I do like the Pavon rumour. That's a young player on the way up - the kind of player Arsene used to be able to coach up into superstar.
In yesterday's presser Wenger was officially tight-lipped about any transfers in or out. EXCEPT that when he was asked about Coquellin's possible departure, he said "yes that's a possibility (that he might leave)" but "no (West Ham is not the likely destination)"
What little I have seen of him Asano looks interesting. Would likely be an FA Cup Europa League guy for us right now but he has potential and tons of speed. Not sure he fits in our current formation though. He is more a speedy wing forward. Could replace Walcott if we moved to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
Valencia has been the bigger rumor. West Ham is rumored to offer 10m while Valencia supposedly offered 12m.
The problem is that we rarely pull the trigger and are ready to pay the asking price. In the meantime, any enterprising agent would start shopping the player around and get another couple of clubs to the table.
The very first sentence of my post... "What little I have seen of him". 2-3 games I have seen he looked pretty dangerous. Lots of speed and almost snagged a couple goals.
Ugh - that list isn't very bright is it? I suppose Perez could be of use, but you're right, none of these guys are difference-makers.
If Liverpool were clever they would attack ozil as a replacement for Coutinho He would thrive in their system
Interesting thought. But in January? I think it's more likely we'd sell to Citeh, who we're in no direct competition with. But if nothing happens until July, then your idea might have more likelihood. Funny, I don't think I've ever heard any rumors of them/Klopp being interested in Mesut. Am I right?
Here are the full list of players that have at least 75% of the out put of Alexis in dribbles, key passes, shots, xG and xA:Florian ThauvinKylian MbappeLeon BaileyLionel MessiNeymarPaulo DybalaPhilippe Coutinho— Scott Willis (@scottjwillis) January 9, 2018
I honestly cannot fathom why we even have a transfer thread. I have zero faith in his ability to identify our weaknesses and identify talent these days. On the off chance that Wenger actually buys a player of note for once, ala Lacazette, he immediately fails to play them for full matches or even in important matches at times whatsoever. The rest he loans out because generally they are young never to be starters because he doesn't trust them or else cannot coach them. Or, as is quite often the case, they don't have any talent to begin with because he has convinced himself he can still find the rare non-scouted all-World next Messi gem in the Congolese 6th division. For all the talk about his economic acumen, he is truly horrid at transfers and has been for the last decade. The guy fails to pull the trigger only to eventually come back around a year or two later when now he has to pay an additional $25-50 million for the player. Such a joke.
And I do apologize for being so cynical and negative, I hope y'all can forgive me. I just see this grand club regressing tremendously under the weight of a horrible owner and vastly overrated and FAR past any prime he supposedly had Wenger.
Coqs out Arsenal’s French central midfielder Francis #Coquelin has reached an agreement with Valencia over a 4.5 year contract. #Arsenal and Valencia are expected to wrap up fee negotiations in the next 24 hours.— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) January 10, 2018 Never thought I'd see the day to be honest.
Reports also indicate we are meeting with Malcom's representatives today. Reports also say that our new CB is going to be in the squad this evening, which means he can't go out on loan.
Why is that? Is there a rule against the number of clubs in a calendar year? Anyone know anything about Malcolm? Big prospect name, but unclear how good he is. Leon Bailey is highly rated and linked with everyone.
Malcom - left-footed WF that can also probably play CAM. Lots of speed and looks shifty. His highlight videos make him look like a younger, faster, more team oriented version of Alexis. I would like him more on the outside in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 but could see him being good in the Alexis/Ozil spot in our current 3-4-2-1. Other rumors from this morning... Pavon - reports yesterday were that we were about to trigger is release clause but the Boca President is saying they got nothing from us. We are either delaying or it was a bogus rumor. Ozil - links to ManU heating up again Alexis - rumors that City offered us 20m GBP take it or leave it offer to get him this window. Coq - looks to be headed to Spain Wilshire - rumors that we are trying to extend but want him to take a reduced base salary with add-ons for performance/playing time. Rafinha - rumors that we have handed Barca an offer
https://statsbomb.com/2018/01/how-good-is-malcom/ Sounds like he could be an interesting replacement for Alexis, but clearly not at his level yet.