Arsenal transfer game! by Dan Smith
There seems to be a change in how Gooners think. Those who verbally abused the greatest manager we ever had are now asking for patience. Those who were perhaps too loyal now know what proven signings can make an instant impact. I upset a lot of readers with my criticism of the capture of Torreira. The fact that he only came on as late sub for Uraguay vs Eygypt confirms my feeling that we have prioritised finding value in the market over ambition to create a title challenging squad. But instead of arguing with each other, let’s express our opinions through my version of fantasy football.
Rules are you can only spend the reported 50 million so have to find bargains. You are allowed to raise funds by suggesting who you sell ano how much for.
Have fun, here’s my example. No right and wrong……
Keepers, Ospina out , Butland in
As our cup keeper Ospina has actually played lots for someone not first choice, but 10- 15 million should be used to raise funds for a new number 1. Cech should stay as he’s one of the few leaders we have. I would be tempted to take advantage of Stoke’s relegation. There were not a club who would have prepared for relegation so suddenly need to slash their wage bill. Jack Butland is their valuable asset who they would want a bidding war for but if heard he had a chance to come to Arsenal he would push for it to happen.
Defenders out – Mustafi, In- Evans, Zouma. These deals help me raise funds. We tried to get clubs to pay 30 million for the German last summer. No one did and certainly won’t now. Maybe though I can get 15 million for him. West Brom have let the world know that Evans has a release clause of 3 million and this is the type of deal we need to look at. Likes to defend which our team needs. I would ask Chelsea if we could take Zouma on loan. Before his injury big things were expected. That covers Koscielny injury for 6 months. I would make an effort to start the young defenders each week to finally see who could sink or swim.
Free transfer Fellaini replaces Wilshire. i don’t want this to happen but you get the impression that if super Jack was going to sign a new deal, he would have by now. Take the salary you were going to give to him and give it to Fellaini. Not ideal but we have to look at bargains due to our criteria.
Wellbeck out, Sturridge loan. Are they any different? In fact one is a better finisher. For the sake of raising 15-20 million its worth gambling on who is our 3rd choice striker.
If calculator is correct I brought in another 50 million and only spent 33. With the original 50 million I had, that leaves me with 63 million to get a realistic marquee signing. Crystal Palace have put a 40 million price tag on Zaha to put everyone off, which is in fact telling the world how much you sell him for. That would excite fans and be worth the other bargain based buys. I then give Villa 20 plus for Grealish to be a squad player.
See Arsenal, it’s easy ….
Dan Smith