Defense is better but now the offense sucks - 2021 Jan Transfer Thread

Seems just about everyone thinks this except the Arsenal & Everton managers. Hell even Nigeria has used him there.

 

Know absolutely nothing about him. Comments on his sofifa page are positive.

Only MF that I have seen linked so far that have not been shut down in some way are Yves Bissouma and Carlos Soler. Bissouma would be an excellent addition but doesn't exactly help with the creative aspect. Most of the links I have seen are suggesting a summer move for him. Soler has been linked to us before under Arteta. Still young (24) and could add some creativity from a number of areas. I like him as an option this window because A) Valencia are having money issues that could get us a good deal B) he may be best in a more #8 type role that would allow ESR to continue getting minutes and C) he is flexible enough to play in a #10 (or atleast a more offensive #8) type role when ESR needs rest and could play on the wing in a pinch.

 

Seeing reports that Real are trying to sell Bale, Marcelo, Isco, Ceballos, Brahim & Jovic in order to fund the purchase of Mbappe. Primary reason I mention it is...

A) if they find an offer for Dani we could see his loan cut short. While he hasn't done much this window it would mean someone that needs to be replaced on the roster.

B) would not be at all opposed to looking at a deal for Brahim. He is currently on loan at Milan and is supposedly doing pretty well and an AM. He is young (21) and if I am not mistaken he would count as HG due to his time at City. Arteta should also have some familiarity with him for the same reason.

 

Solomon links are coming on heavy

 

I don't have an issue bringing in a young winger but I agree it makes more sense if atleast 1-2 were offloaded.

Send Willian anywhere for a bag of balls
Loan Nelson somewhere he can start (Championship team fighting for promotion)
Swap Pepe for a CM/AM

 

Seeing a claim that Balogun has agreed on a pre-contract to join Leipzig in the summer. Not seeing anything on an actual signature just a verbal agreement.

 

Added note... Yesterday on his show, Fabrizio Romano said that Balogun wasn't close to a move elsewhere. That means this news is either bogus, something transpired very quickly or Romano may not be as connected as we think.

 

Another interesting note... Celtic ST Odsonne Edouard whom we were linked to last summer is looking to leave Celtic this summer. He recently switched to the same London based agent as Kieran Tierney and Celtic are said to have dropped their asking price from the rumored 40m down to 25m. 22yo, nice size speed & atleticism and so far this season he has 11 goals and 4 assists in 23 app (all comps). Last season he had 28 goals & 19 assists in 47 app.

 

Agreed. Swansea is rumored to be after him on loan. Signing a new deal and then immediately heading on loan would be a good situation for all. They are currently 2nd in a tight promotion race and have scored fewer goals then every team in the top 5. That would be an excellent situation for him to get tons of playing time and an opportunity to fight for promotion. Honestly wouldn't mind sending Nelson and/or Willock there are well.

 

From what I've seen, He looks like he could be a bigger, faster, younger version of Laca. May be an ideal option, especially if we continue with the current scheme.