James but we're yet to see him performing in this Arsenal side that's on a steep upwards trajectory in terms of where it's heading.

He's performed plenty, surely? From Dec 2021 to Dec 2022 he was among this teams best performers and a proven goal scorer to boot. Admittedly the last 12 months have been a different story but we know why.

As for how he breaks in, are we putting the same pressure on Vieira? Would we have been advocating the sale of Eddie under the same criteria? We're past the point where it's easy for anyone to break into the team especially in a season where Arteta will be eager to limit changes. But there's a clear pathway into it, Xhaka is not getting younger and ultimately as good as he's been it's clearly one of the few positions in the side that could potentially take us to another level.

Ultimately it may turn out that for whatever reason it doesn't work out for him. But when you're talking about that level of talent, I'd rather lose out on £20m by waiting too long than see us do a Chelsea and 'cash in' on a KDB or Salah.

      RowJimmy I agree that everyone has a price. If someone offered 100M for ESR, then sure. What I don't think, right now, is that we get a better replacement for 50M. Particularly taking into account the real value to club culture of promoting from within.

      I never said £50m was a decent price for him haha. But also, other clubs have shown there's talent available for less than that (see Napoli).

      goon Admittedly the last 12 months have been a different story but we know why.

      But this is my point, how much time do you afford him to do so? Arsenal and Mikel aren't going to sit around forever and wait for him to recapture that form. Yes, there's potential openings for him in the side with Xhaka etc. but equally, has he played in that 8 position for Arsenal? How do we know he'll be as effective there. True, you have to play him there to find out, but there's no guarantees on skillset alone.

      As for Nketiah, he almost has to be the player for Smith Rowe to aspire to be now. Seems ridiculous, but it's almost a reset of his Arsenal career in some aspects, and he is going to have to put himself in a position, like Eddie, where he's undroppable. Martinelli did similar at the end of last season when Smith Rowe was clearly unfit.

      Arsenal can't afford to make the mistakes Chelsea have made really. We can't write off £1bn of loans, so we have to become a better selling club.

          18 months ago, ESR was everyone’s saviour on this forum. Don’t forget that. The guy is immense.

          We have allowed him to go away to get a proper surgery and rehabilitation. Let’s give the process the time. If that fails, then we can have questions about his durability. But right now let’s let the current process proceed.

            Claudius Seems fair. Like I say, I would love for that player to return, I hope that's not lost in any of this.

              Btw, my whole approach to this squad is build from the top as much as possible. It’s why I want Kvaratskhelia and Bellingham. Players who subsequently fall out of the top 15 should be seen as expendable. Just keep adding on top. If Holding, Tierney, etc fall out the bottom, the team is better

                Yeah that's it for me really. I don't disagree with the principles of knowing when to cut loose, but with ESR I think having that conversation is well premature.

                Claudius Btw, my whole approach to this squad is build from the top as much as possible. It’s why I want Kvaratskhelia and Bellingham. Players who subsequently fall out of the top 15 should be seen as expendable. Just keep adding on top. If Holding, Tierney, etc fall out the bottom, the team is better

                100% - point i was also trying to make

                  Have you guys seen all those buys from Southampton from City for Academy players for a total of £40m? Wtf.

                  James Spot on there, selling Academy products who show promise is always a bit more harder to take but we also need to be realistic. I hope ESR comes back and fights his way back into the team and he definitely has the talent. After his injury he deserves time and patience. However the people who run the club can't be overly sentimental about things.

                  When the player is from the academy you also need to do what's right for the player as well. ESR has the talent and ability to play for a decent PL side, look at Willock for Newcastle. I feel a sense of pride that he came through our system and is doing well for them. If they don't make it here then give them the chance to make it somewhere else.

                  Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert Remember when he broke through, he looked a top player in the making. I don't know what happened to him.

                      Cedric to Fulham on loan done deal. No buy option unfortunately

                      Monaco bids 8m for Lokonga.

                      Rejected by us

                      Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

                      Was such a baller when he was here, lost a lot of it when he left to the Madrid circus... Something about watching a young exciting Arsenal striker come through... Seeing him and RvP burst onto the scene are some of my favourite memories of watching us play.

                        Maybe you chaps should just buy Brighton