Summer Transfers 2025 Missed Opportunities and Regrets

[Niall_Quinn]

:tumbleweed:

[HCZ_Reborn]

So Sky suggesting we are looking at signing Kimmich on a free transfer in the summer. I don’t know what I think about this, although it would suggest to me that the departure of Jorginho and Partey means replacing them with two midfielders than just the one. And Kimmich is reasonably strong and technical

As long as his wages don’t mean we are not strengthening up front, I’m open to this I guess

[Niall_Quinn]

So Sky suggesting we are looking at signing Kimmich on a free transfer in the summer. I don’t know what I think about this, although it would suggest to me that the departure of Jorginho and Partey means replacing them with two midfielders than just the one. And Kimmich is reasonably strong and technical

As long as his wages don’t mean we are not strengthening up front, I’m open to this I guess

Don't know who Kimmich is. So looked him up.

:tumbleweed:

[Marc Overmars]

Seems like a logical move and he is a very good player tbf.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Don't know who Kimmich is. So looked him up.

:tumbleweed:

Yes…under the circumstances that was the reasonable move

[Niall_Quinn]

Yes…under the circumstances that was the reasonable move

A last big pay day for him? That's my only concern, or interest.

Then again, maybe he's Merino's replacement up front? Our new striker?

[HCZ_Reborn]

I worry about a players legs when they become 30, it’s why I’m generally not in favour of signing anyone over the age of 25 let alone older.

But he’s technically quite good (although I can imagine he would have lost those acceleration bursts he was once good at) and on a free transfer and as you say if his wages aren’t extortionate. I’m ok with it

[Niall_Quinn]

Sell to buy is now the trend floating around the net. Opinions, opinions, different than facts. But sometimes opinions tally with the historical record.

Who do we have to sell that will raise the 200-300 million required to turn us into a club that can genuinely challenge?

Tierney - we should be keeping him anyway because he's our most effective full back - 20 mill?
Partey - btw, why are we actually selling him? Isn't he a decent enough squad player? Is it because he wants to go? - 20 mill? 30mill if some mug gets collared?
Jorginho - does he have a sell-on value? Can't see it, but 10 mill if we are optimistic?
Zinchenko - 15mill, 20mill? Delusional?

Best case, 80 mill?

It's Saliba, isn't it?

[Niall_Quinn]

Trossard - 10 mill? Or Saudi for 2.5 trillion?
Martinelli - Saudi? 50 mill? 60mill?

[HCZ_Reborn]

Trossard - 10 mill? Or Saudi for 2.5 trillion?
Martinelli - Saudi? 50 mill? 60mill?

I think Trossard is going anyway (he has twice refused to sign a new contract) I mean fair enough really, he doesn’t owe us anything…in this day and age especially he’s done ok for the money we signed him for so if he wants to leave and the Saudis want to take him off our hands….fare thee well.

[Niall_Quinn]

I think Trossard is going anyway (he has twice refused to sign a new contract) I mean fair enough really, he doesn’t owe us anything…in this day and age especially he’s done ok for the money we signed him for so if he wants to leave and the Saudis want to take him off our hands….fare thee well.

Won't fund the window though, will it?

And the stupidity that is inherent in this so-called sport (in reality cash cow) means we'll need to spend 50, 60, 70 to replace him with anything half decent.

It's Hleb again, isn't it? Decent but ultimately part of the latest failed project.

[Niall_Quinn]

Here's a simple route to guaranteeing the title next season.

Sell those who are surplus. Merino. Trossard if he wants to go (hopefully he'll stay). Jorginho if he want to go. Send Sterling back, obviously. I mean seriously - WE ARE SENDING STERLING BACK, RIGHT? Zin - don't need him. I guess hang on to Calafiore as cover.

Now hire the Sporting director and bring in Gyokeres. Pay whatever is required and outbid all other rivals.

Title guaranteed because there's nobody else in this league who are much of a challenge if we can sort out that striker role. Maybe Liverpool, but their luck can't hold forever, they'll have a dip too.

I bet if they hired me and we did this we'd win the title.

Instead, somebody else will sign Gyokeres and they will win the title. Come back here and prove me wrong in a year's time.

I don't think we actually need anything else, provided Odegard gets his shit together. Then again, Odegard and Gyokeres - match made in heaven.

Means holding on to Saliba, come what may. So my 200 mill would be spent getting Gyokeres, keeping Saliba and hiring the Sporting director.

If we want to win a title.

Otherwise sell everyone and bring in players that can keep us up there, challenging but never winning. This is the sensible option if we want to enrich the Kroenkes.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Won't fund the window though, will it?

And the stupidity that is inherent in this so-called sport (in reality cash cow) means we'll need to spend 50, 60, 70 to replace him with anything half decent.

It's Hleb again, isn't it? Decent but ultimately part of the latest failed project.

According to John Cross we need to sell him to fund the Window….John Cross with the greatest of respect to him is a twat

I think again it comes down more to the wage bill than the cost of transfers.

[Niall_Quinn]

According to John Cross we need to sell him to fund the Window….John Cross with the greatest of respect to him is a twat

I think again it comes down more to the wage bill than the cost of transfers.

Wage bill spiked over the last couple of seasons. But so did revenues. A poor excuse if the football rapists that own us try it on.

I can confirm, Cross is a twat. Is he still going? Wow, shitty job for life.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Also reports saying that we want to give Partey a one year extension

I’ll be honest if we are bringing in Zubimendi, I can’t really see the point

[Marc Overmars]

The ironic thing is that Partey has remained fit all season and has actually been one of our better players. Maybe he’s playing for that contract?

[IBK]

Also reports saying that we want to give Partey a one year extension

I’ll be honest if we are bringing in Zubimendi, I can’t really see the point

We want him to agree a wage reduction to stay, and I doubt he will do so.

[dazthegooner]

Depends really on what other teams can offer we probably pay more in general than most European teams (unless he goes to the Saudi pro league then the sky's the limiit)

[HCZ_Reborn]

Andrea Bertoni targeting Lautaro Martinez apparently

Not keen for three reasons. At 28 (27 but will be 28 by time he joins) too old (in my view), I don’t think scoring in Serie A necessarily translates to being able to score in the premier league. Also at 5ft 9 too short

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6174662/2025/03/07/mika-biereth-arsenal-monaco/?redirected=1

Great article on Bierth, who scored again this weekend. Love the quote on how he deals with missing chances.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I recall similar articles about Folarin Balogun two seasons ago

He will have to have more than what he’s doing now, for me to put him on the level of Serge Gnabry in terms of players I regret us selling.

[dazthegooner]

https://www.arsenalstation.com/2025/03/24/arsenal-target-sporting-cp-striker-viktor-gyokeres/ I hope this is just a rumor he's what 26-7 his previous club was Coventry City and he wasn't tearing up the league (championship I believe) £63m would be a complete waste of money.

[KSE Comedy Club]

https://www.arsenalstation.com/2025/03/24/arsenal-target-sporting-cp-striker-viktor-gyokeres/ I hope this is just a rumor he's what 26-7 his previous club was Coventry City and he wasn't tearing up the league (championship I believe) £63m would be a complete waste of money.

You have to be joking, right?

[dazthegooner]

Well here's hoping it's just his agent trying to get him a move to Manure for more commission.

[Mac76]

You have to be joking, right?

Yeah quite, he's supposed to be good and as Isak will be silly money and Sesko's apparently not an out-and-out forward, maybe it makes sense

[KSE Comedy Club]

Yeah quite, he's supposed to be good and as Isak will be silly money and Sesko's apparently not an out-and-out forward, maybe it makes sense

I would take Gyokores over Sesko and Isak in a heartbeat.

He is a proper no. 9

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I recall similar articles about Folarin Balogun two seasons ago

He will have to have more than what he’s doing now, for me to put him on the level of Serge Gnabry in terms of players I regret us selling.

Despite the fact that Gnarby has made a great career for himself and probably tops the list of young players we let go prematurely, I've actually never really been bowled away by his performances... don't get me wrong he is quality, but losing him or playing against him hasn't really given me sleepless nights like an Anelka..... probably more miffed about us losing him for peanuts.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

BTW surprised no one has brought up us being linked with Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.

I've seen a few glimpses of the kid and for now he looks like something that could be really really special.

He's tall, pretty decent dribbler, has a crazy way he accelerates with the ball (not Martinelli aimless running) and seems to have that positive unpredictability that could really be a difference.

Love the glimpses of the kid I've seen so far, and though he's far from the finished article, if I had to compare him with anyone it would be Isak, and TBH the few glimpses of the kid I've seen is making me want him more than an unattainable Isak.

Right now he tops my list of strikers purely based on his potential (which is me doing a drastic uturn)...but I'd definitely take him over Sesko, all the attainable guys in the EPL , just a bit over Osimhen, and now its a straight duel between him and Gyokeres (head says a dependable Gyokeres but my heart says this kid is going to be crazy at a top club that counter attacks swiftly, really crazy). Probably fits Liverpool more than us but I sincerely hope that never happens.

[Mac76]

I was going to say, we unfortunately don't counterattack quickly, if we did Pepe might actually have been a good player for us

We'd have to move Arteta on to get the best out of him - I'll leave it there

[dazthegooner]

Possibly and looking at his goals per game ratio they weren't that bad I just can't help feeling if he tried hard enough under Arteta he might have nailed the inverted left back position ;)

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I was going to say, we unfortunately don't counterattack quickly, if we did Pepe might actually have been a good player for us

We'd have to move Arteta on to get the best out of him - I'll leave it there

Hopefully that day comes soon, not interested in any manager doing 10 years here no matter how brilliant (or not) they are.

Football is constantly evolving faster these days. Sticking with the same ideas is not only boring but also sets yourself up for failure, my opinion.

[Mac76]

Hopefully that day comes soon, not interested in any manager doing 10 years here no matter how brilliant (or not) they are.

Football is constantly evolving faster these days. Sticking with the same ideas is not only boring but also sets yourself up for failure, my opinion.

Agree, and even Arteta himself is somewhat adhering to old ideas, i.e. the way Man City used to play - if he can't move on from that there's no future for him here

If we spend big in the summer the Kroenkes will surely expect an ROI of substance, not just finishing second and playing in the CL

On paper we should be favourites next year, with possibly all of TAA, Salah and VVD leaving Liverpool, plus Citeh also rebuilding - which means Forest PL win incoming :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Seems like Trent is itching for the Madrid move now.

Interesting to see how Liverpool adapt without him next year because his passing is such a key part of how they’ve played for years.

[IBK]

Now that this season's disappointment is not so recent, I am beginning to come to the view that it's not so much that Arteta is wedded to the same ideas and incapable of evolving, but that we will never be a team under him that favours individuality over system based football.

And I'm not so sure that this is a bad thing. Systemic football is the reality these days, and a combination of the best players and the best system is bound to prevail. Gone I think are the days when teams were built around a single mercurial talent - you only need to see Portugal with Ronaldo, or the fact that Norway strangely seem to be less effective than might be thought with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in it to see evidence of this.

I am coming to the conclusion that our travails this season have been not so much our failure to counter attack and manage transitions well (my previous view), but because Arteta's system is so finely honed that taking out Odegard (missing or out of form for most of the season); Saka and Havertz will make it look ineffective. We showed that we could survive one of our key players being absent - but not three - which I suppose is not so surprising.

I think that Arteta has a great deal of tactical acumen and the ability to evolve. Let's see whether I am right when we invest, and have a fuller complement of forwards after the Summer.

[Mac76]

Now that this season's disappointment is not so recent, I am beginning to come to the view that it's not so much that Arteta is wedded to the same ideas and incapable of evolving, but that we will never be a team under him that favours individuality over system based football.

And I'm not so sure that this is a bad thing. Systemic football is the reality these days, and a combination of the best players and the best system is bound to prevail. Gone I think are the days when teams were built around a single mercurial talent - you only need to see Portugal with Ronaldo, or the fact that Norway strangely seem to be less effective than might be thought with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard in it to see evidence of this.

I am coming to the conclusion that our travails this season have been not so much our failure to counter attack and manage transitions well (my previous view), but because Arteta's system is so finely honed that taking out Odegard (missing or out of form for most of the season); Saka and Havertz will make it look ineffective. We showed that we could survive one of our key players being absent - but not three - which I suppose is not so surprising.

I think that Arteta has a great deal of tactical acumen and the ability to evolve. Let's see whether I am right when we invest, and have a fuller complement of forwards after the Summer.

I do think it's a bad thing, the best managers are able to combine a good system which inherently allows more freedom for players to exercise their strengths, I feel Arteta part-strangles some talents with the way he over manages

The inability to counter-attack you mention lies firmly at Arteta's feet, not the players IMO, there are players there who could do it a lot more under the right system

I haven't watched Norway much at all but Odegaard and Haaland by themselves can't lift a team if the other players are significantly inferior (which isn't also to say it's possible the system isn't right either)

I can only point again to Everton to show how a manager can improve a team infinitely by playing a freer style and encouraging players to be more positive, which is without doubt what Moyes has done

So the answer is to bring in Moyes obvs :haha:

[IBK]

I take your point but I wasn't saying that Arteta won't give his players freedom to exercise ther strengths. When you look at Saka, Havertz; Odegard; Nwaneri; Rice; Ben White and pretty much all our left backs - all of these players have licence to roam, and within our system I'd say that they play to their strengths - and even that the system is geared to this. Even in defence - particularly Saliba and Raya are hardly wedded to a traditional pitch position.

What I was saying is that Arteta's teams are not based around individual 'maverics' - and I can see the merits in working with a system intended to maximise potential as a team rather than relying principally on moments from individuals. I maintain that football generally is evolving in this way, and my view is that the best system rather than having mercurial individuals is likely to bring the greatest benefits.

Regarding your comments about Norway, the argument can go the other way also. Greece; Denmark won the Euros with very ordinary players. Iceland similarly humbled England and reached the Quarters in 2016. This season, Forest; Brighton; Fulham are all flying high with teams of players who pound for pound are inferior to those of the traditional top 5 or 6 in the league. Liverpool are the exception really - given their reliance on Salah and the jury is out on how they will fare without his extraordinary returns. Focussing on individuals rather than forging a team system is in my view an obviously flawed approach.

This is not to say that harnessing player strengths is not vital. It is. And we all have our views on how certain of our players could be used differently. But I don't think Arteta can be accused fairly of not playing to his players' strengths.

Whether his system is too inflexible is really another question. I think that at times it has been - not just this season, but in past ones. But as I have said, I've come to the view that this deficiency this season has been driven first and foremost by missing players rather than a manager who simply cannot see that we have lacked menace at times. This is why I am prepared to reserve judgment until we have players back, refreshed our personnel and got in a decent pre-seacon in the Summer.

I recall distinctly complaining on here in 2021/2 and 2022/3 that we looked too robotic a lot of the time and lacked movement and penetration - but this was hardly the case in the second half of last season was it? The system clicked then and we were not lamenting strangling of talent. Arteta has changed during his tenure and I am hoping that he can again.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Despite the fact that Gnarby has made a great career for himself and probably tops the list of young players we let go prematurely, I've actually never really been bowled away by his performances... don't get me wrong he is quality, but losing him or playing against him hasn't really given me sleepless nights like an Anelka..... probably more miffed about us losing him for peanuts.

Fair enough

[KSE Comedy Club]

Seems like Trent is itching for the Madrid move now.

Interesting to see how Liverpool adapt without him next year because his passing is such a key part of how they’ve played for years.

It could also derail the end of their season, the fans have already said they want to shout abuse at him every game til he leaves now, what with him being a dirty rat and a traitor, etc, etc.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

It could also derail the end of their season, the fans have already said they want to shout abuse at him every game til he leaves now, what with him being a dirty rat and a traitor, etc, etc.

Even if this happened and Liverpool tried to do a Newcastle by losing 5 of the 9 games they have left, we'd still be unable to take advantage as we aren't able to score goals consistently thanks to not having something as basic as a striker, largely due to Mr Smarty Pants.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Even if this happened and Liverpool tried to do a Newcastle by losing 5 of the 9 games they have left, we'd still be unable to take advantage as we aren't able to score goals consistently thanks to not having something as basic as a striker, largely due to Mr Smarty Pants.

Oh I agree - but there is a possibility that could all change now that Saka is due back soon.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Seems like Trent is itching for the Madrid move now.

Interesting to see how Liverpool adapt without him next year because his passing is such a key part of how they’ve played for years.

It'll be massive in terms of the way we play, because so much of what we do goes down our right to naturally exploit his passing range and ultimately getting the ball to Salah. But it may be a good think to spread our attack around. We've lost bigger and better players than Alexander-Arnold, as has everyone else (I remember being convinced you were buggered when Henry left; you weren't) so we will ultimately get over it. Bradley is a phenomenal talent, but a different player. It may not be awful if we played in a more balanced way (he gets into the box more and will get up and down the touch much more whereas TAA naturally pings balls, often wastefully, but when it does come off it's extraordinary)

The local "knowledge" has always been that TAA would go, and that Van Dijk and Salah would stay, this is at the start of the season. Even that has slipped recently, no one is sure anymore. That's then not then one hole to fill, it's 3 huge ones
And naturally gaps I can't see how we recover from quickly.

For instance, we are constantly linked with Isak. The only way I see us being able to afford Isak is if Salah leaves. Equally, does Isak join if someone like Salah goes; what is he walking into? All made up rumours of course but one can't ignore where we are with possibly the greatest single player season in PL history in the offing.

Edit: I still think both will end up staying. We obviously won't get Isak. Trent will go and we'll replace him with Bradley and Quansah as backup. We still have gaps to fill.

[KSE Comedy Club]

More news from the weekend, is that Klopp is favourite to take over from Ancelotti at Real M in the summer.

:popcorn:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Gyokeres could actually happen this summer according to reports.

That is huge news for us if true.

https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1906413711054541146

[HCZ_Reborn]

I’m going to die on the hill that says I don’t want Gyokeres. I simply do not see how a player who at the age of 26 and has played only championship level football and in the Portuguese league is the answer to our problems.

I’m generally hesitant to spend any money on a player older than 25 in any event.

I’m not saying Andrea Berta is wrong, but this is a guy who signed Kieran Trippier and Joao Felix (a folly that eclipses Nicolas Pepe) for Atletico.

[HCZ_Reborn]

More news from the weekend, is that Klopp is favourite to take over from Ancelotti at Real M in the summer.

:popcorn:

People were screaming at me asking me who I’d have to replace Arteta and whilst I’m still very much in the mould of it doesn’t matter because 95% of football success is based on the structure of the club and what players you have. Klopp is someone who will get players to go to war for him, we should have got him ten years ago.

[HCZ_Reborn]

So just looked at Gyokeres two seasons and he’s got 59 goals which on the face of it is impressive

But 17 of those goals have been pels (including 12 this season) and he’s a bit of a flat track bully…his record against the bigger sides in Portugal is lacking

[Mac76]

He can only be as good as the team around him and presumably compared to his current team, our squad can give better service to a striker

[Marc Overmars]

Yeah I don’t think Gyokeres would be a slam dunk of a signing but obviously we are desperate. Nunez came from Portugal where he scored a lot but look how shit he’s been here.

Just hoping we get the striker signing sorted quickly whatever happens.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I’m going to die on the hill that says I don’t want Gyokeres. I simply do not see how a player who at the age of 26 and has played only championship level football and in the Portuguese league is the answer to our problems.

I’m generally hesitant to spend any money on a player older than 25 in any event.

I’m not saying Andrea Berta is wrong, but this is a guy who signed Kieran Trippier and Joao Felix (a folly that eclipses Nicolas Pepe) for Atletico.

Gyokores pisses all over Sesko (who supposedly Arteta wants) and is on a par with Isak (who we won't be getting), but considerably cheaper (around £68m by reports)

He is a direct CF, which is what we need rather than an 'he plays here but could probably play there' type of player.

[KSE Comedy Club]

So just looked at Gyokeres two seasons and he’s got 59 goals which on the face of it is impressive

But 17 of those goals have been pels (including 12 this season) and he’s a bit of a flat track bully…his record against the bigger sides in Portugal is lacking

That could be a limitation of the team he has around him though.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Gyokores pisses all over Sesko (who supposedly Arteta wants) and is on a par with Isak (who we won't be getting), but considerably cheaper (around £68m by reports)

He is a direct CF, which is what we need rather than an 'he plays here but could probably play there' type of player.

Does he? based on what criteria. The Portuguese league is so inferior to the Bundesliga that a goal scoring comparison is not really a fair assessment. I’m far more impressed with the technique and strength of Sesko to be honest.

Direct centre forwards are a bit of a rarity and the reason for that is for one reason or another they’ve gone out of style

Gyokeres for me I expect at best to be at the level of a Teemu Pukki (would be great for a mid table team) and at worst either a Mateja Kezman or Mario Jardel.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Despite the nightmare transfer of Nicolas Pepe, I’d consider getting Jonathan David from Lille

I don’t buy into this idea of necessarily needing to sign a 6ft 5 monster (which would rule out Gyokeres and Sesko)

If we take Haaland for example, I don’t think he’s as good as he is because of his height, in many ways it’s despite his height.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Does he? based on what criteria. The Portuguese league is so inferior to the Bundesliga that a goal scoring comparison is not really a fair assessment. I’m far more impressed with the technique and strength of Sesko to be honest.

Direct centre forwards are a bit of a rarity and the reason for that is for one reason or another they’ve gone out of style

Gyokeres for me I expect at best to be at the level of a Teemu Pukki (would be great for a mid table team) and at worst either a Mateja Kezman or Mario Jardel.

Well.... he's a striker, that scores goals..... :shrug:

I'm not sure what other criteria we need to be looking at?

[HCZ_Reborn]

Well.... he's a striker, that scores goals..... :shrug:

I'm not sure what other criteria we need to be looking at?

Chris Wood is a striker who can score goals I assume that you’re not saying that based on one season he would be good enough for Arsenal


The criteria for any striker would be technique…how have these goals come about, can he score using both feet as well as his head, can he trap a ball, what’s his first touch like, is there a particular player who is providing him with assists and can those kind of assists be replicated by players at Arsenal, what is their shot to goals ratio….where are they scoring the goals from…

And most importantly Is the difference between the quality of defenders in the league the striker is currently playing in with the premier league likely to prove to be an impediment to that player scoring goals for Arsenal?

[Mac76]

There's some pretty appalling defences in the PL tbh

As for whether we need a big guy I absolutely say yes, Leo and Martinelli have been incapable of ruffling defenders' feathers specifically because they don't have the right physical presence to mix it with CBs - that's why Arteta prefers Merino and rarely, I have to say I agree with him

apparently Gyokeres, who's 6'2" btw, can score with both feet too

[HCZ_Reborn]

Id say we’ve discovered to our chagrin that defences in the premier league aren’t all that bad especially if they decide to sit deep and be organised.

And if the response to that is well it’s because our attack is shit, well the only possible counter response would be…yes and is it going to be made better by someone who was playing championship level in his mid twenties. I’m sorry but that’s a big red flag for me.

And Height and strength are not necessarily one and the same, I wouldn’t call Salah lacking physical strength yet he’s only 5ft 10. Having a good low centre of gravity helps. I’d also argue that Saka is a pretty hardy player you actually literally have to double up on him and foul him to get him off the ball.

I guess I’m not that taken with the gangly centre forward that’s all elbows.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Gyokores pisses all over Sesko (who supposedly Arteta wants) and is on a par with Isak (who we won't be getting), but considerably cheaper (around £68m by reports)

He is a direct CF, which is what we need rather than an 'he plays here but could probably play there' type of player.

I think this pretty much where I'm at too.

I started off liking Sesko a year ago when we were linked to him, but watching him a bit more and probably ( and more importantly) not rating the metrics by which Arteta judges forwards makes me want him less and less every day.

If my head rules my heart, Gyokeres probably tops my list for dependable strikers.......but I strongly think we need to bring in not one but 2 proper forwards this summer, so going for a cheaper Gyokeres makes sense if I'm hoping for a 2nd signing.

HCZ mentions Jonathan David, which is ok with me as an additional member of the squad as he'll be on a free.

But if my heart had its way, I'd go for Ekitike and Gyokeres this summer, we'd have flair and a possible superstar in one hand and a dependable Giroud like goal machine in the other hand.

My heart isn't silly so it doesn't consider Isak as an option available to us.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Chris Wood is a striker who can score goals I assume that you’re not saying that based on one season he would be good enough for Arsenal


The criteria for any striker would be technique…how have these goals come about, can he score using both feet as well as his head, can he trap a ball, what’s his first touch like, is there a particular player who is providing him with assists and can those kind of assists be replicated by players at Arsenal, what is their shot to goals ratio….where are they scoring the goals from…

And most importantly Is the difference between the quality of defenders in the league the striker is currently playing in with the premier league likely to prove to be an impediment to that player scoring goals for Arsenal?

Except we aren't looking at Chris Wood

The relevant point here is who is better Sesko or Gyokores (as they are the names we are supposedly targeting)

Gyokores wins that battle.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Except we aren't looking at Chris Wood

The relevant point here is who is better Sesko or Gyokores (as they are the names we are supposedly targeting)

Gyokores wins that battle.

Does he? As I’ve asked is there an objective criteria for saying that given they play in completely different leagues

Also if it were up to me I wouldn’t be signing only the one striker anyway. I’d be looking at signing Sesko and David myself

[KSE Comedy Club]

Does he? As I’ve asked is there an objective criteria for saying that given they play in completely different leagues

Also if it were up to me I wouldn’t be signing only the one striker anyway. I’d be looking at signing Sesko and David myself

Oh don't get me wrong, I agree that two CF's is the correct way to go in the summer as one just isn't enough.

But yes, you look at any top list of forwards around the interweb, and Gyokores comes out above Sesko in all of them.
Sesko would add quality to our attacking ability, but as a finisher Gyokeres is more clinical out of the two.

[Mac76]

yes and is it going to be made better by someone who was playing championship level in his mid twenties..

Oh dear you've done it again - Jamie Vardy was at Fleetwood Town when he was 24 - he then moved to err, Championship level Leicester City - who got promoted three years later and won the PL, thanks to bucketloads of goals from, err, Jamie Vardy :haha:

(PS please don't bother trying to get out of this one, it's another Everton - you've nowhere to go except down, trust me)

[HCZ_Reborn]

Oh dear you've done it again - Jamie Vardy was at Fleetwood Town when he was 24 - he then moved to err, Championship level Leicester City - who got promoted three years later and won the PL, thanks to bucketloads of goals from, err, Jamie Vardy :haha:

(PS please don't bother trying to get out of this one, it's another Everton - you've nowhere to go except down, trust me)

There’s nothing to get out of….you understand the word outlier I assume?

Jamie Vardy isn’t a paradigm of how frequently players can be good despite playing in lower leagues in their mid twenties, he’s the exception that proves the rule

It’s a bit like saying the existence of hemaphrodites proves that human beings aren’t sexually dimorphic

But nice to know you’re so desperate for a win that you’re prepared to die on the hill of that argument.

[Mac76]

he’s the exception that proves the rule


We keep bumping up against these 'exceptions' don't we? Vardy, Moyes, Leicester... there's quite a few it seems ;)

[Mac76]

Arteta's allegedly made his mind up about whether to keep Partey. I know Partey's been generally great but I can just see our extending his contract only for him to occupy the physio's bench next season, so I think we should sell while we can get a decent return on him. I'd try hard to keep Kiwior though.

[HCZ_Reborn]

We keep bumping up against these 'exceptions' don't we? Vardy, Moyes, Leicester... there's quite a few it seems ;)

Moyes isn’t really an exception anymore is he? Let’s be fair Everton have gone back to where they were under throat cancer boy not exactly free scoring are they.

But let’s take your arguments and apply them shall we

“You're wrong to be skeptical that a player that by the age of 26/27 hasn’t played any higher level of domestic football than the Portuguese league because Jamie Vardy is one example where it can work”


“You’re wrong to suggest that both money and having the best players is by a mile the biggest indicator of whether a team will be successful, because Leicester City won the title once”

Not exactly the most compelling arguments are they?. Leicester took a chance on Vardy because they were in a position where they could get him cheap therefore it wasn’t much of a gamble. My question is given we have money to get on someone who would be a far safer bet, why gamble on someone when the only club to date to do so is Sporting Lisbon?

Trying to dismiss that concern because of Jamie Vardy seems frankly illustrative of you being argumentative for the sake of it (something you accuse me of loads and I will concede not always unfairly, but it does mark you out as a hypocrite)


In regards to the other argument, Now of course two things can be true at once, if you have a poor coach despite having the best players and most money, that obviously can be an impediment but it means most likely that if you don’t win the teams that might not have as much money and top quality players but have far more than the clubs around them will ultimately benefit from that poor coach.
But generally speaking rich clubs hire the best coaches and quickly get rid of the ones not performing.

It seems weird to me that you’d even die on this hill, but then again this is you we are talking about isn’t it?

[HCZ_Reborn]

Arteta's allegedly made his mind up about whether to keep Partey. I know Partey's been generally great but I can just see our extending his contract only for him to occupy the physio's bench next season, so I think we should sell while we can get a decent return on him. I'd try hard to keep Kiwior though.

I’m torn on Partey. I can see both the arguments for keeping him based on how he’s performed this season and the one about selling him and getting some money (because it has been rather miraculous almost that he hasn’t had long periods out and it would be a big gamble to assume that will remain the case going forward).

And to reaffirm again, 100% agree on Kiwior

[Niall_Quinn]

I’m torn on Partey. I can see both the arguments for keeping him based on how he’s performed this season and the one about selling him and getting some money (because it has been rather miraculous almost that he hasn’t had long periods out and it would be a big gamble to assume that will remain the case going forward).

And to reaffirm again, 100% agree on Kiwior

It'll cost 100mill to replace him - so keep. Simple enough. He has set his own standards now - woe betide he drops below them. Hated the bloke (not really, but in football terms) - but he proved e wrong. Can't see where we find a better option than him at the 6, provided he plays like he's up against Madrid - every match!

[HCZ_Reborn]

It'll cost 100mill to replace him - so keep. Simple enough. He has set his own standards now - woe betide he drops below them. Hated the bloke (not really, but in football terms) - but he proved e wrong. Can't see where we find a better option than him at the 6, provided he plays like he's up against Madrid - every match!

The replacement is apparently Zubimendi who would cost us 50 million but you’re not wrong about Partey