Thinking about The Dembele Question, and working on the basis that his contract runs down next summer, which scenario does everyone think is preferable?
Scenario One: January signing
The most obvious suggestion, but obvious for a reason: signing somebody in January would give whoever is picked as the Dembele replacement a period of time to integrate with the team and Poch's tactics for the remainder of the season and also meaning they can pick up where they left off come the beginning of next season like Lucas Moura's currently showing, while also guaranteeing a complete lack of nervous breakdowns at the thought of another summer-long transfer saga. This scenario would certainly be the most logical for players whose contracts are running down, with Rabiot being the most obvious example of this, and there would be room to negotiate.
Scenario Two: January pre-contract agreement
While this scenario wouldn't offer the immediate benefits of Scenario One, and to be blunt considering how nonsensical our last few pre-season campaigns have gone NEW MIDFIELDER would be just as rusty as their teammates for the opening fixtures while also being behind the curve regarding tactics etc, what it does offer is the ability to rest easy knowing a key role in the team will be addressed in the summer several months ahead of schedule, while also offering the chance of negotiating, which would certainly be the better scenario in the case of players such as Ndombele.
Scenario Three: The summer-long transfer saga
Well you've got to admit that we're experienced in these, which has to count for something...right?
Scenario Four: Have a nice cup of tea and wait for all this to blow over
After all, after three seasons at the club, surely it's time for Sissoko to step into the breach?