06 Jul 2021 09:42:12
Good Morning Ed002,
Would you possibly be able to provide some information regarding our current attacking midfield targets?
It's one position that's gone rather quiet as far as rumours go and with Odegaard not returning it would be good to know who are priorities are now.
Thank you :)
{Ed002's Note - Obviously much will depend on whether ESR departs. But it is something like this:
Nabil Fekir (AM) Real Betis are happy to sell Fekir who they see as not contributing enough in terms of goals although he has had a reasonable season. They want €35M - may be tough to find a buyer. The suggestion that Arsenal could look to Fekir if Real Madrid won't part with Martin Odegaard is intriguing but Brandt would be a better option. Fekir is keen to stay at Betis.
Julian Brandt (AM) again a player who was being considered by Arsenal. He would be a reasonable price and would be an Oezil replacement but it will now depend on the future of MO. Asking price is €25M.
Philippe Coutinho (AM) Another possible Odegaard replacement. His "representative" will be keen and would like to add him to the squad. A cheap option.
Manor Solomon (LW/AM) Shakhtar Donetsk rejected an offer for the player from Atalanta and don't have the serious financial problems that will force them to sell players cheaply. However, they do have a surplus of LW which is his natural position and may be open to a good offer. Arsenal had been scouting another Shakhtar Donetsk so have perhaps had their attention drawn to him last summer. I am not aware of any agreeement though. There has been a discussion over agent fees which might prove to be a stumbling block. Prior interest of Newcastle seems to have gone.}
06 Jul 2021 10:53:37
Excellent, thank you Ed.
Brandt would be a good addition to the squad, especially due to the fact that both him and ESR can rotate between central and wide positions.
Appreciate the update :)
06 Jul 2021 17:34:15
Would be shameful to sell ESR.