Jesus is on 265k a week I think. Redundant question but sell him? LOL. I'm actually a big fan of his and would like to see him as a back up striker but obviously its way too much for someone who is injury prone. I'd actually to see us get 2 strikers. The second one perhaps a young, decent lower division player or young foreign player or if we have any one in the youth set up. Three strikers, Havertz, a big signing and another. We see what two strikers got us....no striker. Unless we are going to train Merino as a 3rd striker. But I want to see Merino settled into a role/position he can develop. And midfield is where he's suited.
Jesus has been done for a while (other than vs palace). We should've sold him 2 seasons ago when he actually had value. We need to sell him for whatever to just get his salary off the books
The jump in quality we made from Laca/Auba to Jesus 3 years ago was astounding. He may not be a killer in front of goal, but his strength on the ball, his pressing, his connect play and off the ball work was incredible. We miss him.
If he was a bit more clinical and could stay healthy he would absolutely improve our standings. He & OZ aren't ideal for us long term but they were great early acquisitions in that they improved the squad immediately and brought experience with the Pep/Arteta system.
He was pretty glorious before that knee unity right before World Cup Never the same despite occasional bursts if sparkle
Per Orny RE the LW need...... - Arteta likes Nico & Anthony Gordon - No news of potential interest in Rodrygo - There will be other options - Expects LW to take longer because it is lower in the priority list
Is there a thought that Newcastle will have to sell and Gordon is more likely than Isak? Or is this Ornstein being lazy and saying a name that he knows Arteta likes even though there is no chance of it happening? Because he just signed a new contract in October and unless it included a release clause, I don't see it.
I just don't know how he forgot to score. He wasn't always this bad at finishing. Matches like PSG you need guys like him and Kai to put away instead of their comedic end products.
Few other random rumors from the weekend..... - Saw a claim that we had agreed "loose terms" with Gyokeres and were planning to submit a formal offer. Another didn't go that detailed but claimed we are in "pole position". - Italian media claiming that Juve & Inter plan to come for Kiwior - Saw a claim that we may make a run at Xavi Simons for a LW/AM option. Suggested that he could potentially be had for 60m euro due to Leipzig missing out on CL.
French media claiming that Arsenal are after Andrey Santos. This one is likely BS. From the video I've seen his defense, aerial abilities & distance shooting are phenomenal but his passing is average and I found no evidence of being press resistant. Outside of that, I don't see Chelsea cashing in on him at this time. He's 21, coming off a strong season and there are rumors of Chelsea moving Enzo.
I can understand kicking the tires on some Chelsea prospects in case they need to sell. I think he's HG? Could deputize under Zubimendi allowing them to let Partey walk, if the price is right.
Someone doesn't know what the words "pole position" mean though, since like Highlander there can only be one...
I get why we might be interested, I just don't see it happening. If I understand the rule correctly, a player must be registered with an English or Welsh club (including academy) for 36 months before his 21st BDay. Andrey joined Chelsea in 1/1/2023 and turned 21 this month so is 9-10 months shy of HG eligibility.
There's a report from Sky that Arsenal have $100m to spend plus whatever they being in from sales. I wonder if the Zubimendi deal is in installments.
Early reports are suggesting we will pay higher than the 60mil release clause for Zuba which will allow us to pay it in installments.
There have been other reports claiming anywhere between £200-340m. £100+ sales doesn't make much sense given our known needs & Orny confirmed links.