Summer Transfers 2025 Missed Opportunities and Regrets

[HCZ_Reborn]

My mistake
I meant Kudus.

Easily done

And yeah I wouldn’t be too happy as a West Ham fan

I know Spurs have had a couple of Hammers players in the past but can’t remember recent example


I remember Kanoute and Carrick going there

[IBK]

Not so sure why there is such massive aversion to Madueke. If he is seen as Saka backup/a pacier alternative way of playing on the right then I don't think I have a problem with this. His playing style and stats suit our team, I think, and he is only 23 and a bit of a rough diamond who could be polished by Arteta's coaching/guidance IMO. We lack pace in our team. My main issue is his injury record.

Nawaneri dropped off in the last part of last season. That's an observation, not a criticism of him. I have concerns about having to rely on consistency from him at RW, and the fact that his output dropped off once other teams had focussed on him and figured him out. But he is 18 and has plenty of time to develop. ATM Maduake would, IMHO be a more reliable option on the right.

My view is that our aversion to Chelsea players might need to alter in the current climate. They are like a player - particularly a winger - wholsesalers these days given their model, and there is value to be found there. Plus we have a good relationship with the club.

The above said, my cautious approval of this deal, if it happens, is on the basis that we land Eze and Gyokores. Madueke is neither a substitute for these positions, nor really a solution at LW. My further concern is that Arteta believes he can provide cover at LW - which would not be any upgrade on Martinelli and would mean that our LHS remains unconvincing. I'm pretty sure that we aren't landing Rodrygo - and this applies whether we offload Martinelli or not.

[Marc Overmars]

Norgaard has been made official.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Not so sure why there is such massive aversion to Madueke. If he is seen as Saka backup/a pacier alternative way of playing on the right then I don't think I have a problem with this. His playing style and stats suit our team, I think, and he is only 23 and a bit of a rough diamond who could be polished by Arteta's coaching/guidance IMO. We lack pace in our team. My main issue is his injury record.

Nawaneri dropped off in the last part of last season. That's an observation, not a criticism of him. I have concerns about having to rely on consistency from him at RW, and the fact that his output dropped off once other teams had focussed on him and figured him out. But he is 18 and has plenty of time to develop. ATM Maduake would, IMHO be a more reliable option on the right.

My view is that our aversion to Chelsea players might need to alter in the current climate. They are like a player - particularly a winger - wholsesalers these days given their model, and there is value to be found there. Plus we have a good relationship with the club.

The above said, my cautious approval of this deal, if it happens, is on the basis that we land Eze and Gyokores. Madueke is neither a substitute for these positions, nor really a solution at LW. My further concern is that Arteta believes he can provide cover at LW - which would not be any upgrade on Martinelli and would mean that our LHS remains unconvincing. I'm pretty sure that we aren't landing Rodrygo - and this applies whether we offload Martinelli or not.

Definitely agree that would not be happy with Madueke without Eze and a Striker


As for Rodrygo, agree unlikely to happen. I think Madueke is more likely to be cover for both Martinelli and Saka as I think Trossard will go. Given Eze can play wide left as well, not so bad. I’m also not convinced Rodrygo is a definite upgrade on Martinelli anyhow

[IBK]

Definitely agree that would not be happy with Madueke without Eze and a Striker


As for Rodrygo, agree unlikely to happen. I think Madueke is more likely to be cover for both Martinelli and Saka as I think Trossard will go. Given Eze can play wide left as well, not so bad. I’m also not convinced Rodrygo is a definite upgrade on Martinelli anyhow

Yes - Rodrygo's diminutive size; price; and the fact that the EPL is more physical/competetive than La Liga would be a concern. Plus the danger of thinking that he would see Arsenal as a step down.

Like you say, if Madueke is cover on the right and left I don't think this would be a bad signing at a sensible price. God knows we need bodies and not every signing can be a worldie.

[HCZ_Reborn]

There are a few reports that state we are on the verge of walking away from Gyokeres because we cannot reach agreement with Sporting.

My attitude is of course that this would be immensely positive, providing of course that we have an alternative target

[dazthegooner]

Think what’s his name at Juventus maybe on the verge of having his contract terminated.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Yes - Rodrygo's diminutive size; price; and the fact that the EPL is more physical/competetive than La Liga would be a concern. Plus the danger of thinking that he would see Arsenal as a step down.

Like you say, if Madueke is cover on the right and left I don't think this would be a bad signing at a sensible price. God knows we need bodies and not every signing can be a worldie.

£50-£65m for a player that is inferior to everything we currently have is silly to me. So was signing Havertz for pretty much the same fee, and I said it clearly then.

I hate this habit of us taking underperforming players off of Chelsea's wage bill...they are our direct competitor, we're not suppose to be actively seeking to get them out of every bind they get into.

If Arteta is adamant about it, it should be less than what they paid PSV.....the same way we did with Havertz, the same way we're doing with Kepa.

I'd rather we be made a mug of by the likes of West Ham, Brentford and Palace.....they are welcome to our "clean" hard earned money, not Chelsea

[HCZ_Reborn]

£50-£65m for a player that is inferior to everything we currently have is silly to me. So was signing Havertz for pretty much the same fee, and I said it clearly then.

I hate this habit of us taking underperforming players off of Chelsea's wage bill...they are our direct competitor, we're not suppose to be actively seeking to get them out of every bind they get into.

If Arteta is adamant about it, it should be less than what they paid PSV.....the same way we did with Havertz, the same way we're doing with Kepa.

I'd rather we be made a mug of by the likes of West Ham, Brentford and Palace.....they are welcome to our "clean" hard earned money, not Chelsea

The money we’d potentially have to pay is an issue but given we’d be buying him as a squad player (because we do really lack squad depth) it’s not in principle a bad idea. The only person who has reported we’ve made a bid for him is Fabrizio Romano, and this guy isn’t exactly high in accuracy.

Ornstein has stated we are in talks but certainly hasn’t mentioned the figure quoted by Romano

If Chelsea hold out for the ridiculous money, I’d say walk away…but a more realistic figure around 30 mil? Yeah I’d go for that

[KSE Comedy Club]

There are a few reports that state we are on the verge of walking away from Gyokeres because we cannot reach agreement with Sporting.

My attitude is of course that this would be immensely positive, providing of course that we have an alternative target

A) I think those reports are for clicks
B) we don’t have an alternative target
C) what other top strikers are there - none that I have seen available