I'm not ready to go full fume, but this delay is.....unappealing.
Schneiderlin - Manu wants 24M. Yes that is what they paid 2 years ago and he is older now...but transfer values have also skyrocketed in that period. It is a fair valuation. We should have paid it by now and welcomed the player (who is keen to join) to the squad.
The fact that we haven't does not, in my opinion, show the world that we are shrewd negotiators. It instead reinforces the perception that we are a bit inept when it comes to closing deals (and i am possibly being kind). Off of the debacle that was the summer window this is not what is needed. What was needed was for the club to come out and say we want the player, the player wants us and the deal is done so we can move to the next target.
The Lookman deal was seemingly handled fairly well, so it can be done.
If the prospect of Schneiderlin and Depay turns into the reality of Elmohamady, a 24 year old striker who is looking for his 14th club and some recycled version of Cleverley/Gibson then we are well and truly screwed.
There is time yet to have a great window. Players of the ilk of Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Manolas, Keane, Depay or Hart are who we should be targeting. They are the ones that will allow for stability, for us to win the matches we should win. Once we determine who we want me must go all out to sign them. If a club knocks us back and won't sell (as Swansea or Burnley well might) then we should test their resolve with a higher offer. Essentially make them an offer they can't refuse. If Roma says Manolas is 35M, which is reasonable, ask them where to wire the funds and how soon the player can be at Lennon for pickup.
Statements are being made about the club by our activity right now, or more correctly our lack thereof. We need to change the rhetoric and grab attention in a positive way.
Moshiri needs to step in now and ensure the club is performing to his expectations.
