Little better but not quite there - 2020 Summer Transfer Thread

I don't know the why, just what was reported.

 

Seeing some reports that Luiz's 2 yr contract (that would expire next summer) may have actually been a 1 yr deal with an option to extend to a 2nd season. Those making the claims are also saying that we have yet to pickup the option meaning he may leave on a free when the window opens.

 

If they are really gonna let Luiz walk and shop Sokratis, Mustafi & Holding, we are either going to have a major CB overhaul or your gonna see 1-2 of that group reigned back in. Really depends on what kind of deals we can get for a new CB. If we offloaded all 4 from above well will need atleast 2 new and ideally one would be HG or young enough not to hit the quota yet.

Fixing to start seeing a ton of CB links. I know a few options I would target but never thought it was likely we would offload 4 this window.

 

I'm fine with Luiz, Sokratis & Mustafi.

Would like to give Holding atleast until Jan to see if he can recover his form. He is still young (25 in Sept) and looked good prior to his injury last season. Worst case right now is he can be an adequate CB to give the starters a rest for lesser matches. But who knows, maybe he is back in training and not looking any better?

I thought Chambers looked really good in preseason and while he is older than Holding (just turned 25 in Jan) he is still young for a CB. My biggest question with him is whether he is best suited for CB or DM (single base #6 in a 4-3-3). Sometimes I think he is not physical enough for CB but I'm not sure he is a good enough passer for DM. May have a slight boost with him. Supposedly he is back training with the team.

Assuming you can unload Luiz, Sokratis & Mustafi, I would be inclined to start the season with Mari, Holding, Chambers & Saliba plus one other new CB. Ideally I would want the new guy to be starting caliber. If Arteta doesn't rate Holding I wouldn't be opposed to him being replaced with another young guy. But if we get rid of our 3 most vet CBs we will certainly need a starting quality guy immediately.

 

Agreed but unless Holding or Saliba step up before the window I think you need someone to partner with him to start next season. As much as I like Upamecano, I don't think he is gonna be an option. After that I guess you need to decide to go with upside or immediate impact because I don't think we can afford both qualities in one player unless we get lucky on an evaluation.

 

That's plausible. Guess only time will tell.

 

Tend to agree. We don't know the entire story but I tend to prefer he stay. That said, I was pissed that we sold Iwobi. Think he could have been good as a CM/AM in a Pep 4-3-3. He didn't exactly light up the world at Everton (2 gls in 22 app) and his value has dropped a good bit (per Transfermrkt) since we sold him so maybe the FO/coaches knew a little more about that situation then me.