January 2018 transfer window thread.

[trueblue10]

The most important criteria for any new recruits are:

- Do they want to be here?
- Do they get us?
- Would they run through brick walls for us?

All 3 are a must IMHO

Shouldn't that apply for the existing playing staff too?

How many of our current squad fit that criteria?

 

[Eggs]

Isn't that why we employ one Steven Walsh?

..it is and it’s the key appointment in the whole club.

 

[jazzy]

..I think he told Wenger his preference is to play centrally.

Sounds like he’s currently at USM FF so I dare say he’s having a good chat with Allardyce.

I think it was about 3 years ago and he did tell Wenger that and I think that he also said would only sign a new contract if he was played centrally.

Wenger tried him there for about 6 games.

He did not have the strength to play centrally and he returned to playing wide.

I have no idea if Theo still harbours hopes of playing centrally.

 

[Eggs]

Still need an Arteta type in the centre of our midfield never been replaced.

..linked with Omar Mascarell this afternoon.

 

[Nymzee]

Why don't we do loans anymore? Must be loads available wanting minutes before a World Cup.

 

[Hickson9]

I wouldn't mind seeing if Wilshere would fancy coming here, considering we would get him free in the summer.

 

[bluestevon]

...Omar to Oumar, Oh Dear.

and the park end will shout ye maar

 

[Big Fat Sam]

Why don't we do loans anymore? Must be loads available wanting minutes before a World Cup.

Because splashing out 25m on unproven players is way cooler than getting players on loan, seeing if they are suitable and can adapt to the team or league, then negotiating a sensible price to retain them.

 

[bluestevon]

Still doesn't address the issue we've had for years though, lack of creativity

Bingo

Scary thing is someone like a late 20's Osman would actually add to this current side...

Now that is scary indeed

 

[nsno-chris]

Still doesn't address the issue we've had for years though, lack of creativity

But but but....Gylfi, better than Coutinho lid. Stats prove it

 

[bluestevon]

Why don't we do loans anymore? Must be loads available wanting minutes before a World Cup.

Would loan in Rafinha if Barca want rid of him, gamble and a half fitness wise, but at least would give us someone centrally who can actually play football and isn't a snail...

 

[bluestevon]

Why don't we do loans anymore? Must be loads available wanting minutes before a World Cup.

On a serious note, i think it's actually the club trying to portray itself as a 'big' club, by buying rather than using the loan system, when in reality it just harms us by not using one avenue (and low risk one) of recruitment.

 

[trueblue10]

Sigurdsson is starting to look like a player when he's played in the correct position, not out wide babysitting the oaf. Walcott walks straight into this side. Dunno what the issue is. Keane's had a bit of a mare tbf but then he has been playing with a bunch of has beens at the back and getting overran each game. He'll come good once he has someone decent alongside him. We're crying out for pace and goals. We look like we're getting a dude who is all about speed and can finish too and you lot lose your minds over it.

lollollollollollollollollollollollollol

Spot on.

 

[trueblue10]

..it is and it’s the key appointment in the whole club.

I wonder if Mr Walsh realises that.

 

[Bluebonic]

Still being linked with Rafhina at Barca? Loan to buy supposedly.