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.
