Rumours are that Sanchez will join City in the next week and that we will let him go if we can sign Lemar. Also linked with Rakitic who apparently wants out now that Coutinho has arrived. If we got these two, then I'd be really happy even with Sanhcez leaving.
I've also got one eye on Liverpool here. They have a fortune burning their pocket after Coutinho's sale and will no doubt be looking for replacements. I wonder if we have some agreements in place for one or two players? I wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool are in for some of the same players. Rumours have it that they are also in for Lemar and Rakatic, the latter would make sense for them and the former for us. To be honest, us and Liverpool need strengthening after losing our best players this Jan (if we lose Sanchez).
I don't watch the French league but had a look at his stat for this year and so far he had 2 assists. Is he really all that?
He's having a mediocre Season soo far. World Class ability but he is not consistent. Kinda overpriced for a player with only one good Season behind him. Rakitic would be a quality signing.
Another potential replacement being looked at (apparently) is Boca Juniors forward Christian Pavon. Cant say i've ever seen him play but his stats are very good for a player of his age. Already a starter in the Argentina National side he is quick, technically excellent and looks like he can finish too.
Not sure what Liverpool will do, they may have already spent that money they got for Countinho. £75m on VVD and £55 on Keita. That’s the bulk of that money gone. They probably have some reserves too, but are they going to spend another £75m on Lemar ? Personally I don’t think so.
Barca have claimed Arsenal have put an enquiry in for Rafinha. This is one of the guys I would love us to sign. Every bit as talented as his brother - I think he would be the ideal guy to taker over from Carzorla as the creative engine of the team.
Coquelin has joined Valencia for £12m http://www.skysports.com/football/n...a-agree-12m-francis-coquelin-fee-with-arsenal
Or Wenger is happy with his options in Xhaka, Jack, Elneny and Rambo. With Willock buzzing around the place. This is Arsene we are talking about
That's why I said hopefully! I can very much see us not replacing Coquelin. Same with Walcott if he is sold.
It's never good to have uncertainty surrounding the club and with Wenger's future up in the air again, it's hard to tell which direction we are going. We certainly need strengthening if we lose players in the Jan window, but what's the point if another manager comes in the summer? I wish the management could be more clearer than let things slide along like they've had. If Wenger is staying then we have to buy, if he's leaving then we consolidate with the players we have and focus on getting as high up the table as possible, going for a cup or two.
We urgently needed a DM before we sold Coquelin. Now its even more ridiculous. I still think N'zonzi would be a good signing. Doubt Wenger will sign anyone in this position. Plus we will probably sell our best player. #Wengerout
And just like that http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/11/arsen...d-niles-man-replace-francis-coquelin-7220533/ "We have seen again that Maitland-Niles had an outstanding performance. He is a defensive midfielder, basically." "What he is doing at the moment will help him develop as a player because he plays in a different position but at some stage I will play him in at defensive midfield"
Maitland Niles has shown - pace, energy and dribbling ability. He hasnt shown much defensively or in terms of passing/playmaking. Basically he hasnt looked like a player suited to the DM position. If he's A DM - that's where he should play. How does playing him at LB help his development in a position that takes years to learn? Plus we bought a LWB (Kolasinac) who was dropped despite being nothing but solid. How is playing Maitland Niles helping his development/confidence? All in All - it's a baffling decision.
He probably saw MN tackle a couple of times and thought, that's my DM problem sorted! Wenger doesn't do defence.
Walcott to Everton looks like it's happening. Mixed feelings on this tbh. He's been a decent servant for us down the years and he had those couple of seasons where he looked like he was going to become a really potent striker, but ultimately never quite offered us enough. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42660224
I think he's been too comfortable for a long while, a move to another club and a manager like Allardyce might be good for him
