rotational script, so I would use the bulk of our available budget on securing 2 top drawer midfield starters then worry about everything else afterwards…just think how deadly Marts and Saka could be if they had those two bombing about in wider spaces, especially if we actually secured a bona fide DM for defensive zone coverage purposes
btw the handful of times I watched Fresneda play the results were rather mixed, albeit sometimes it’s quite diffcult to properly evaluate when they’re playing on a shit team…that said, I do like what some rather notable managers and pundits have said about him, so he could be well worth the gamble…just think he will invariably land with one of the usual La Liga suspects, especially with that modified release clause figure
I saw Marquinhos play his first game on loan at Norwich. He looked like an Arsenal player and dominated the Canaries’ attack. His style is not dissimilar from a certain Mr Saka and I agree that he deserves some more time or a clever PL loan, maybe at a club like Forest where Cooper might be able to hone his talents. Nuno is a massive risk, but it’s easier to c oach defensive ability into someone than it is to make them an attacking threat. We’ll see.
here are a couple of concerns that could impact the effectiveness of our upcoming window
(1) if we dither in regards to Caicedo we could lose out…with MacAllister’s move to Pool basically done and dusted, Caicedo’s price will climb, as they don’t NEED to sell him and they’ve clearly changed their expectations with DeZerbi at the helm
(2) it appears as if the only stumbling block with regards to Gundogan heading to Barca is his wage demands…I’m worried that we will offer a ridiculously inappropriate wage to secure his services, with at least a 2 year term to boot, which could limit our ability to bring in proper long-term top class talent…now with the re-upping of Saka, Marts, Ramsdale and the pending raises for Saliba, Ode and Nelson, we need to be careful about how we manage our wage bill…this appears to be another short-sighted maneuver by our always two steps behind management duo, as there’s no doubt they believe that their window is now, whereas I believe that we’re a year away from truly competing on multiple fronts so we should take a bit longer view when it comes to this window
(3) as Ive said on multiple occasions I think this window is going to be too complicated for this organization, as it’s presently constructed, to naviagte, especially considering all the variables in play…from numerous re-uppings to a handful or so of outgoing assets, combined with the all-important recruitment process, which could include 5 or 6 players, I’m deeply concerned about their collective abilities to get all this done at an exceedingly high level
KP-I was just watching him at the U20s and I think it might be best to have him in-house for the first-half of the season, when the second tier Cup games are in play, then have a rethink come January…that way if it’s clear that he needs more gametime he can be logically loaned out…I feel that he’s the kind of player who plays to the level of his competition, much like both Marts and Saka, who were fucntionally better in the PL than against lesser talent
TRVL – ‘second tier Cup games are in play’ Carabao cup matches: two matches?
Got to be another loan if Nelson signs on.
Bob-obviously I didn’t mean that those would be the only fixtures he would play, just a couple of guaranteed starts…even if Nelson signs, he should get some other kicks at the can, plus some significant minutes off the bench, as the former has been deployed on both sides…I guess even you don’t trust MA to properly rotate…nice to see that you’re still in full-blown troll mode though…hopefully it will sharpen your skills in that department…Cheers
‘Full blown troll mode’ really?
I don’t think that Marquinhos will get enough minutes, very surprised that you think Arteta will rotate enough for a player of Marquinhos’ ability and experience.
Having a different pov isn’t trolling, bit of an over reaction!
Bob-I was only joking, as you know I like it when you chime in…have a good one
it’s good to see that a few positive reports regarding Saliba’s contract situation…hopefully there’s some merit to these claims, as things had a more doom and gloom feel last week…if that transpires I very much doubt that a bunch of money will be splashed on a new RB, as that would place White firmly on the bench, which wouldn’t be a good look…as such, I suspect the focus will shift to a CB depth piece, if Holding leaves, and Tierney’s replacement
I can’t help but cringe whenever I read that the Xhaka deal is on hold until a replacement is signed…does this mean there’s a chance, no matter how infinitesimal, that this 3 time wantaway player, with a spotty record at best, could possibly remain rostered if for some inexplicable reason we couldn’t find a better option…considering the fact that, off the top of my head, I can think of a whole host of plausible upgrades, this shouldn’t be a stumbling block for any real professional footballing organization…hopefully it’s just a tactic being used to squeeze a few extra bucks from Lever or because we’re contemplating a more complex player swap + cash deal, as there are a few players of supposed interest currently in their employ…in light of his history, when it comes to any potential exodus, it’s a real I’ll believe it when I see it conundrum
What’s the considered opinion on Tammy Abraham? I’ve never thought Tammy would be our level and he’s been true to form for last season with less than impressive stats.
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/317506/Show/Tammy-Abraham
He’s just torn his ACL so I guess it’s a moot point now.
Jesus spends more time horizontally airborne than with feet on the ground, so not even close for our minimum 20 goals per season requirements.
A quick look on the net and Jonathon David looks the part with 24 goals and 4 assists but he’s another short arse at 1:75m so that would confirm his aerial weakness. Bolagun for me is the better option.
I find it somewhat disconcerting with the all knowing reporters who list their line ups with Zinchenko at left back. Left back on the bench is fine with me because he’s not a starter and never was or Pep would have had Zinch as his first choice.
hopefully some more transfer clarity will be forthcoming following West Ham’s conference league final today…still not sure I would opt for Rice over Caicedo, but I certainly understand our interest in the former…just not convinced that we will invest in both, as I can totally see us going bargain hunting for a 2nd midfielder should we actually secure one of these big money targets…this is why I was concerned about our decisions during the January transfer window, as there’s no way we could offload Jorginho and/or Elneny, unless we ate a cosiderable chunk of their respective wages, so Partey’s likely gone and it will be half measures once again…I really hope I’m wrong
Tony,
I would have taken Tammy Abraham 6 months back but his current injury means he is probably out till end of this year. He is somewhat like Giroud, juggling between great and sh*t. But he is young and can learn on the job.
It’s too late though.
I would keep Balogun if we are not buying anyone. 3 strikers in 2 competitions is okay, knowing both Jesus / Nketiah can even play at wings if needed.
And thanks for the coffees :))
Ambarish-agree with your take regarding our Striker depth…too bad we gave Eddie a ridiculous wage package, as we could have really used a second Striker with a vastly different skillset…maybe Balo can fit that bill, as he’s pacier than the other two, but he’s certainly not a massive box target
after watching the Conference final I’m starting to grasp the importance of just such a competition…for those teams who might never see a CL or Europa final, this provides them with a much more realistic/tangible chance to win some European silverware…not the greatest of matches, as it was considerably scrappy at points, but no one could argue how much those playing or attending cared about the ultimate outcome…after witnessing Moyes on the touchline during extra time I now realize why he couldn’t handle the United gig…frankly I’m surpised that his head didn’t shoot right off his fucking body when the final whistle blew
so even though I was rather skeptical of this competition when it first emerged, I’ve now changed my tune…in a sport without playoffs, it’s all about the hardware, so whenever you can open the door to those with relatively little to show for their years of support, I’m all for it…that said, I dont’ want Arsenal lifting this Cup anytime soon as it would mean things have gone pear-shaped
TRVL
I’m in the same boat, argued about it’s importance initially but changed my mind now. It also keeps the motivations running for teams that have financial constraints.
West Ham won a trophy about 43 years? Can we declare them better than the Spu*s? Brilliant.
I’m afraid we gonna pass the CF conundrum this transfer window, don’t think we have that much budget. I understand now the Arteta’s rebuild, fixing the defence first, then wingers, and now the midfield. He might wait for another window to fix CF.
If you look back enough and the money we spent on White after loaning Saliba, you might think about the butterfly effect bringing White had. We are one window behind in fixing things completely.
it’s clear that I’ve got a fuck of a lot to say, but it’s not without good reason, as I find considerable solace through the act of posting my myriad of thoughts…allowing shit to fester doesn’t work for this sometomes moody fuck, so cheers to anyone who finds it all a bit much…so here’s what’s ruminating in my overactive melon on this fine evening
I’m trying to think logically about what this quite complicated window could look like, both incoming and outgoing, and I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of skepticism…now it could be worse, as it’s not outright pessimism, in that I think big things can be done without accomplishing the quintessential “perfect” window, but in order for this TW to be deemed a success there can be no more “settling”…so if we have to keep some players we would rather sell, then use the majority of our transfer funds on 2 game-changing midfielders, I’m all good with that…of course much will depend on our ability to re-up Saliba and how long Tomi will be shelved, but if those become moot points I would still rather we focus our full energies on acquiring a few readymade seminal figures than trying to finagle 5 or 6 half measures, as it’s imperative we have a quality over quantity type window…we need difference makers not warm fucking bodies, as we’ve acquired more than enough of those in more recent windows…it’s time for this organization to make a definitive statement of intent
sometimes
TRVL
We’re both the same: in print is better than clogging up the overactive brain/mind. Keep them coming as my more coffee wouldn’t be the same without your et les autres’ bonne idées par jour tout choses le Arsenal: however, when you guys have been in full flow during my slumber period, it makes for fun reading with my protein and carb bar, banana and coffee. Breakfast of champions I’m told, and yet I’m still waiting to be a champion. Maybe it’ll happen in France from the studios.
So, Moyes has done better than Wenger! Who’d have thought? Hammer’s princes of Europe while we are Europe’s paupers. Nauseating, bubble blowing and jellied ells smelling ‘Norf bank’ warriors led by soon to be DR’s minder will be off to make a record of a Gangsta version of a remake of “All I want for Xmas is my 2 front teeth”. Heavy double boom keep bass:
“Liten up you mofers,
this is Knowsy yeah!
kicking it to the shit Ultras ,
like the Cocaine bear!
so y’all hear ma tune and hit it, hit it – yer heet itttt
Al I fcukin want for Xmas is ma missing 2 front teeth
Any one find them in a Prague st, give back or get beef
I’m a boy who is only licking, cos I got no teeth to keep me tonge in
KP?Almunia care to do the 2nd verse – anyone?
Rice got swept up in the emotions saying he definitely isn’t leaving WHU. If I’d have been Karen Brady I’d have got that in writing about 3am this morning. Brady’s daughter seems to have some aversion to wearing clothes in pictures, in newspapers, so perhaps daughter, Spphie was there to support mama. All innocent, of course, not with even the least hint of impropriety as Mrs B asks Rice to confirm he’s not leaving while daughter Sophie – the influencer, what other occupation is there for the daughter of a well respected business woman? – assuages Rice with more of the amber nectar all the while whispering West Ham sweet nothings, Jungle Book snake style in Rice’s ear with Sophie’s finger stuck in the other ear keeping it all in.
Of course West Ham sweet nothings is just that – nothing! Not for decades and decades.
They even rent their stadium and rumors persist they allegedly rent their fans, too for gift vouchers for sex toys their owners sell, as it’s the only way their long suffering wives let them go to games. Have batteries will travel is the north-bankers cry while the north-wankers get full on banter for forgetting their significant others’ fresh batteries.
One such Hammer trying to be clever left a note for his wife to plug into the mains and press buzzing apparatus firmly inside when switching on. He did, however, forgot to tell said lover to use a voltage transformer, and now, with an enormous amount of anal x-rays and CT scans they cannot find the once buzzing blighter anywhere. The fan said he’s happy because it’s still under guarantee.
Oh to be a West Ham fan, not!
All joshing aside what is Rice going to say after winning WHU’s first ever Euro trophy? Shit club, can’t wait to leave?
Rice is Bobby Moore reincarnate to the Hammers where they will be playing on his heart strings of “one more season pleeaaasseeee?”
Barely has Rice got into his his celebratory stride now notching up its all night & into next morning and afternoon, we are going to bid £90m for his services. Note delays can’t be aimed at Edu’s fault because it’s going to take Rice at least 3 days to sober up enough to answer his agent’s calls. By which time Father Ted Boehly will have sent Rice a soothing hangover cure team to brings Rice to his senses or out of pain whichever is first and enough to join The Chavs, which wouldn’t require any senses at all, but that’s just my opinion.
Now by the time Boehly’s black ops medical team have done a Kieth Richard’s full blood transfusion with the new blood showing no traces of alcohol only vitamins and healthy minerals for any medicals back at Chav’s house, Rice is good to go to join Mickey Mudflaps on the Chav’s extended bench need for further 10 incomings.
Silly season just gets sillier.
Tony
I’m hoping we’ve been in dialogue with West Ham / Rice for some time but agreed to kept it quiet so as to not distract from their European final etc.
Its what anyone with half a brain would do so we’re probably screwed!