That’s fair. We definitely did not shop domestically very much under Arsene. Whether that was an issue of English talent, fees, the hopes of Project Youth Mk II or a combination of all three, it does feel strange being linked to Rice.
I also always assumed he’d go to Chelsea since it seemed like an open secret that he or his family were fans.
I think Rice epitomises what Arsenal is now. Young, willing to learn, consistent, good attitude (seemingly), confident on the ball.
Think he’s the perfect long term replacement for Partey, but he could be moulded into a box to box beast. He can definitely do what SMS does.
I think Balogun has earned a shot and I think Eddie deserved more as well given the fantastic way he swooped in when we needed him.
However I wouldn’t be opposed to selling them and then buying a Plan B type player who is bigger, can play with his back to goal but also good in the air.
So keep Jesus, and Balogun and then sell Eddie for a different profile of striker.
I’ve always preferred us to buy players from within the PL or at least from a top European league and Arteta has used this transfer tactic to great effect.
The signings of White, Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Jesus, Trossard and Jorginho, has seen players walk into our first team rather taking a punt on players that look good from inferior leagues but can’t always adapt to the PL.
So with Edu signing younger players from Brazil, it seems to be a good combination.
This is why I think Rice or even Caicedo will be a priority for such an important position.
Completely agree. This new transfer strategy has clearly benefitted us.
The only remaining question remains if we are prepared to go huge on a domestic transfer. Maybe not Van Dijk or Grealish big but close. We did spend 50m on White and 45m on Jesus which is pretty big.
I mean we offered £80m for Caicedo so I’m pretty sure we’re happy to do that lol
I wonder if Eddie has reached his peak value. Going to be incredibly hard to get games next season for both Eddie and Folarin.
Though it feels like they’ve been saying ‘he’ll be gone’ for years, a wolves supporter I know thinks neves may be a ‘better’, cheaper alternative in midfield. Got a couple of years on rice but definitely a great player.
Seen rumours for tielemans again recently too due to contract situation. For free - I’d be very happy
Neves is a good player, but Rice is better than him (my opinion not fact) at pretty much everything. You could give Neves shooting and arguably long range passing. Neves is a player I’d have been very happy with last summer but we’re looking at competing in the Champions League moving forward.
I’d much rather spend on Rice than Neves.
No way Eddie and Folarin will get meaningful minutes from healthy Jesus, Saka, Martinelli and Trossard.
Both wouldn’t but one should.
Orkun Kökcü
good idea, get the player that Brighton want and then his value won’t be that high yet
Smoke, fire etc.
this is a good one
No thank you.
Seems the last thing we need to be honest. Sure he’s a decent player but unless he can cover for Saliba and Partey, no thanks!
someone make sure Andy’s alright
Yes please
I think he’s the ideal successor to Xhaka, maybe second only to Bellingham.