The Wish List

[TornadoTed]

Out - Auba, Laca, Xhaka, Torreira, Luiz, Mustafi, Sokratis, Bellerin, Kolasinac, Elneny, Mkhitaryan

In - Aarons, Atal, Lewis, Dunk, Tonali, Sangare, Aouar, Jovic

Leno
Atal Saliba Dunk Tierney
Guendouzi Tonali Aouar
Pepe Jovic Martinelli

Martinez
Aarons Chambers Holding Lewis
Willock Sangare ESR
Nelson Nketiah Saka

 

[HaffBR]

I see a few PSG games per season, and I find Kimpenbe consistently worse than Thiago Silva.

Camavinga is only 17 years old, this is very young especially for a midfield, he would be a bet for the future, yes I think the ideal would be to buy young players, with good athleticism, desire, but who already have something of experience to come and already delivers and take the responsability, players between 22 and 26 yo.

Is the Hungarian guy good enough for Arsenal? A player we all know will bring something to the team? Because he will be expensive.

 

[ChefMan21]

The below assumes we lose Laca, PEA, Torreira, Mustafi, Mkhi, Elneny, Sokratis, and Özil plus another £60m or so from a transfer kitty.

Inclined to move away from a 4-3-3 to 4-3-1-2 for two key reasons:

1. everyone wants to play 4-3-3 and they're largely training to both implement and defend against that;
2. I think there's a lot of quality midfielders out there that we should be looking at (more so than strikers/wingers, at least that's my perception);

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=v23q

Defence
Keen to get some size and strength into our CB pairing, while aiming for players around that 24-26 mark.

• Tah. He's strong and aggressive, which I think is something we miss, while also being good in the air (he's 1.95m).
• Umtiti. Think he's a top-class defender when fit, and as he is not being played much, could probably get him on the cheap. The knee is quite clearly a concern, which would also put downward pressure on his price. Nevertheless, I'm also distinctly aware that Saliba is coming, which gives us great depth at CB even with injury: Tah, Umtiti, Saliba, Luiz, and Holding.

Midfield
Again want power and strength here, but also want intelligence. The intelligence comes from the DM position and a more advanced central midfielder - players that have a brain to spark the attack for when we're transitioning. The power and strength come from the two more centrally/traditionally-local central midfielders, in this case, Milinkovic-Savic and Berge.

• Tonali. The biggest thing I like about him? He's quick between the ears. He's compared to Pirlo often enough, which is interesting, and I've liked him in the games I've seen. He also solves a problem of not having a good link between defence and attack. His passing range and quality are fantastic.
• Milinkovic-Savic and Berge. Two big bodies to control the midfield and give us a presence, which we've lacked for years. The former is 1.91m, while the latter is 1.95m. Two very different players, but the idea would be for them to protect Tonali and the goal as much as possible in defence while playing key roles in attack (especially the former).
• Puig. I was impressed with him when he played against us in the preseason and he's another who has that characteristic I will always love: being quick between the ears. Not concerned about his size because of how well he handled us, and since he's not getting a run in the Barcelona side just yet, I'd grab him before his value (potentially) skyrockets.

Attack
This was difficult. My issue is that spending on strikers when our midfield and CB pairing need such work was not the best way to build the foundation of the side. I think we would do well to simplify Pepe's game to a central striker role. He can drift and do what he needs to do, but I'm more concerned with him scoring goals than making dazzling runs.

• Cavani. Unsure of this one, but he is off contract, and I'm sold for a few reasons (1+1 type contract). Firstly, he brings much-needed experience and goals to the side. Secondly, he's made that transition from wing to striker (and vice versa), which would help Pepe. Thirdly, I think Martinelli would do well to learn from him (incl. concerning the second point).

We could probably buy a striker instead of Cavani, but it's going to cost plenty to buy one of quality - at least there's no transfer fee for Cavani. Could also supplement with a loan signing as necessary.

I think this could be achieved over 2-3 years (earlier if we're willing to spend), and would create a solid foundation in defence/midfield (before we focus on our attack.)

 

[asukru]

The below assumes we lose Laca, PEA, Torreira, Mustafi, Mkhi, Elneny, Sokratis, and Özil plus another £60m or so from a transfer kitty.

Inclined to move away from a 4-3-3 to 4-3-1-2 for two key reasons:

1. everyone wants to play 4-3-3 and they're largely training to both implement and defend against that;
2. I think there's a lot of quality midfielders out there that we should be looking at (more so than strikers/wingers, at least that's my perception);

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=v23q

Defence
Keen to get some size and strength into our CB pairing, while aiming for players around that 24-26 mark.

• Tah. He's strong and aggressive, which I think is something we miss, while also being good in the air (he's 1.95m).
• Umtiti. Think he's a top-class defender when fit, and as he is not being played much, could probably get him on the cheap. The knee is quite clearly a concern, which would also put downward pressure on his price. Nevertheless, I'm also distinctly aware that Saliba is coming, which gives us great depth at CB even with injury: Tah, Umtiti, Saliba, Luiz, and Holding.

Midfield
Again want power and strength here, but also want intelligence. The intelligence comes from the DM position and a more advanced central midfielder - players that have a brain to spark the attack for when we're transitioning. The power and strength come from the two more centrally/traditionally-local central midfielders, in this case, Milinkovic-Savic and Berge.

• Tonali. The biggest thing I like about him? He's quick between the ears. He's compared to Pirlo often enough, which is interesting, and I've liked him in the games I've seen. He also solves a problem of not having a good link between defence and attack. His passing range and quality are fantastic.
• Milinkovic-Savic and Berge. Two big bodies to control the midfield and give us a presence, which we've lacked for years. The former is 1.91m, while the latter is 1.95m. Two very different players, but the idea would be for them to protect Tonali and the goal as much as possible in defence while playing key roles in attack (especially the former).
• Puig. I was impressed with him when he played against us in the preseason and he's another who has that characteristic I will always love: being quick between the ears. Not concerned about his size because of how well he handled us, and since he's not getting a run in the Barcelona side just yet, I'd grab him before his value (potentially) skyrockets.

Attack
This was difficult. My issue is that spending on strikers when our midfield and CB pairing need such work was not the best way to build the foundation of the side. I think we would do well to simplify Pepe's game to a central striker role. He can drift and do what he needs to do, but I'm more concerned with him scoring goals than making dazzling runs.

• Cavani. Unsure of this one, but he is off contract, and I'm sold for a few reasons (1+1 type contract). Firstly, he brings much-needed experience and goals to the side. Secondly, he's made that transition from wing to striker (and vice versa), which would help Pepe. Thirdly, I think Martinelli would do well to learn from him (incl. concerning the second point).

We could probably buy a striker instead of Cavani, but it's going to cost plenty to buy one of quality - at least there's no transfer fee for Cavani. Could also supplement with a loan signing as necessary.

I think this could be achieved over 2-3 years (earlier if we're willing to spend), and would create a solid foundation in defence/midfield (before we focus on our attack.)

Some new names but I like it!

 

[ArsenalFever]

Pau Torres
Armando Izzo
Milenkovic

Milot Rashica
Luis Alberto
Alexey Miranchuk

Belotti

 

[Dutch D]

As stands quite a few big names are running down their contract this season. Would you take any of these players, why?

Out of contract june 2020
Eriksen
Cavani
Alderweireld
Vertonghen
Fraser
Meunier
Matuidi
Fernandinho
Banega
Willian

Don't know if they would consider coming here, but I think Fernandinho and Alderweireld could really supplement a crop of promising early 20 year old signings. They aren't on mad wages (150k and 80k respectively), so might be able to seduce them short term along side some marquee signings.

 

[UpTheGunnerz]

As stands quite a few big names are running down their contract this season. Would you take any of these players, why?

Out of contract june 2020
Eriksen
Cavani
Alderweireld
Vertonghen
Fraser
Meunier
Matuidi
Fernandinho
Banega
Willian

Don't know if they would consider coming here, but I think Fernandinho and Alderweireld could really supplement a crop of promising early 20 year old signings. They aren't on mad wages (150k and 80k respectively), so might be able to seduce them short term along side some marquee signings.

I adore Edi Cavani, El Matador. Brilliant player. I'd take Alderweireld and ship out Mustafi n Sokratis. Matuidi could probably do a job as well, good grit on him.

 

[UpTheGunnerz]

Really hope we can get one of the young CB's of Leipzig this winter or summer. Would include one of our talents in the deal, as they seem like an excellent place for young talent. Smith Rowe, Willock etc

 

[ChefMan21]

As stands quite a few big names are running down their contract this season. Would you take any of these players, why?

Out of contract june 2020
Eriksen
Cavani
Alderweireld
Vertonghen
Fraser
Meunier
Matuidi
Fernandinho
Banega
Willian

Don't know if they would consider coming here, but I think Fernandinho and Alderweireld could really supplement a crop of promising early 20 year old signings. They aren't on mad wages (150k and 80k respectively), so might be able to seduce them short term along side some marquee signings.

Cavani, but only for the reasons in my post above. Good short-term option if Laca and PEA leave. Prefer to use their funds to build a solid defence/midfield foundation, rather than pay a transfer fee for a new striker.

 

[ChefMan21]

Some new names but I like it!

Thanks. Obviously can upgrade most of those names, but it does come down to what we can afford...

 

[Windowlicker]

Bruno Fernandes 60m
Wilfried Ndidi 50m
Atal 20m
Koulibaly 70m
Everton Cebolinha 30m

Leno/Emi
Saliba / Sokratis/Luiz
Koulibaly /Holding
Tierney/Kolasinac
Bellerin/Atal
Ndidi/Xhaka
Torreira/Guendouzi /Willock
Bruno Fernandes/Smith-Rowe
Martinelli/Saka
Pepe/Everton
Auba/Laca/Eddie


Sell Chambers, Mavro, Niles, Mustafi

MIKEL ARTETA

 

[Jakarta]

As stands quite a few big names are running down their contract this season. Would you take any of these players, why?

Out of contract june 2020
Eriksen
Cavani
Alderweireld
Vertonghen
Fraser
Meunier
Matuidi
Fernandinho
Banega
Willian

Don't know if they would consider coming here, but I think Fernandinho and Alderweireld could really supplement a crop of promising early 20 year old signings. They aren't on mad wages (150k and 80k respectively), so might be able to seduce them short term along side some marquee signings.

Cavani if we sell Aubameyang
Vertonghen is quality + we need a left footed CB
Fernandinho we need his dirty streak and experience in midfield
Fraser is a menace and will always put in a shift.

 

[Krevsnih]

Auba, laca and øzil out, Werner, zyech and zaha in. Attack fixed with profit.

Allan and ndidi in midfield.
And we can get the brasilian real Madrid got last summer for central defender. Probably on loan.

 

[Red London]

Out:
Auba £60m
Özil Free
Sokratis £5m
Xhaka £25m
Elneny £7m
Mkhy £8m
Mustafi £10m

Total: £115m (+ mammoth wages saved by offloading Özil)

In:
Dunk £35m
Partey £35m
Ziyech £35m
Zaha £60m
Right Back £15m

Total: £180m

£65m net spend but the wage bill would be considerably less, as Özil's wage would cover 2-3 incoming players' (and Aubameyang + Mkhy ain't cheap either)

Our highest paid players would go from 250-350k (Mkhy, Auba, Özil), to more modest figures like 150-250k.

Leno
Bellerin Dunk Saliba Tierney
Torreira Partey Ziyech
Pepe Lacazette Zaha

Martinez
? Chambers Luiz Kolasinac
Guendouzi Willock AMN
Nelson Martinelli Saka

Also: Holding, Nketiah

 

[truth_hurts]

As stands quite a few big names are running down their contract this season. Would you take any of these players, why?

Out of contract june 2020
Eriksen
Cavani
Alderweireld
Vertonghen
Fraser
Meunier
Matuidi
Fernandinho
Banega
Willian

Don't know if they would consider coming here, but I think Fernandinho and Alderweireld could really supplement a crop of promising early 20 year old signings. They aren't on mad wages (150k and 80k respectively), so might be able to seduce them short term along side some marquee signings.

Cavani (he's class), Fraser (4-4-2 option) and Matuidi (still got Duracell energy). The Sp**s defenders as well, but no chance that happens.

We'd need to spend big on a cb to pair with Salibah and I'd want to bring Ceballos in permanently. Matuidi and Cavani would give our squad a much needed dose of winning mentality.

 

[Dutch D]

I adore Edi Cavani, El Matador. Brilliant player. I'd take Alderweireld and ship out Mustafi n Sokratis. Matuidi could probably do a job as well, good grit on him.

Cavani, but only for the reasons in my post above. Good short-term option if Laca and PEA leave. Prefer to use their funds to build a solid defence/midfield foundation, rather than pay a transfer fee for a new striker.

Cavani if we sell Aubameyang
Vertonghen is quality + we need a left footed CB
Fernandinho we need his dirty streak and experience in midfield
Fraser is a menace and will always put in a shift.

Cavani (he's class), Fraser (4-4-2 option) and Matuidi (still got Duracell energy). The Sp**s defenders as well, but no chance that happens.

We'd need to spend big on a cb to pair with Salibah and I'd want to bring Ceballos in permanently. Matuidi and Cavani would give our squad a much needed dose of winning mentality.

This makes sense to me.

Cavani and Fernandinho could be very good short term options to allow us to rebuild the defense and midfield. I reckon Cavani will be on massive wages though.

Fernandinho could provide leadership, defensive solidity and transition play. Actually would be perfect. Our talented crop of midfielders could learn a lot from him. I don't really rate Matuidi, I don't like the pure workhorse type player, but we could use his profile. I'd much rather spend more on Ruiz/Partey though.

I'd rather Alderweireld than Vertonghen, but we could actually use a left-footed ball-playing CB. Not sure who else could fill that role alongside a senior CB. I would opt for Lisandro Martinez, who could also cover DM, though I think most posters would take issue with his height (I think it would be fine alongside Saliba). @Rex Banter how is Hermoso doing?

With regards to Fraser we could use a more experienced player at LW to provide cover for our batch of prospects who shouldn't be relied on in a team that isn't well set up. We could afford the luxury of Martinelli first choice with Saka as back-up if the rest of the team was set and functioning. Not sure if Fraser is of sufficient quality if we have to replace Auba in the starting line-up as well.

 

[Majoreyeswater]

Bruno Fernandes 60m
Wilfried Ndidi 50m
Atal 20m
Koulibaly 70m
Everton Cebolinha 30m

Leno/Emi
Saliba / Sokratis/Luiz
Koulibaly /Holding
Tierney/Kolasinac
Bellerin/Atal
Ndidi/Xhaka
Torreira/Guendouzi /Willock
Bruno Fernandes/Smith-Rowe
Martinelli/Saka
Pepe/Everton
Auba/Laca/Eddie


Sell Chambers, Mavro, Niles, Mustafi

MIKEL ARTETA

Ndidi. 50mill. Have you been drinking? When anyone comes shopping at Leicester, they need to bring the BIG cheque book!

 

[ChefMan21]

This makes sense to me.

Cavani and Fernandinho could be very good short term options to allow us to rebuild the defense and midfield. I reckon Cavani will be on massive wages though.

Fernandinho could provide leadership, defensive solidity and transition play. Actually would be perfect. Our talented crop of midfielders could learn a lot from him. I don't really rate Matuidi, I don't like the pure workhorse type player, but we could use his profile. I'd much rather spend more on Ruiz/Partey though.

I'd rather Alderweireld than Vertonghen, but we could actually use a left-footed ball-playing CB. Not sure who else could fill that role alongside a senior CB. I would opt for Lisandro Martinez, who could also cover DM, though I think most posters would take issue with his height (I think it would be fine alongside Saliba). @Rex Banter how is Hermoso doing?

With regards to Fraser we could use a more experienced player at LW to provide cover for our batch of prospects who shouldn't be relied on in a team that isn't well set up. We could afford the luxury of Martinelli first choice with Saka as back-up if the rest of the team was set and functioning. Not sure if Fraser is of sufficient quality if we have to replace Auba in the starting line-up as well.

I seem to recall Cavani's salary being around €10m per year, so I sort of see it as a €10m + €10m transfer payment for a very good striker if we get him on a 1+1 contract.

 

[The_Playmaker]

I feel our profile to identify talent needs to be based on athleticism. If you look at our most recent purchases for the future. Martinelli, Saliba and Pepe. They all have pace and power. It's now about following that up and addressing major weaknesses in our midfield and defence.

Midfield

Guendouzi: tackles 1.6 interceptions 1.4
Torreira: Tackles 1.4 interceptions 1.1
Willock: Tackles 1.1 interceptions 0.2
Xhaka: Tackles 2 interceptions 0.6

Ndidi: Tackles 4.5 interceptions 2.9
Camavinga: 4.3 interceptions 1.6

The tackling and intercepting statistic has a lot to do with how your team is set up, however a huge part of it is just hunting players down and winning the ball based on raw athleticism. Ndidi and Camavinga make more tackles and interceptions per game than our entire midfield trio combined. Coaching and closing the distances will improve the numbers slightly, but we just have to be intelligent about our squad. All of our midfield apart from Willock simply do not have the pace to recover.

Guendouzi has a higher physical ceiling than Torreira. I would develop him as a holding midfielder who specialises in moving across the pitch. Not up and down. I would sell Torreira and use the money to fund a destroyer replacement.

Camavinga, Partey, Zakaria, Kondogbia. That profile. Genuinely don't care who, just one of them.

I then feel we need a box to box creator. Arteta may feel that ESR has the potential, but he has a lot of physical development to do and should be able to develop without pressure.

Pellegrini would be my choice. He can dribble, shoot, tackles, recover and has a very high rate of key passes per game. Ødegaard would be brilliant but out of our price range. Xhaka out, Pellegrini in.

Imagine a trio of Guendouzi, Pellegrini and Partey. AMN, ESR and Willock as back ups.

Defence

Mustafi and Sokratis need to go. If we can get rid of Chambers also then that's a bonus. I watched Dortmund vs Leipzig closely and Zagadou is head and shoulders above Upamecano. So much more comfortable and calm on the ball. Upamecano has promise, but he has an error in him. From when Zagadou hunted down Werner and dispossessed him, you know he is a beast. It would be Zagadou or Upamecano for me:

Saliba, Zagadou, Luiz, Holding.

Bellerin needs competition, and Tierney needs cover. I would sell Kolasinac and bring in Hamza Mendyl as we were linked before. Not sure about right back. I would have said Atal before his injury or someone like Hakimi, but he would be hard to get. Either way, athleticism is key.

Forwards

Özil out. Leaves you with Auba , Lacazette, Pepe, Martinelli, Nelson and Saka. I think the young players can make an impact and get a lot of game time. However Auba has one year to go in the summer and Laca will have 2. A decision needs to be made. We don't need two central strikers as Martinelli and Pepe can do a job at centre forward if required. We need one primary striker.

Auba and Laca out with Jovic or Werner in would be ideal for me.

So my wish would be: Camavinga, Mendyl, Zagadou, Aarons, Jovic and Pellegrini.

More realistic would be: Partey, Upamecano, Pellegrini, Aarons, Werner.

 

[OnlyOne]

Ndidi, Jota, Kolorov, Upamecano.