Quote:
Originally Posted by kingofcool
What good alternatives are there? I'd like a Zaha (but not for the money asked) or a Pepe, but it wont happen. I seriously doubt we'd afford Cengiz Under. Seems like we are down to Ziyech (who can also play in the middle), Ismaila Sarr, Ryan Fraser (do scots qualify for the "english premium fee"?) or maybe some relative unknown from a sub top5 league (trossard etc).
Given the situation, Ziyech seems like a steal and a massive upgrade on what we currently got. Dont forget that we also need a CB (critical) and a new #2 keeper at a minimum. We could definitely use a CM and a LB too.
As of right now, i'd be superhappy with the following end result:
Out: Mustafi, Elneny, Mkhi. Özil out would be good so we can rebuild and free up money, but i doubt it can happen this summer. Xhaka out would be great if we can find a better option for the same money. What would a good xhaka replacement (that is realistic) be?
Loan: Not too many. We need to start giving our very promising youngsters a chance before other clubs come poking ala Serge Gnabry. Mavropanos, Nketiah, Amaechi, Bielik, Medley and John Jules seem like obvious choices to send out to suitable cubs.
Promote: Willock (could be a breakout season) ESR (or send back to bundesliga), Reiss Nelson, Saka (he could get time both as LWB and as winger. Should definitely play in cups.) Anyone else?
We will get Chambers back who can fill Elnenys role and also fill up in the defense.
Purchase a winger: One of Ziyech>Sarr>Fraser>>>Trossard.
Purchase a CB: One of Saliba(Im 100% on this hypetrain!)>Bailly/Umtiti(if they are both physically fit and cheap, i keep reading that Umtitis knee is gone)>Dakonam>that-guy-from-brazil-league
Purchase a GK: We need a proper #2. I honestly think Ospina would be great at it, but i guess he is gone. Emi Martinez is surely not good enough?
Tierney seems like he would be a great purchase at LB, but i doubt Unai is as desperate over that spot upgrade as i am. Kolasinac cant defend, Monreal is old.
It was said that their main prio is to replace Aaron. Who could fill that spot?
Pretty reasonable. You think RB is fine? I guess bellerin + amn is enough. CB/LB/Winger are just absolute musts. Back up gk is whatever just play emi in fa/league cup and leno in cl/league. If ars win EL and get a CL spot they probably don't have to sell anyone they would be inclined to keep to fund those xfers, but if they don't I wouldn't be surprised to see one of laca or aub get sold. Both are great, but you can make an argument having both is redundant. Of the two I'd prefer to keep laca, as he is more versatile with a stronger overall game.
In terms of needs CB > LB >> Winger. Would be massive to squeeze 2 more decent to good years out of kosc + sokratis. Holding + someone else as the longer term mainstays.