Focus turns to forward options as Bristol City could make two significant additions Robins can now prioritise reinforcing their attack please log in to view this image Bristol Live understands the club has opted against pursuing Albert Adomah, as it stands, although the option on bringing the former Ashton Gate favourite back to BS3 hasn't been completely discounted. To add greater punch in the final third, strategically the Robins Achilles' heel last term, the focus is on signing a targetman to provide greater competition for Famara Diedhiou, plus, if possible, a secondary striker who can either partner that main forward or is capable of playing up front on their own. There is still a feeling, 12 months on, that Bobby Reid is yet to be replaced following his sale to Cardiff and the club are actively pursuing a quick and mobile forward who can dovetail with a more traditional No9. Andi Weimann enjoyed a fine first season, while young starlets Antoine Semenyo and Saikou Janneh should enjoy more first-team minutes, but the different profile of the various forwards being pursued implies Johnson wants more than one extra attacking option. City will wait to see if a loan for Arsenal striker and major target Eddie Nketiah is a possibility or whether the Gunners forward remains at the Emirates for the 2019/20 Premier League season. Although Nkeitiah spelt out his desire and fight for his place at the club earlier this week, the final decision ultimately lies with manager Unai Emery and Arsenal's front office and what they feel will be most suitable for the 20-year-old's development. Another striker with a similar profile, and admired, is Scott Hogan, but according to our sources no move is imminent - despite how Aston Villa may considering adding the 27-year-old as a makeweight in any potential deal to sign Adam Webster. Middlesbrough's Britt Assombalonga is an expensive aspiration that at £15m is highly unlikely, with expected competition from lower-placed Premier League sides and salary demands that could prove problematic. And indeed any further moves will also be influenced by other deals. Can a suitable buyer for O'Dowda be found? Will Webster be retained and can any suitors come forward for Matty Taylor who has only 12 months remaining on his contract will little sign of an extension? Of paramount importance is providing competition for Diedhiou, who is highly unlikely to go to China with heavy taxation in the Far East limiting overseas transfers into the Chinese Super League. The Senegalese was overworked in the latter stages of last season and his fatigue could have contributed to a number of high profile misses. As a result, City simply have to sign a new central striker to complement and compete with Diedhiou. Barnsley's Kieffer Moore remains a player that Johnson likes for this role due to his physicality and finishing ability, and at approximately £3m represents good value. But no move has been made in that direction. Two former targets in West Ham's Jordan Hugill and Sam Gallagher of Southampton will have been assessed, the latter reportedly now available for £5m, but City will bide their time to get the right man in, waiting to see how the market develops. "I think it would be wise to leave a little room, as in financial room, for a couple of late loans," Lee Johnson told Bristol Live last month when the Championship fixtures were announced. "But at the same time it's hard, because say if it happens in the last week of the window, most of your work has been done, in the off-season." With the first part of the recruitment drive secured in addressing issues in goal, defence and overall squad depth, the Robins can now focus their attentions on finding the missing link in the final third. That goal-laden final piece of the jigsaw remains elusive - just like the sort of quality forward City want to sign. It is not a given that they will find it. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport...s/focus-turns-forward-options-bristol-3047089
It looks as though it's boiling down to Eddie Nketiah, Scott Hogan or Keiffer Moore with Britt Assombalonga is an expensive aspiration, those names have been buzzing around for a long time now, it wouldn't suprise me if they have another up their sleeve and are just waiting to see market developments, we have been here before remember Kodjia and Diedhiou.
I’m hoping we go for Gallagher, I think he would be good as a plan A with Weinmann and Paterson or Szmodics running off him with Diedhiou as plan B. But reading OTIB some have looked into Moore and feel he will be the better fit.
we may actually have the key already at AG … a couple of the academy players have come through in the past … and for some reason we off loaded EISA … Semanyo and Janneh when together at Torquay were quite a pair what will Gary achieve this season without them 2! … A forward would be good … but I think NOT a life or death proposition .. after all 10 outfield players at anyone time is all that is allowed! Are we tied to a squad maximum?
There are still many questions to be answered , Webster, Brownhill , O’Dowda, Fam. Leaving or staying , to that list also add Taylor and hopefully Watkins, how many of these leave will no doubt have an impact to the quantity and quality of the remaining incomers.
Much depends on whether Fam stays or goes as to whether we need one or two new forwards I do like young Neketiah.- if not Hogan who has excellent movement If Fam goes then Moore would be the obvious target
