Pepe LeFrits I'd love Wirtz but don't think it's realistic for us right now in lieu of adding numbers in attack. This is where not bringing in Sesko and Williams last summer bites us because Wirtz would be the next step this summer if we had been able to strengthen the attack last summer. I understand why it didn't happen - can't make these guys move (although hopefully someone like Berta can change that), but it might have set the project back a season IMO.

      samthegooner who knows how realistic Wirtz is given that City have just announced that they are dumping KDB, Gundogan, Silva and that waste of money Grealish this summer. Complete rebuild. That means they have to get Wirtz. But if he should slip through their hands, then we have take him. He is a baller beyond comprehension. I'd rather get him and think about traditional forwards later on

          We'll probs end up with Grealish lol

          On Lautaro, I remain unconvinced. I'd take him in an instant, but he always seems a nervous wreck for Argentina. I also can't bear to watch him run sometimes, like he's knee-deep in treacle.

            Coombs He just feels like a poor man's Sanchez to me. Great when he's on form but lacks the special qualities that Sanchez and Aguero had in spades. I would rather take a chance on Sesko or Ekitike than Lautaro. I'm also more than dubious on the translation of Serie A forwards to the EPL these days.

                Claudius if he's available (and willing to leave Germany) there's no reason why we can't compete with City for his signature, especially considering that they'll probably get their punishment /points deduction from the FA soon, and they're still in a downturn. Tough place for any player to go get any traction at the moment, and lots of pressure. Who knows, Pep might be considering a change of scenery as well. There's a lot of uncertainty swirling about them right now.

                But he would not be a priority from my perspective.
                My focus would be 1) a Top level 9, 2) a top level winger to replace Martinelli in the first team, and then we could try to get some extra creativity in the midfield.

                  samthegooner agreed. If the desire for those wish listing him is for a maverick type, then we are better off pressing for Cunha...

                      flobaba Cunha has attitude problems, which Berta knows all too well. I'd be quite surprised if he got involved with him again.

                        Yeah that's a good point. It's the only thing about him that gives me pause.

                        Wirtz is so much better than anyone else we are linked to. And he can score. Feels like a no brainer.

                        I'd love Wirtz. I just don't see us forgoing additions at CF and wing to bring him in for the bulk of our summer budget. If we are competing with City for him, you have to expect that he will get wages over what they just gave Marmoush, which would be well over 300k per week, in addition to a 100m plus transfer fee. That's a significant outlay for us even with our financial position and it might be deemed too expensive given the needs we will still have in the attacking line. I don't disagree that he would solve a lot of issues with our current setup (provided Havertz and Saka return healthy) but still think we need additional reinforcements with our attack.

                        Now if Berta and Arteta are able to really convince KSE to go for it - a summer of Wirtz, Sesko, Zubimendi and Semenyo would put us in the absolute top tier of the continent.

                        Semenyo is quite raw but he has that ability to trouble any team on any given day.

                        Another winger I’d be happy to see arrive would be Hudson Odoi - he’s a maverick

                        Would love Wirtz but a cheaper alternative would be Hakan Calhanoglu. He’s a real playmaker with a goal threat.

                        samthegooner I seriously wouldn't mind him either, he is PL ready as well so as soon as we sign him there is no bedding in period. Home grown on top meaning doesn't take up our foreign player slots either. Probably come in on a similar fee and far less wages as well.

                        Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert lol true but the fact he has said this publicly must mean he is trying to get our attention. If he keeps his performances up that will definitely get our attention.