We by Nathan Redmond for the reported 3 million pounds. Give them Bartley on loan for a season. Which then takes us a defender down. So we then sign Jordi Amat from Espanyol. But then Williams could leave so we will need another defender. We could by another reported target Alberto Botia from Sevilla. Which would leave us with Chico, Botia, Amat, Monk. Do you think this will be good enough cover or will we need more strength at the back. Rangel Chico Amat/Botia Davies Bench: Botia/Amat Monk
I think we should be phasing Monk out of our plans. If he shows up, is fit enough, sharp enough and can raise his game to the required level then fine - a backup player though. But, we really should not be relying on Monk being a workable option.
The PL is a step too far for both Monk and Tate,but their commitment to the rise of The Club over many years should not be "forgotten". Instead,spare a thought for these two stalwart players who must now be feeling surplus to requirements.
Arsenal may be forced to end their pursuit of Ashley Williams unless they improve their approach for the player. Despite claims by tabloids at the end of last month that the Gunners were on the verge of agreeing terms for the transfer of the player, Swansea City’s centre back is now set to remain with the Welsh club after a breakdown in negotiations to sell him. Williams’ representatives were reportedly contacted by Arsenal recently for the first time since the Gunners last failed in their attempt to lure the defender to London during the January transfer window. But even though the 28-year-old has made it clear that he would prefer a switch to the Emirates stadium, Swansea City football club have now declined an £8.3 million proposal from Arsenal. The Swans have also made it clear that they will only consider a bid above £10 million while manager Michael Laudrup has reiterated that Ashley Williams is happy at the club. Speaking before his summer holidays recently, Williams was coy over his own future. “I play my football for Swansea City and now I’m just going away and looking forward to a holiday,” Williams said “I’ve said before, I’ll take it (Arsenal rumours) as a compliment, it means you’re doing your job well. I’ve done that this time, I haven’t looked too far into it.” Arsenal will now have to plot a better bid for the defender if he is ever to be given up by Swansea, but the Gunners may not be the front-runners to secure the services of Williams anymore after new Everton manager Roberto Martinez hinted that he is keen to be reunited with Williams, whom he signed from Stockport five years ago when he was in charge of the Welsh side. This is all speculation but if he does go then another disruption and a significant part of the defence which will need replacing and quickly
I think it's quite right of us to hold out. He was among the best centre backs in the league last year, so anything less than £10m is a bit of a p1ss-take frankly. It doesn't sound like Williams is "forcing" the move (although I'm sure he'd like to go to one of the "big-six") so good on him and the club for holding out.
to those two. Correct Vetch - contributions never forgotten, but as viable members of the squad for me I'm afraid so.
I agree. I don't get the press stating £8-10 million in their gossip that they call reports. He's doing great for us, attracting lots of interest from the big clubs and most importantly we don't need to sell. Therefore they have to meet his minimal release fee of £12million or better it (in a bidding war). If anyone pays us £12 million + I will be very confident we can find 2 centre-halves as good....but of course we will have to be patient as they bed in.
