My concern atm is the difference in determination and appetite for change we see between AFC and Milan, who are also in the EUROPA next season.
Milan have just announced their 3rd signing for the summer (Kessie, Musacchio & Rodriguez). They have also reportedly agreed terms with Lazio for both Kieta and Biglia, and have supposedly made a bid for Belotti, and are supposedly looking to make Costa a priority as he is likely to cost less.
That's 6 new signings with at least 4 being starting quality, which is a definite statement of intent.
By contrast we have secured a free agent for a position that was not a priority for the summer.
Whilst I'm pleased to be 'linked' to Mbappe I'd prefer for us to either get it done or move on. I do not see any point in haggling fees once you get to that level where an extra 5-10m means frakk all in a 50m+ fee, as opposed to that same amount in a 20-30m fee.
If we are really prepared to stump up 80m+ for Mbappe then we need to ensure we are also in for other elite CF/ ST like Aubameyang, Griezmann etc who are likely to cost less if signed before Mbappe eventually breaks the record.
More than anything AW needs to change his policy of not making an offer for players unless their club says that are for sale. Because there is no margin for error in the PL he needs to identify his targets and make their clubs a market value offer, as opposed to making an offer below their release clause - particularly if the player is not previously on the market. AW needs to apply the same rationale as he does re the likes of his own key players, in that whilst he may not want or intend to sell, he will consider it if a sizeable offer is made and the player indicates they would subsequently be interested to go = do unto others as they do to you.
