I think Countinho would be our creative mf. He’s the closest we’ll get to a prime Özil. We can’t afford more. If the loan deal is right, I’d say bring him on. It would be great to get Dembele, but I don’t think we can afford it. Willian I see as more flexibly - winger or CAM. We have no creativity in mf right now, so signing both wouldn’t hurt. If we make Ceballos perm, then maybe just one.
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Coutinho is more of a winger. It never clicked for him at #10. I also think Willian is more creative and has a better delivery too.
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In all honesty, I haven’t watched much of Coutinho lately. At L’pool he seemed have a more fluid role. Not sure what Arteta would do with him. And I’d be happy with either player coming in. Both would help with control and creativity, imo. Although a proper DM to play alongside Xhaka or Ceballos (should he stay) is a necessity too. I think for that we’ll have to spend and that’s why we are looking at Coutinho and Willian for creativity.
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Yeah what does it mean. He plays for Roma now but they never bought him? Cheap pricks. Also I forgot he was actually still ours lol
Funny you say that because neither are controllers, Coutinho is practically the antithesis to this as far as attacking mids go and it’s not Willians forte either.
Coutinho and Willian can create to a degree I suppose but it’s a far cry from what we need and Coutinho in particular looks like he peaked at Liverpool.
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I wasn’t clear. Both are good creatively and Coutinho has good feet. Both can create a bit of space. I think just signing one of these players wouldn’t be enough, but a combo of one of these players along side a proper DM will be required for control. Imo, have a proper DM and no creative a mf and vice versa will not provide control - it’s the combo. Xhaka and Ceballos + a creative mf wouldn’t be enough and Xhaka and Partey + Ceballos will also probably not work, but would be better than the first. I truly believe it’s finding the right combo and that a single player can’t control the MF, it’s how they work together.
Coutinho at Liverpool looked a superb player, I have to be honest, I don’t know what he’s been like since he left, wasn’t interested… However, if we get the Liverpool version, then surely it can only be a great signing… He will also be someone that does seem to have the right attitude, I always got the impression that when he was playing for Liverpool, he always seemed to put a good shift in…
He was always criticized for being inconsistent and not helping the defence out.
He’s very much like Ozil.
Yes. I do think any creative player we get needs to have fight and be willing to run and work hard. I don’t think long term Willian or Coutinho are the answer, but it looks like we have a small budget and need to find a way to spread it around. If we go out and buy a DM and CB, then we will have to find decent budget options. I think both could prove useful in an Arteta system for the next 2 years and hopefully help us get back to the CL and give us more money to then go big.
I think he’s more coachable than Özil and works harder. For a 1 year loan, I think we could possible get enough out of him. All in all, it will all be a punt on him finding his L’pool form. If we can find a more well-rounded creative player than him within our budget, then great. I’m all for it.
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Maybe, dunno. He’s got a lot to prove so hopefully he gets that extra kick to raise his game. 
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Good news all round. So it seems we are looking for another CB.
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Coutinho and Willian is an overkill. Kia must be a happy man now.
So what is it now?
Ins:
- Willian
- Coutinho
- Ceballos(was already here)
- Partey(or other #6/#8)
- CB
Solid window if we don’t get rid of any essential players. That’s some considerate depth to add to the team. Let’s be honest, that’s the only way to really go for Top 4 next season.
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We’ll be bringing Oscar back from China at this rate
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Is that a top 4 side though? Who do we replace in there currently?
Honestly; and this is going to sound crazy now, but I think we finish third with that team.
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I think so. I don’t think it’s gonna last but it will cover us for next season. Say we keep the starting line-up as is, we’ll be having a bench of Coutinho, Willian, Ozil, Torreira, Saka, Partey and Nketiah.
Of course Partey is coming to start though. Same for Coutinho I guess. And the new CB.
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You’re cray cray!
*But I hope you’re right 
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Not surprising to me. The squad was already very good but Emery did his magic. Let’s not forget that everyone was so pleased when the window shut last summer and many thought Top 4 was there for the taking.
Chelsea won’t have an immediate effect as they’re changing their whole core. Spurs are crumbling. So it’s us and Utd imo. In fact, I will do you one more. This will be tight PL race between 3-4 teams finally.
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Haha honestly man. I think we have a good balance and with those additions we are instantly strengthened in key areas.
A full season of Tierney, more time with Arteta, a full season of the much improved Ceballos, Pepe settling in, experience with Willian, match winning qualities of Coutinho and a new midfielder just makes us strong.
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