OneMoSalah

Maybe suits them better for their recruitment. Id imagine if they get that fee in installments certain clubs wont think they have got X amount just sitting in the bank to demand a bit extra for players. Seen they want to sign 3 attackers to replace him and Rafael Leao if he goes. Maybe its just they feel its a better deal too, if Arsenal are willing to pay whst looks like more than the original 72m including bonuses who knows. Crazy they are dropping 72m although in installments and maybe another 25m to 30m on Kieran Tierney. Potentially as well as what I see as a shrewd free transfer of Sami Khedira. If i was an Arsenal fan I would be horrified they havent looked at sorting their centre backs out though. Mustafi is laughable.

At Juventus last season, he played only 11 games, 8 starts as he was injured a lot so I dont done think anybody is realistically going to judge him on that. As I said if they can get him fit I honestly think he will be a good signing for them. Not spectacular or going to propel them higher up the table but dont think hes finished just yet (Pepe would give them that though, will get at least 10 goals and 10 assists from out wide). They dont have much else in midfield and if Torreira goes back to Italy too they will lack a more combative player in there which Khedira certainly can be. Hes not going to create chances like Cazorla did or score goals like Ramsey did but he will bring balance and some physicality. People scoffed when Juventus signed him on a free as well and hes done pretty decent there in all fairness. Hes older now and maybe struggled with fitness last season but the 2 seasons beforehand he played more or less every week. Weirdly enough he actually scored 9 goals from midfield in 38 games the season before last when he was fully fit. In terms of value for money, for a free transfer and a relatively affordable wage its hardly a really bad move for them. Some players still have plenty to offer aged 30 and above. Again dont expect him to single handedly boost Arsenals top 4 chances but again, he will fill a gap and give them a reliable experienced head in what is now a younger squad having lost its biggest midfield player, think people are maybe perceived hes finished particularly at international level (hasnt been picked since after the world cup mayne deservedly so after his performances there) but he definitely has a point to prove.

John McGinn is not ready for Man United in my eyes yet but again, I thought the same about Andy Robertson with Liverpool (despite being a huge fan of his since he played for Dundee United thought it was maybe a step too far to go to Liverpool). I think he and even Ryan Fraser could be two Scottish players who like Andy Robertson could potentially be a surprise at bigger clubs. That 50 mil fee is a bit much for him still. Khedira on a free is a very good move I would say considering theyve lost Ramsey and theres huge doubts about Torreira staying. Much different to signing to Lichtsteiner who was there to be a back up. SK is vastly experienced, has won a lot, more than steady enough player, offers something different. If the likes of Wolves were to sign him like originally linked it would be viewed as excellent business but think its just as good for Arsenal. If they can keep him fit, he will bring experience, winning mentality and leadership to their team, which they lack. If they get Nicolas Pepe and Kieran Tierney in as well as keeping some of their youngsters, I think a lot of people will be surprised by them this year although the CB area of their team is a disaster.

Basically some patterns of that play and combinations is what we seen with Contes 343 here, especially that ball round the corner from the fullback/wingback and the other one to get the striker in behind. Interesting to see how that rule will work in the long run.

If Napoli get him and James Rodriguez they will be class this upcoming season. Dont think their enough to bridge the gap to Juve but they will comfortably (if they werent already) be the best of the rest even with Conte at Inter. Koulibaly, Manolas, Insigne, James, Pepe, Fabian Ruiz, Allan, Mertens.. very good players all in their own right.

As a Scot, I have no idea what to make of McTominay, I seen some of their game today and he looked good. Same with the game against Barcelona in the CL he looked good but then there is time I've seen him and hes looked shite, for instance I seen his Scotland debut a few years ago live at Hampden and he was fucking horrific. As for Ndombele I think that, unfortunately for us, he will be fine at Spurs and in the PL. As I've said before I think he has everything to be a huge player in the PL in his position. Pre-season is pre-season too and in terms of performances to a degree its hardly something to fully judge someone on as it is more focused on building fitness as an individual and as a collective unit. I do hope he doesn't do well at Spurs but the times I've seen him, I honestly can't see him flopping.

I honestly wouldn't say we are that much better than Arsenal. Arsenal have got goals upfront in 2 strikers who can score 20 a season. We don't have that. Ultimately goals win games and having 2 strikers who can deliver that will help a lot even if your slightly weaker in other areas. Fair enough we maybe have better players in other positions but its not like we are that much better if we are as a collective, hence the fact we relied a lot on Eden last season. Plus, as ironic as this may sound right now, I think Emery is a better fit for Arsenal than Lampard is for Chelsea at this moment in time. Also, this we are better than Arsenal thing just now means nothing, it hasn't been proven under Frank, we haven't played 1 competitive game and Sarri was in charge last season. Also I think United and Arsenal will surprise people this year, they've had 1 year (half a season for United) with their managers so they are more accustomed to how they want to play and how they work where as Frank has come in and instantly changed the system. Race for top 4 is going to be extremely interesting. City-Liverpool then youve got us, Spurs, United and Arsenal all going for 2 places. I would say, if you are able to cut it for Arsenal I think you are more than likely able to do so here right now. Willian, Callum and Pedro arent exactly lightyears ahead of Zaha if at all. Zaha wouldnt be the worst move as of right now or even 12 months down the line. Fair there are better wingers out there perhaps but I think we have got 2 bargaining chips to use with Palace, Batshuayi who they want and was there last year as well as Reece who they are keen on (although if Zappa goes he has to stay to back up Azpi or if he doesn't go then send him there on loan).

Suppose comparing the signing of a striker, who was very very good for us yes to not signing a winger/10, who would of done excellently here (don't think that is in doubt) is a reasonable thing to waste time writing an article on now a days. Don't think signing a number 10/wide player would of meant we wouldn't have signed a striker. Or do people believe Roman who has spent fuck know how much money would of said no to Drogba if did get Ronaldinho? Fuck sake. When will the signing Zhirkov instead of Ribery article be released.

At the same time, someone who is almost 28 is in their prime years and should realistically be at their best level to 30 or 31 before declining. I'm not Zaha's biggest fan, although he wouldn't be the worst move but still think his game lacks end product and even from playing in pretty much a free role at times with Palace he hasn't really put up stats that make me go wow. 10 goals and 5 PL assists for Palace in 34 games maybe seems decent but still, I would be a bit concerned with spending 60-80m on him although that is just the way the market is these days I suppose. With Pedro and Willian ageing though, maybe having someone who is in their prime years and probably able to replicate their outputs isn't the worst idea without realistically getting in Pulisic and Callums long term development either.

Hope that article is a piss take and that the guy who wrote it isn't actually a real journalist. Holy fuck. Embarrassing. Also Frank has said he hasn't been offered it officially but has stated a few interesting numbers are available this season, or were, 4 (although I think the chances are Christensens taken it after wearing it in preseason), 9 (although think Tammy is taking it) and 10 (would rather see it go to Ruben, Callum or Pulisic tbf).

Why didnt we just sell him, its clear he has no future here. Absolutely none at all. Its not even like he cost 20m so its hardly as if taking a loss of 3.5m or whatever he cost is a issue.

Maybe nobody wants to buy him considering we paid 24m for him or whatever. I'd imagine we will want at least 15-20m for him. His contract expires in 2 seasons yet. I dont think we will take a huge loss for him.

Still regardless, there were individuals who were continuously coming for him for no other reason at times, which when your evaluating a player or criticising a player for nothing to do with his on the field performances, is really pathetic. Even when he wasn't performing good because he was Sarri's "favourite" or someone who people would see as the main figure head of that Sarri ball etc he was being criticised when there were players who played a lot worse or turned it on and off when they wanted. I am sure the fans boo'd him at a few of the games too. In my eyes, nobody else was held to the same sort of circumstances or standards last season, which if your going to judge 1 player that way, you'd may as well judge them all that way or not at all. I think everyone seen towards the end of the season that there is definitely a player there and I must admit I am excited to see how he does under Lampard.

Wouldnt renew and had 1 year left on his contract. Also had an agreement in place with president to be allowed to leave. Still surprised Napoli didnt go for him they were heavily linked but theres talk of them getting James so maybe Carlo would take a punt on him as hes worked with him, which makes sense. Dont think he is damaged goods as such, hes maybe had a few injuries but he is brilliant on his day and is a real coup for Betis.

We had 9 last season before January. Suppose with the u21s we will manage anyway thought it had to be 8 registered and then the u21s were just there and counted as squad members without being registered. Then Cesc, Lucas and Moses left I suppose and there spaces were never actually filled in the squad so thats probably how that worked. Rob Green, Gary Cahill, Andreas Christensen, Danny Drinkwater, Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Victor Moses and Lucas Piazon. Still think it will keep Drinkwater around this season. https://www.premierleague.com/news/844127

I thought the rule was you needed 8 HG players to balance out the 17 non HG. Either HG as in English/Welsh or oversea players who have spent 3 years at English/Welsh academies prior to turning 21.

Yeah it will be curious where he will play. I can see MF more than CB. Paul Mitchell obviously picked him out, head of recruitment there. I think he can excel in MF there. Hes very sharp into the challenge and isn't afraid to get on the ball. Wales have used him in MF too.

So if this is true, I assume Drinkwater stays to make up part of the 8 HG slots needed then. Barkley, Drinkwater, Ruben, CHO, Andreas, Mount, James and Tammy? Don't think I've missed anyone thats in the current squad just now that is realistically going to be there.

He doesn't even have 50 appearances and tbf, his most impressive performances have been in the Europa League. Fair enough the markets fucked but again what if he has 2 good seasons and wants a new contract, where do we go then? 200K? 300K? 350K? 100k is maybe not as bad as say 180K but leaves us in a weak position if he goes and has a few good seasons and we want him to renew. He can basically just go well I'm on 100k or 180k, I've had a few good seasons, I want double.... I'm not going to agree with the comments about him being a mercenary which is ludicrous and laughable but with modern day football, it does help players secure bigger contracts but still think he has a lot to show now to justify getting that sort of money. I made a joke about United paying Rashford 250K or whatever with his new deal despite having not really kicked on as much as he should have but the chances are in 2 seasons down the line if the club or Callum wants to renew , we will be in exactly the same position. Especially if its 180K a week. Regardless of if hes kicked on or not. There is no doubt regarding his talent, it was clear to see when Conte played him against Bournemouth and Newcastle, he had something about him but again, hes excelled in the Europa League and looked middle of the road in the PL. I'd like to have seen him do a bit more in the PL before he got injured to warrant the club giving him a huge financial contract like that but the way the market is and also the fact as previously alluded he did have a bit of leverage as we have a transfer ban and 3 wingers etc, has helped him. Lets just hope he kicks on because there have been kids who have penned huge deals and just coasted from there onward, although I don't think he will coast it and he will continue to develop here.

100k or 180k a week for someone whos not played 50 pro games for me is a disgrace. At those figures he has to deliver something this season. Rumours he wants to discuss his shirt number before signing new deal too. What has football come to.

If we could register players Id like to see us take a punt on Dalbert in a player swap. Think hes got potential to get better.

Exactly. Personally after seeing Edersons first season at City surprised Benfica didnt want 50 or 60m. Generally think for a Pep team with his distribution on top of being a very good GK, 35m is an absolute steal. Especially when you look at Pickford costing the same and being nowhere near as good. Still think ter Stegen for 15m or whatever and Oblak for 16m is two of the best value for money deals in the last 10 years.

Also if Kepa is here for the 7 seasons or whatever he signed for, hardly a bad long term investment. 71.5m for 7 season works out reasonable. Although we paid straight up but still looking at it like that generally dont see what the hassle is.

Do you honestly think Bulka was ever gonna be good enough to play ahead of Kepa at any moment in time last season? Lets be honest, if he was we wouldnt have kept Caballero about as a back up or signed Rob Green as a third choice. Or spent 71m on Kepa if he was ready to play. Kepa is much much better there is not even a realistic debate to be had, if you watched us last season, which I am sure you did, you would of seen Kepa was pretty good for his first season. Argubaly a lot better and consistent than David De Gea fared overall in his first season too (although he was perhaps not as physically filled out, although Kepa can still improve that). Not saying he will reach that level but he will be a very very good Gk undoubtedly and 71m over say what he penned a 7 year contract, if he sees it out, hardly that bad is it? Do you think the club would of spent 71m on a 24 year old GK if there was a kid in the academy at the same or similar level? I mean I know our record with youth is bad with the outfield players but it would of made absolutely no sense at all to sell Courtois and sign Kepa if Bulka was remotely anywhere near good enough. Outfield players I think its different because predominantly young goalkeepers if they are good enough, it is much much more clear to see than with outfield players. For example, Courtois at Genk, De Gea at Atletico and Oblak at Olimpija Ljubljana and Benfica. Sure there are the late bloomers too, which if anyrhing Marcin could have more a chance of being than establishing himself at his current younger age but still I mean I would be very shocked if Bulka makes the grade at PSG ahead of Areola or Kevin Trapp if he doesnt leave (who arent better than Kepa either). The fact we didnt try and push further contract talks with Marcin after November also makes me think the club do not expect him to go on and make us regret letting him leave. Yes he was decent last pre season and also did well in a few years at the academy but I didnt see anything from him that made me think wow he will be a first team player here. On to the game. Mount, Pulisic and Tammy all looked good for me. Lots of work still to do but it was encouraging to see some good intensity and pressing from the younger guys, if the whole team buys into it better than we did with Sarri at times last year (was one of our biggest problems out of possession) then it could be very good for us. Think now a days, with everyone trying to play and build from the back, that having an effective high press is an absolute must. Sure it can be bypassed by a long ball or passing through it but if we can perfect it with players like Willian, Pulisic, Mount, Ruben etc we can profit I feel. I think we have more chance of creating chances from counter attacking/transitioning from winning the ball high up than from playing through teams at the minute.

An Everton CB? Yerry Mina has been disaster for them and Michael Keane is bang average. Zouma was probably their best CB last year. They are lacking CBs so loaning one to sign one wont happen on their part I would think. For all the minutes Tomori will play, as I would imagine Andreas will be used in place of Rudi with him out, it makes no sense to retain both him and Zouma. If we desperately need to we can use Azpi at CB and go to the u23s to give us depth. If we want to give Zouma/Tomori and Andreas a chance to get regular minutes we need to go into the season with 4 CBs. For me, Rudi, Andreas, Luiz and Tomori is more than enough. Or if we loan Tomori, retain Zouma. 5 CBs is a bit excessive I think. Plus if we are really screwed use Aspi there as previously mentioned and go to u23s to make up numbers for the bench if it comes to it. Squads bit bloated this year, in defence and in midfield. We need to get rid of a few players: Keepers is fine. -At RB either loan Reece James so he can play and retain Zappa/sell Zappa and retain Reece James. -CB, as mentioned, maybe see either Tomori loaned or Zouma sold. Last year we had Rudi, Luiz, Cahill (basically frozen out), Christensen and Ampadu (who rarely played there as it was). 5 would be 1 too much, especially in an area of the pitch where you want settled partnerships. Having 5 and chopping and changing is a bad idea. All good teams are built on a solid foundation so I would like to think this is the first thing Frank will try and do is establish his first choice CB pairing and defence. Then give the other 2 guys a chance to show their worth in cup games and try work their way in. Plus not even mentioned the likes of Clarke-Salter, Trevor Chalobah etc who could be considered for that area of the pitch although not sure theyre at the level for thay yet. -LB with Alonso and Emerson, we arent gonna see any changes there. Kenedy isnt a LB and I would hope he is moved on. -Midfield is a bit heavy. Kante, Kova, Jorginho, Ruben, Ross and Mason are probably safe and wont be going anywhere. One of Bakayoko or Drinkwater has to go for definite, if not both. Still worried about how Frank intends on using Ross, Ruben and Mason because they all play the same position basically as the most advanced midfielder. -Wings are fine because we know who will be there and who wont be, or wont be when those who need to be moved on, are moved on. Willian, Pedro, CHO and Pulisic will be the 4 in the squad. -Strikers, not amazing pick but Giroud, Batshuayi and Tammy, look like the 3 we will be using.