The Sisoko move would be a good one. I think we are missing one piece of the puzzle and that is a big midfielder presence of a Yaya mould.
I don't understand the fuss on Sissoko. I think his size is clouding a lot of people's judgments. He's more of an offensive force like Yaya is. He plays on the wings sometimes. If we are to continue with our style of play, what we need is a seating MF. Morgan Schneiderlin or William Cavarlho are ideal for this role. We already have Ramsey and Santi who can run around and drive with the ball. We need a disciplined ball winner, who wins the ball and gives it, and protects the back four. Busquets (I don't really want him) does this for Barca. A Sissoko or a Yaya Toure will leave us exposed at the back. Even Yaya has the likes of Fernandinho and Fernando to clean up behind him.
Except you guys are looking to replace Ramsey?
I agree with this. I think for us to get the best out of Ramsey/Jack we need to have that holding MF. That allows Ramsey/Jack to play their natural game.They are only decent defensively. Especially against mid to lower table teams. Against top sides they will need to play with brakes on.I think this is very true - I think the reason Wenger likes Arteta is that he sits, allows an easy pass from the defence to 1. relieve pressure and 2. start attacks from the back, his good distribution also allows a quick transition from defence to attack. Though he hasn't got the mobility, physicality or good tackling that is needed to properly protect the defence.
In essence a more physical, fitter version is needed who will just sit in front of the back 4.
Otherwise I've always liked the idea of 2 hard running box-to-box players in the middle (say Ramsey and one other) who share the attack and defence duties, with them interchanging so 1 is always sitting in front of the defence while the other presses and attacks - problem is Ramsey doesn't seem to have the defensive discipline to do this. (and you may get caught out if the understanding isn't spot on!)
Apparently Schurrle is being put up for sale - worth a cheeky bid even though Mourinho would never sell to us...
He's a good player but TBH he would be in the same situation here as he was at Chelsea.Apparently Schurrle is being put up for sale - worth a cheeky bid even though Mourinho would never sell to us...
Yeah and we have look to continue bringing players through. Serge Gnabry needs to come through.He's a good player but TBH he would be in the same situation here as he was at Chelsea.
Sanchez and Walcott are always going to start ahead of him.
I have a feeling he will be with us long after his playing career. I can see him having a coaching role.Not sure where to put this so put it here as it may affect transfers...
On another forum some are saying that Arteta has been offered a 1 year extension to his contract.
I'd like to know if it's at a reduced wage/squad status 1st, or just exactly the same as what he's on now, before I jump to conclusions. But initially I'm disappointed that we aren't going to put all our trust in some new signings in that position (and potentially Coq).
However I can see the reasoning for it - in that he's Captain, is very experienced and has a lot of influence on the squad, he's a skillful passer, with good vision who can help our younger players (like Coq, Belik, Zelam) and will give us stability and strength in depth.
As long as we sign a proper DM/Holding Midfielder/DLP of course
Didn't the poor sod already take a pay cut to join from Everton?Not sure where to put this so put it here as it may affect transfers...
On another forum some are saying that Arteta has been offered a 1 year extension to his contract.
I'd like to know if it's at a reduced wage/squad status 1st, or just exactly the same as what he's on now, before I jump to conclusions. But initially I'm disappointed that we aren't going to put all our trust in some new signings in that position (and potentially Coq).
However I can see the reasoning for it - in that he's Captain, is very experienced and has a lot of influence on the squad, he's a skillful passer, with good vision who can help our younger players (like Coq, Belik, Zelam) and will give us stability and strength in depth.
As long as we sign a proper DM/Holding Midfielder/DLP of course