LAM09

Seems like those concerned want him away from the team ASAP, so they are happy whatever it takes.

I didn't say he was needed, but would help address one of the main deficiencies in the squad. At some point, we have to think about fixing them rather than hoping year on year. I remember having a discussion with @Jase at a similar time last year and he said we'll be in a good position if our more attack mind players hit double figures in all competitions; we all know how that planned out. Going into another season expecting anything different from the same crop is insane tbh.

There was talk of Sarri wanting RLC, so using him as a makeweight plus cash would be smart business. You've been crying out for a consistent goal scorer from midfield ever since Lamps left.

I don't see Bastoni as a gamble at all, and he has a much bigger upside. The issue for me is his supposed desire to remain in Italy; I'd steer clear if there's any truth to it.

Final year of his contract and he's effectively pushing for the move. Seems fair value all-round. Will probably follow a similar fate to Guedes, if it happens.

That might be the case, but we allowed this to happen by trying to lowball our best defender. I completely agree with the second part and I have commented on it previously; it wasn't something that greatly affected us previously whilst Arsenal were/are notorious for letting it happen. Saying that, this sort of thing is starting to become a trend allowing players more options to choose their own career path. We need to tie some of our key players down (James being the standout) instead of this becoming all too common within the club.

Thought as much. No one should have a gall to question Rudiger's intentions when the club dug their own grave where he's concerned.

"Final offer". What was the club's opening offer?

The former would have probably stayed had the club actually valued him when negotiations began. Seems like wages are all over the place, which has to be problematic (Werner on £225k~).

Couldn't take him rejecting them (nice change tbh). Also, I'm sure La Liga throwing a hissy fit about City/PSG probably has something to do with it as well.

Liverpool are bringing Nunez in to fill in the holes left by Mane's impending departure, Origi going to Milan and Minamino seemingly close to leaving as well. I wouldn't exactly call that "strengthening".

Or Suarez....

I really hope we stay well clear. As you stated, he's just as bad in front of goal.

There really isn't another position in our team where he would thrive, so it shouldn't come as a surprise. Will be interesting to see who will be behind him, though. I'm hoping Broja will get a chance at the very least this season.

It was bound to stop at some point considering the number of players that have emerged & are playing in the UK or across Europe.

We're fortunate that our academy is probably among the best around and players are able to make the step up to offset our poor transfer dealings.

City have supposedly shown interest....

I remember there being quite a few that were vocal. No longer to be seen. There's no chance we're activating his €150m release clause IIRC.

It's a constant theme with Belgian players, so it shouldn't come as any surprise.

Playing in a FA Cup semi-final and starting a CL quarter-final. Those are two that come to mind. I'm not disagreeing with you about your concerns about our midfield btw, as I have similar ones. It's the doom and gloom surrounding some of your posts regarding certain things. Do you want us to spend £100m+ on Rice, as there ain't many notable improvements on the market for that position?

RLC "helped" Fulham get relegated and still had a notable role within the squad last season. These players are either worthy of a chance or ought to be cut loose this summer.

We also have someone by the name of Ampadu that could play DM. We aren't exactly short on option, but whether they're up to the job is a different story.

Pulisic has played 115 games, Salah played 19 games; their playing time at the club isn't comparable in the slightest.

If they're all fully fit, Dembele by a country mile. They are generally good at signing players that fit their system. Pulisic would be another one that would fit that notion, but we shouldn't be doing anything to strengthen our rivals unless we have something to gain in terms of personnel.

One minute a deal to PSG is almost done, and now this. Either way, if he joins us, it will mainly be down to Tuchel's presence.