Are we better or worse, WTF is going on - Summer 2021 transfer thread.

In Edu's defense getting outgoing deals done, I'm reasonably certain that other clubs are:
1) well aware of our need to offload a bloated and overpaid roster, and aren't submitting acceptable bids, and
2) those outgoing players have underperformed and don't factor into immediate or long-term plans, and
3) our players don't have the "pedigree" or halo effect of playing in a top 4 side or Champions league. We were all annoyed that Barca, ManU, ManC, and Chelski would swoop to buy or at minimum unsettle our players. When was the last time that happened? ESR was the only recent player of note, but that interest was only from Villa. We had this even during the last ~10 Wenger years, but most teams just don't see value in our players because of this lack of pedigree.

When you negotiate, you typically should have a "minimum" value you'll accept, or you just walk away. From the numbers we're seeing tossed around, we just aren't getting offers in that range, which is understandably difficult. If Edu caves, then that let's other clubs know low-ball offers can/will be accepted.

 

Saliba and Guendouzi were Arteta decisions and the fourth striker killed a potential transfer with his wage demands. With respect to Saliba, Edu has said all the right things about his potential and he worked with Saliba’s agent to resolve a loan move very early in the window. Given the reporting that Edu is the one driving the youth movement I’m pretty sure he is in Saliba’s corner.

 

Not sure these are the right conclusions. The article states that Edu pushed for Neto as the GK choice—a 32 year-old Kia client who’s played less than 1000 minutes over the last two years. Arteta demanded Ramsdale instead.

Again, not to beat a dead horse, but can we really blame Arteta for stepping into the transfer process when Edu’s first-order impulse is to directly cite the “SELL THESE TO RUBES” list that Kia gives him?

 

You should pass on the Sell These To Rubes list, right?

 

Tbf to everyone involved I think the transfers in this season have been good, it’s just the sales that have been a huge problem. And as @CarlosKaiser perfectly summarized, as a team we are still reeling from the ramifications of last year’s window. But IIRC Raul was still in charge then?

 

Yeah sorry I’ll edit for clarity, I meant pass it on to Arteta

 

The article said Edu turned to Neto after the initial price being quoted for Ramsdale. Many on this board have had reservations about the £24m plus £6m add on fee paid for Ramsdale, the initial quote was £30m. Again since Edu was driving the youth policy the fee would appear to be the reason he started pushing Neto.

 

Thanks for sharing, Ornstein didn't say anything about Neto on the podcast. He suggested the u23 plan was Edu's plan from the day Raul left.

 

Wtf

Jose Mourinho comments on Granit Xhaka’s latest Instagram post encouraging the Arsenal midfielder to get vaccinated against COVID-19. #AFC pic.twitter.com/pGy5C4X2ig

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) September 3, 2021

 

i don't think i can even.

 

it's us. we're rubes.

 

My standard for Edu is that after getting quoted a price like that, the second option isn’t a Kia client in his 30s

I think that Ramsdale at the actual price we paid is better value than Neto at any transfer fee so it’s good that Edu received pushback on this front IMO

 

When you agree with Mourinho…

 

It depends on what you’re planning for, if you just want a number two, then Neto is probably fine, even if he is a Kia client, if you’re looking for a replacement for Leno, then Ramsdale is probably the preferred option. I’m not sure tarring Edu with Kia is appropriate. Edu is apparently the one that developed the youth policy and they haven’t signed a Kia client since Raul left.

 

Robbie Earle seems like a great guy to have a beer with, but Jesus. His answers are Buendia, Lingard and Tarkowski. Okay, man.

ETA: I have huge respect for Tim Howard overcoming Tourette to the extent he’s able to have an on-air television job, but it definitely doesn’t mean he’s good at that job.