I like Tierney too and would definitely keep him, but apparently he wants out due to lack of game time so I totally understand it. He is clearly 2nd choice, so if we get a good offer (£25m+) I can see him leaving. I don't like the idea of him going to Newcastle but looks likely.Retro Gunner wrote: ↑Wed May 17, 2023 4:20 pmfivetothree wrote: ↑Wed May 17, 2023 3:07 pmSurely we need a right winger rather than a left winger? Martinelli and Trossard are both fine on the left, but Nelson is too much of a drop when Saka isn't playing. If we had had a solid RW option I think Saka would have been benched for a bit recently.OneBardGooner wrote: ↑Wed May 17, 2023 2:15 pmI think he would be good as a (roaming) No10, as you say he causes panic in the opposition because he has 'skills', but we so desperately Need a Proper Striker.
I thought / hoped we might go for Ivan Toney last Summer, mind you that was before the Betting thing hit the news.
Not sure who we can go in for, but priorities have to be:
Striker
Left Back
Midfield Defender/Marshall
C.Back
And another Left Winger
Not sure about Kiwior after his antics against Brighton I think he is like ElNeny a bit part squad player but not a proper replacement for anyone.
In fairness, before the Brighton game Kiwior had looked good. He is young and didn't cost a lot so worth having. We definitely need a quality CB though.
Who should go? For me:-
Holding
Cedric
Pepe
Mari
Tierney (if we get a good offer)
ESR (same)
Partey or Xhaka
Balagun (£30m+ we should accept)
AMN
Nelson
Thoughts?
Blimey, you look at that list and realise there are players you'd forgotten all about that are still on the books.
I'd be gutted to see ESR go, as I think he's a serious talent and 18 months ago looked our brightest prospect, but I don't think he figures too highly in Arteta's plans, so I'd encourage him to go and build a career elsewhere.
I would also be disappointed to see Tierney go, as he's a proper defender and I'd play him at left back and move Zinchenko (who most definitely is NOT a proper defender) into midfield. Some on here, like Clummo, believe...probably quite rightly...that Arteta wants that fluid, roaming full back role, but we don't have the quality of players to make that work. We might score goals, but we'll concede plenty. Arteta needs to get a proper grip on the centre midfield and recruit some top quality in there if he thinks he can emulate Pep. With Partey, Xhaka, Vieira, Albert and Elneny, none of whom would get beyond sweeping the dressing room at City, as our midfield anchors, we need proper defensive fullbacks.
I'd agree to waving all the rest goodbye without a second thought.
ESR...I love him too and he think he has a ton of talent, but for whatever reason Arteta doesn't fancy him. Perhaps he is not the same player after the injuries. If Villa come in for him again and offer good money I think we will let him go.