Ya, don’t see the point. With hector back and Saka doing a job at LB, no need to pay the January premium. Holding is “back” and Xhaka can do a job at CB. Basically treat the rest of the season as preseason for next season. Let arteta get the bones of his system in place so that it looks appealing for any summer deals we may try to do and get working them ASAP.
I agree those are huge needs but I have no confidence that leadership will use that money wisely. I see them instead doing loan deals, small buys or getting guys 30+ or a young prospect instead of prime players who have a track record of producing and are worth a pretty penny. Chelsea replaced Hazard with very good young prospects Tammy, CHO, Pulisic, Mount, Tomori, James etc. Partially because of the ban but we have nothing like that talent wise in our youth asides from Saka or Martinelli. Willock and Reiss are not on PL level. No Auba for the rest of the season and were royally screwed.
Dein has been out of the game for like 20 years. We gotta move on. The biggest concern seems to be the apparent lack of unity of purpose.
I don’t get the hate. Sure ceballos and Suarez didn’t turn out, but Pepe, Martinelli, Lucas, Tierney, guendouzi, Saliba...those are good purchases. As for Chelsea, that’s my point. No one knew Abraham could score like that or that the the squad could generate chances without hazard. People were the same when we lost Henry, but RVP and Ade stepped up. I don’t think we’ve spent poorly the last few windows overall.
If we had properly replaced just Cazorla, our midfield play would be so much better. A player who can receive the ball with both feet, turn in either direction, has unlimited passing range, and could still dribble to find some space.
Not even close to the same player, at least on the actual field. Iwobi could play but he wasn’t near as good as Cazorla in creating some space or to hold possession. And he released the ball to his teammates much quicker. Cazorla is famously two footed, I can’t think of anyone else who was as good with both feet.
Hector is 24 and is pretty damn good at RB. His value to our squad (as a leader with elite hair) goes beyond any transfer fee he might command.
I agree about Héctor, but I would still entertain offers. It’s very hard to have a quality backup fullback and they are key to the modern game. Héctor has missed a lot of games, and I’d rather have someone a little more robust even if they are slightly less talented.
Apparently we're signing a CB from Flamengo, Pablo Mari. Was on loan with City a couple times I guess? Don't know anything about him. Fee less than 10m and he's already on his way for a medical and been seen meeting with Edu...seems pretty wrapped up?
Heard we want to or are close to signing Mykola Matviyenko a CB from Shakhtar Donetsk. Don't know much about him saw highlights of him and he looks damn good. Is only 23 can play out of the back. Hopeful the rumours are valid
From a friend of mine who watches alot of Brazilian league and Flamengo he says he is good in the air, reads the game well, good anticipation but that he is very slow to slow for the PL. Seems like a bargain deal and will be a backup or 3 or 4th CB choice.
Never thought Iowbi strength was scoring. He did some many things well one big need is LW and that is what Iowbi is. But tbh I think Iowbi as a CM would be his most successful position and that's another big need for us.
Im curious if Arteta would try and sign some of the City loanees. IMO Tosin Adarabiyo is a star in the making at CB and thats a position in need of depth.
I wouldn't mind making a run at Brahim Diaz. He's not getting playing time at Real and I've heard that Zidane has decided he doesn't rate him. He's still young (20) and can play AM as well as both wings. For now he could be a utility player of sorts but long term I could envision him taking over for Ozil. Added bonus is that I am pretty sure he was at City long enough to be HG.
We heard the same things about BFG when he came, and we know how that turned out. If he reads the game anything close to Per, then I think this is a good buy. I trust Arteta's, and he thinks he can improve our team and work in his system, I'm fine with that over our current options.
Seeing several reports that we are very much in for Thomas Lemar right now. Lots of potential, but depends on the cost, and if we invest in him over other more important needs. Anyone interested?