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

      Wow, surprised at that. They must be really confident of landing another attacking player.

      Yeah, Vieira's covered for Saka on the right wing

      Surely means a new signing

      Could also mean that we've given up on the idea of Nelson's contract being movable.

        All the ITK in the mud. He left the same way he came here, out of the blue, no link before hand.
        A loan deal might do him well, Porto is a proper team as well. We should have moved for the coaches kid...right winger

          Will this make Nwaneri Ode's understudy? Feels a big leap for a guy that's played less than 90 minutes for us. Wonder if the expectation that Trossard would play there sometimes with a new winger likely incoming...?

            romano has added some colour. apparently the vieira deal will only happen once conceicao moves to juve for some reason, and that deal isn't done yet

            HomeSteak

            I think loan is the right move but I question going back to Porto. Vieria’s issue was physicality - he ain’t going to improve in that area by going back to his previous club. Would much prefer him to have to deal with something a little more challenging like a mid table Spainish or German team. Would have been even better at a Premier league club like Palace or Fulham.

                Claudius this is it. We have Ode, Rice, Merino, Partey, Jorginho, Nwaneri for 3 midfield spots. Plus Trossard, Kai and Timber who can play there if needed. Loads of options.

                • CPM likes this.

                  Claudius Partey can't cover what Ode does though, can he? I'm really struggling to figure out what the contingency plan is for an Ode injury (heaven forbid) and the only thing I come up with is Trossard, which isn't all that inspiring.