Ah man, this is a blow. Really liked the look of this kid, but I understand why he wants a move. It’s a shame he’s going.
Hardly been looking like a worldie though has he. Just another lightweight Wilshere, Denilson, jack of all trades, master of none player.
Think it's too early to say this. He's very highly rated at the club, and has been for years. He's still only 19 and some players peak later. He had a mixed spell at a turbulent team in Blackpool where there was a high turnover of staff throughout the season. That being said, if we can get a decent up-front fee, as well as some sort of sell-on/first refusal clause in the contract, that would be great. Especially if it helps us in our pursuit of Rice/Caicedo.
Xhaka leaving Arsenal. I feel quite sad about it actually, and it’s a shame he couldn’t end his time with us winning a Premier League title. However, he’s had an excellent season and he’s had a very interesting 7 years at the club. At least he’s leaving on a high and will be remembered fondly during his time at the club. Surely, this means we will be going big in midfield this transfer window?
It's not really annoying now though is it. The whole team could get injured now for all it matters. We can't move up or down from 2nd. When the season closes he'll probably still have played more prem football than anyone in the city squad apart from Rodri and maybe Haaland (if he plays all remaining games). None of their attacking midfielders have played anywhere near Martinelli's minutes.
It's annoying because he won't be back for a while. It says he 'should' be back for pre-season, but then we've heard that line before. Heard a similar line of thinking with Saliba, and we heard a similar line of thinking with Tomiyasu - who reportedly may not be back until Christmas now apparently. I'm always sceptical when we get horrid injuries like this about the timescales the club put on them.
Bellingham would be my first choice signing for Arsenal but I think Arteta and Edu really want Rice. Based on that here's a doable transfer window. CF Vlahovic - I'm not sure I like his personality but he's 6'3 quick and can finish. Completely different to our current options and would allow us to be more direct when needed. CM/DM Rice - Can play as a 6 or in Xhakas position as an 8. CM Gundogan - Would provide quality, experience and versatility. CB cover for Saliba - Josib Sutalo. 6'4 Croatian - good on the ball, still young with a high ceiling. ---------------------------------Vlahovic/Jesus----------------------------- Martinelli/Trossard---------Odegaard/ESR-------------Saka/Jesus ---------------------Rice/Gundogan--------Partey/Rice----------------- Zinchenko/Tomi---Gabriel/Kiwior---Saliba/Sutalo----White/Tomi -----------------------------------Ramsdale/Turner-------------------------
So we reportedly want Gundogan and Cancelo (based on other reports) from City? Why don’t we sign their entire bench instead
This is good news as it’s a depth option and means we don’t have to fork out loads of money on a replacement.
Cancelo would be an interesting signing. On now hand White has been quality at RB and would be a shame to see him dropped. Cancelo would offer more going forward though for sure. He was one of City's best players for the 12 months or so before he left for Bayern. The guy is absolutely top quality and can play both RB and LB. If we do sign him it probably indicates Tomiyasu's issues are set to continue for a while.