Clrnc
The choice seems to epitomize Arteta's approach to team building.

    This isn't FIFA. You really think Bayern is going to sell Musiala even if we put a huge bid on the table? I sincerely doubt it. De Laurentiis is one of the shrewdest negotiators out there but sure, let's just go out and get Kvara. We all need to take a big hit of realism here and realize that this summer has not been the disaster you all are painting it to be just because we haven't been able to get a world class attacker in. Depth was a huge issue the year before last and the only reason it wasn't last year was because all of our best players had a great run of health throughout the season. Counting on that to repeat this year is beyond foolish so signing one player this summer, even if they're world class, would be extremely risky. I am just blown away by how negative this entire forum is - you'd think we were back in the late Wenger and Emery dark ages...

      I don't think its negativity to be fair, everyone is just a know it all who can do it better.

        QuincyAbeyie

        I suspect closer to the truth is that the other half is just giving benefit of the doubt to those who’ve given us one of the best and youngest squads around.

        It’s all good fun though. It’s a battle as old as forums.

          samthegooner I am just blown away by how negative this entire forum is - you'd think we were back in the late Wenger and Emery dark ages...

          Believe it or not, people have actually chilled out a bit from where they were two years ago. Certain posters were reacting to me as if I had two heads when I was preaching Arteta's righteous path at the end of the 2022 season.

            We should really be bringing in one more attacking player, even if it's a young prospect or a loan. But other than that I'm very happy with Calafiori, Merino, and the outgoings.

            samthegooner I literally said I would be happier if we signed an attacker, I didn't say I was upset. I don't understand how you view that as being negative about the club.

            I see many people discussing what could have been possible and what could we have done differently, but then there's another group who says its impossible to do anything else. Basically just 2 different thoughts, don't see any negativity

            Edit: basically what cpm said.

              Sorry @Clrnc didn't mean my comment to single you out. I just was getting frustrated seeing all of the negative posts and replied after yours.

              Don't think anyone is being negative at all @samthegooner. Just debating the merits of some of the arguments being made about why we didn't sign any attacking players this summer and whether these same players who will be able to take us up a level will be available for us to buy next season at reasonable prices.

              The way I see it either we go out and buy potential early on and take that risk or, and this is assuming we have big spender money, go for established players who will cost a bomb whether it be this season or the next. The only other way to get these players would be if we plan on doing a Madrid, Bayern and Juve and getting players to run their contracts down.

              Personal terms now agreed between Nketiah and Forest according to Romano. Should be close to completion now. Hopefully we get this deal and Merino sorted in the next 24 hours, then go big on an attacker in the last few days.

              samthegooner We all need to take a big hit of realism here and realize that this summer has not been the disaster you all are painting it to be just because we haven't been able to get a world class attacker in.

              I'm a bit more disappointed that Merino isn't really the midfield signing we wanted, even though he makes sense on paper as an aggressive, versatile "modular" squad addition. He might work out or he might not.

              A forward was on my wishlist too (as well as a left back which we've sorted), but only if they fit the profile we need.

              I'm not sure an established star does that. Many of these overseas signings won't reproduce their output in the Premier League where they'll be targeted by bigger and faster defenders. Then add to that the demands Arteta will have about their all round contribution, which has probably already ruled out us targeting half of them.

              I'm tempted to think we should grow our own. We've evidently got a great internal situation as far as football knowledge and morale is concerned. The way we've been going Saka should be able to come off for twenty minutes every other week (for example) and it's not like Vieira is doing much to deserve those minutes.

              I'd be stoked if we made one or two highly educated and scouted punts on "Saliba" style 19–20 year old forward signings in the next couple of windows, even at £30–50m apiece, than went all out for Osimhen or Kvaratshkelia. Get ourselves a Sesko before he's Sesko.

              As far as this window is going, I'd be very pleased if we settle the situations of Ramsdale and Nelson. It'll help perceptions a lot if some departing players go on to do well elsewhere, and it sucks when talent goes to waste on our bench.

                Probably for the best. I do like how we’re creating a lean squad this summer and not hanging onto players who are unlikely to contribute meaningfully.

                That leaves a lot of room open for Ethan to get some mins, especially in cups.

                  assuming we're selling nelson too, I have to believe another wide player is coming

                  Yesssss. Win win.

                  If he develops there we have a good player back. And he won't block Nwaneri minutes anymore.

                  And that guarantees we will buy someone. No way we are letting Nketiah Nelson Esr Vieira leave without reenforcing