He's certainly one of the best young midfielders out there. Out of the ones born on this side of 2000 I'd only hold Pedri, Musiala and maybe Tchouameni higher. Bellingham is the only one who isn't already at an "endgame" club.

More reports today that Felix wants to leave in January.

Would love him here of course, but as long as he doesn't join another different team in England I'll be happy. Could see him going to United, or PSG if they sell Mbappe.

I'm wondering what is going on with Felix. Obviously the man is outrageously talented. But how much of his lacklustre performance over the last two is due to his own lack of fire versus Simeone's war against football?

Burnwinter wrote:

The defence we've got is potentially title-worthy.

Ramsdale might be a bit loose. However, I think we can afford him.

Swoop for someone random but surprisingly good, a Bentancur or similar, let's say Danilo turns out to have been a Christmas stocking-warmer, and add Felix, and we could give the Premiership a shake.

Any technically gifted young forward will thrive in our current team. Actually improving on Martinelli, Jésus and Saka will be bloody hard.

Reading this made me smile.

Can’t believe we are in this position, yet here we are.

For me, while our defence is fantastic, it needs another addition to keep holding at bay. Plus we need a winger or two.

Free transfers

  • Nidcka 

He would spell Gabriel at times or even play at LB. He and Tomiyasu would provide fantastic versatility.

  • Trossard

Trossard’s work rate, versatility and emerging consistency would be a sensational addition next to Martinelli and Saka.
Trossard can play both wing positions, up top in a pinch, and false nine.

Money Transfers

  • Danilo
    Great engine, great work rate and physicality. Would close runners and be a nightmare to play against. Exactly what we need to rotate Partey with.

  • Bellingham

I would want both him and Felix, but if money is tight I would choose Bellingham. We all have seen him. Leadership. Pace. Power. Work rate. Technique.

The sky is limit for him, and in that “8” role he would be the ticket.

Fantasy if money is somehow still there

Felix

We would definitely have to let someone go to get him in, but the potential is so hard to pass up. 

Potential. That is what makes it such a huge gamble. For someone who gets ragdolled in La Liga, he would have to think quicker and pass quicker so he doesn’t get abused in the PL.

Felix was the dream signing in the summer, wonder how much Atletico would want for him?

Quincy Abeyie wrote:

He's certainly one of the best young midfielders out there. Out of the ones born on this side of 2000 I'd only hold Pedri, Musiala and maybe Tchouameni higher. Bellingham is the only one who isn't already at an "endgame" club.

Personally I like Camavinga a lot. Think he is the best around in that age category

Agree about Camavinga, the moments when he would come on for Madrid in CL games last season were always turning points.

But Bellingham is the only player out of that group who will possibly move next summer.

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:
Quincy Abeyie wrote:

He's certainly one of the best young midfielders out there. Out of the ones born on this side of 2000 I'd only hold Pedri, Musiala and maybe Tchouameni higher. Bellingham is the only one who isn't already at an "endgame" club.

Personally I like Camavinga a lot. Think he is the best around in that age category

Definitely as big a talent as them, but also definitely not at the same level yet. 

7 days later

Marcus Thuram and Danilo in January
3rd CB (Ndicka?), reliable rotation LB, rotation RW (Chukwueze / Pino?) in the summer. If possible, an upgrade on / backup to Xhaka as well with Lokonga going out on loan.

Danilo aside, I’d keep my January signing from the league so they’re quicker to offer game contributions.

Danilo
Harvey Barnes

I also think if he maintained his current form, that Pereira (Fulham) could be interesting as Odegaard / LW cover.

Pep has been talking Bellingham up in the last few days. Laying the groundwork. We could pay the fee, but not compete with wages. But as wishlist, yes of course.

Shatkhar chairman confirmed we are interested in Mudryk and he will accept our bid if it meets his valuation of 100m.

Wouldn't put it past us to just go and pay it.

He hasn't shown anything to justify such a price.