nnock1984

We signed a RB but loaned him back out. We also signed a LB and loaned him out - both cost money. I understand that FFP is an issue, and that the above two signings are probably sensible long term, but we had a real opportunity this year to push on and the strategy in January should have been improvements for now . . . IMO . . .

Our biggest mistake in January, was not bringing in a RB and a DM. The lack of the above is the exact reason we’re struggling with both Kamara and Cash out. Stupid.

Who will the potential second signing be? Goalkeeper?

I actually think Lenglet is the best deputy for Pau that we could hope for. It wouldn’t surprise me if we tried to sign him permanently. Mings does not fulfill the role that Pau does despite being left footed, and without that type of player in the team, it would change how we play significantly.

Martinez, Olson Cash, KKH Moreno, Digne Konsa, Carlos Pau, Lenglet McGinn, Zaniolo Ramsey (Rogers or Rowe) Kamara, Tim Luiz, Tielmans Diaby, Bailey Watkins, Duran Outs:- Chambers Hause Dendoncker - already gone Traore With just one addition that isn’t a bad 22 to have to chose from. I’d imagine the interest in Rogers AND Rowe would only materialise if Duran left - seems the sort to force his way to me. I appreciate the sentiment that we may have needed better than KKH and Tim for RB and CM, however the influence that could have on ongoing FFP cannot be underestimated . They come in, show they can hold their own in the Prem, and they become 10m-20m players which we can sell (with buy back) and invest heavily! Or they excel and we keep them - it’s a sensible play.

Surely we can’t be considering selling this guy - his value will just continue to increase. If Archer was worth 20m, surely this guy is 30m at least already? I mean he cost us 18m last year!

If we’re serious about Top 4, left wing and centre forward are areas which we could do with strengthening. If we sign someone, they need to be affordable and hit the ground running. Who on earth can we think fits that remit any better? This signing would get my full support.

I reckon we'll sign someone who can play where we played McGinn and Ramsey last year - wide midfielders if you like. We've seen Bailey, Cash and Tielemans play there already this season, and it is not their normal position. I'm calling Los Celso. . . . (Guess!)

That’s Cash - although you’d want to upgrade but I don’t see that being done this window.

Feels like we are still one short at the back - whether that’s a RB or a CB - ideally someone who can play both given the system we play. You would think that surely we will have one more attacker coming in, given the clear out - Wesley, Davis, Archer, Ramsey, Philagene, Countinho . . . . . And Buendia injured.

There was a guy on Twitter who mentioned Acuna around 5-6 days ago, before anybody else. At the time I thought he was talking rubbish but now he seems worth a follow - anybody know who that was? It was in the same post about Zaniolo and the guy wasn’t a journalist - just a fan.

I agree

I still think there’s still significant business to be done:- Martinez, Olson (New), Cash Konsa, Chambers Torres, Carlos Moreno, (Acuna) Kamara, Dendonker Luiz, Tielmans McGinn, Philogene Ramsey, (New) Diaby, (Zaniolo) Watkins, (New), Duran So three more after Zaniolo and Acuna. RB, Midfielder and forward who can play Striker. Outs:- Digne Hause A Ramsey Coutinho Traore Bailey Davis Archer We probably won’t be able to shift all of these, so some will remain as added squad depth.

I like this but the need to replace Cash sticks out like a sore thumb.

Foyth Tyler Adams Los Celso Zaniolo Felix

We needed 2 more already, now we need 4 (to replace Mings and Buendia). RB (to replace Mings and keep Konsa in the middle) Wide midfield (to replace Buendia in competition with McGinn/Ramsey) ST DM (To replace Dendonker if someone comes in for him) In that order

I’ve said in the Zaniolo thread that I think he’s being brought in as our back-up to Ollie. Watkins, Zaniolo, Duran will be our main ST with Diaby and Bailey as the second striker. Links to Sancho are interesting - I could see us still being in for a true winger as well.

Personally I think this is done otherwise Emery wouldn’t have commented on it in the press conference. Potential to go very well, or not so well, but if it is a loan initially, it limits the risk unless we take an obligation to buy. I also think it’s telling that when listing the players positions, Emery said striker first - I believe this is our back-up to Ollie ladies and gents. He does seem to hold several similar qualities to Ollie from what I’ve seen in terms of control, hold up play and running at the opposition.

This is how I see us following recent acquisitions and confirmed departures:- GK - Martinez, (New) RB - (New), Cash LB - Moreno, Digne RCB - Konsa, Carlos LCB - Torres, Mings CM - Kamara (New) CM - Luiz, Tielemans RM - Buendia, McGinn LM - Ramsey, (New) SS - Diaby, Bailey ST - Watkins, (New) Kids to keep around - Irogebunam, Philogence, A Ramsey, Archer Sell:- Olsen Chambers Hause Dendonker Countinho Traore Davis Wesley Loan:- Duran 5 new signings in an ideal world, but it could be argued that Dendonker, Countinho and Duran could be retained for the Midfield/Forward options, and Olsen/Chambers could be retained for the GK/RB options. I think we would make a good account of ourselves with the squad as it is. Realistically, a first choice RB, a back-up GK and someone who can cover LM/ST would be 3 more ideal signings and really set up up for the season! UTV!

This is it for me. Olsen should be number 3. We need to bring in a young guy with plenty of promise for the No.2 (Like we did with Guzan at that time).

Wrong Torres - I’m talking about Ferran Torres. Feisty bunch in here, you lot! Am I allowed to think Diaby is a risk and could go the same way as Bailey?

Surely it’s self explanatory? It’s risky in the same way Leon Bailey was risky. Lots of recent purchases from Germany haven’t been successful - Bailey, Sancho, Havertz, Werner etc. 40m-50m is very risky on someone who may not work out. This has the potential to be another Bailey. Would I rather Torres for the reported 25m who has already played in the league . . . Yes I would. That do for you?

I believe it is a risky signing

Not sure about this one.

If we didn’t have Cameron Archer, we’d be saying we should sign Cameron Archer to be backup to Ollie.