06 Apr 2023 13:52:43
I know we have debated this issue before but the nearer we get to the seasons end, and the more we get to understand how Emery wants to play, I can see a mass clear out in the summer with as many as 12-13 players being made available not just to create space for 5-6 quality signings,but because these players don't suit how Emery wants his teams to play. I think our signings will be a mixture of big money acquisitions with maybe a couple of free transfers the likes of Zaha (much as I dislike him?) and Oxlade Chamberlain maybe to strengthen the overall squad with maybe Ireobugnam being promoted to the first team. Get these signings right and I can see us being a real threat to the so called big six.
06 Apr 2023 16:55:21
I think all the players out on loan with leave with the exception of Ireobugnam, he'll be promoted to the first team and we'll sign Guendouzi to compete for the 4 midfield positions with Ramsey, McGinn, Luiz and Kamara. I don't many of the first team squad going unless we have a Matt Target scenario where they don't want to fight for their places. I can see a CB, a RB, a winger and a Striker arriving with Guendouzi as well. Wouldn't be hugely surprised if Zaha was one of those given his fleaxbiky, this Ox has West Ham or Everton written all over him.
06 Apr 2023 20:35:15
Still can’t see a massive clear out, especially first team players and if we get Europa or conference we will need depth, we said back in January there would be a clear out because these players can’t play Emery’s system, but guess what? These players are 3rd in the league playing Emery’s system so I’d say he’s pretty pleased with what he has, 100% we will add a couple of top level players to push us on but look at spurs and Chelsea, the huge influx of players does not work, compare them to Newcastle and what Eddie Howe has done is what we need to do.
06 Apr 2023 21:52:22
The following will I think be definitely shipped out if we can find buyers.
Olsen, Chambers, Hause, Nakamba, Sanson, Dendoncker, Wesley, Davis, Philogene-Bidace Coutinho
Possible sales being Digne, Traore, Bailey, Archer and Cash.
Even if only half that happens, that still constitutes a massive clear out in my book.
07 Apr 2023 00:40:12
The first group are pretty nailed on to go, most are already at different clubs, the second group you mention I’d like to keep most of them and especially if we get Europe we need depth, when I say clear out I mean players who are playing regularly not guys we have already shipped out on loan, if we want to push on we need a bigger squad, as it stands we are 1 or 2 injuries away from a disaster so that needs addressing and not having 2 keepers on the bench, now that we can make 5 subs we need 5-7 quality players on the bench. I’m on the fence about Bailey and Traore, we will need more than 1 winger in the squad, I’d like to keep cash, digne and archer for at least 1 more season. I don’t know how are finances are, do we need to raise money if we are going to spend 150 million or will we raise enough by selling the fringe players? What’s your thoughts?
07 Apr 2023 13:51:19
So Whack, for me I think the first group we would probably do well to get circa £50 million for the lot, add the possible sales to that figure and that would I think give us well in excess of £100 million to spend that’s before the £170 million we get from Sky each season plus anything the owners want to chuck in the pot and anything generated commercially. I know that the money needs to be split between transfer fees and wages but I still think that should give Emery a significant transfer budget to work with.
In terms of my second list I personally like Cash, Archer, Traore and Bailey to be honest, but in Cash’s case I think Emery prefers Young when both are fit and I can’t see Cash accepting a role as part of a squad. Archer I think will want first team football and if the rumours are right that we are after a striker in the summer then Archer becomes fourth choice behind whoever comes in, Watkins and Duran, given his age and his achievements to date I can’t see him accepting that. With regards to Bailey and Traore I like both but I would describe them as luxury players, Bailey is lightening quick which given how Emery wants to play is an undoubted asset, but Bert is technically really gifted you only have to look at some of his goals to see that, I guess you plays your money and you makes your choice but I can see Emery either selling one and bringing in one or selling both and bringing in his own wide men. It will be interesting to see which way he goes. Digne and Moreno are too similar in my view, I think Moreno will be first choice and I can’t see Digne putting up with that.