Little better but not quite there - 2020 Summer Transfer Thread

Seeing some claims that we have offered PEA to Real Madrid for Ceballos plus cash.

 

Given the quoted price to retain Dani (36m) and the rumors of PEA being let go for anything from 50-70m you would be looking at 20-40m cash addon.

 

I like the idea of Jovic + Dani for PEA. Then we can sell Laca for extra cash and let Jovic, Nketiah & Martinelli battle it out for ST minutes.

 

Claims out of Germany that Upamecano has told Leipzig that he wants a move this summer. There is also speculation that he could cost less than his release clause because 1) 1 yr left on contract, 2) player pushing for a move and 3) less available transfer funds for most squads due to season delay/shutdown.

 

Seeing some links this morning to Nebil Fekir. He has proven himself healthy again with his stint at Betis. If we could find a true #6, I think a 4-3-3 like ManC ran with Fakir in the LCM/LAM role could be deadly. He has the ability to be both a scoring and creative MF. Added plus that he and Laca had a very good chemistry when they were both at Lyon. Matter of fact, Laca's best years where when the two of them played together.

Just a thought what if we go for Fekir, Tolisso and Alaba as our main signings this window? In theory you could get all three by offloading current surplus (PEA, Mustfi, Sokratis, Mhki, El Neny, etc...) and then focus on youth (N'Dicka, Kokcu) or FAs (Meunier) with whatever is left with our budget. Fekir can play LCM/LAM in a 4-3-3 or #10 in a 4-2-3-1. Tolisso can play RCM in the 4-3-3 or any spot in the CM of the 4-2-3-1. Alaba can play LB or CM/DM in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.

----------------------- Laca ---------------------------
Saka ------------------------------------------ Pepe
--------- Fekir ------------------ Tolisso ------------
------------------ Lucas/Alaba ----------------------
Tierney/Alaba - Mari - Luiz/Holding - Bellerin

 

Alaba is running down his contract. Will have 1 year left this summer and has openly talked about being a life long Arsenal fan. May not be a slam dunk but I bet there is a chance, especially if we offer the opportunity to get minutes at CM/DM which he plays for national team and has stated is his preferred position. The way I see it, you offer him as a DM and backup LB. Give Tierney every opportunity to be the LB starter until A) he gets hurt again or B) he proves he isn't ready.

Assuming we end up keeping Laca (vs selling he and PEA and then having to get another ST to compete with Eddie), I like the idea of going after Fekir vs trying to keep Ceballos. Think there is a chance we can get him cheaper, think he would fit the Pep style 4-3-3 better, he has prior chemistry with Laca and he is a scoring threat from MF.

 

Summer move for Partey looking like it will be off the table. He is expected to sign a new deal with Atletico that will raise his release clause from 50m euro to somewhere between 100-150m euro.

 

This idea is starting to show up in the media and Arsenal blogs. Supposedly Real have further frustration with Jovic because he defied team orders and went home to Serbia during the CV break.