Qwiss funny how ten years ago we wanted the exact opposite and we were accused of having too many midget ‘Tika taka’ players? A mix is always the best - look at Liverpool

Sicario2 - Tier 1 look at the dominant teams over time. The formations and player characteristics keep changing.

Qwiss Agree to a limited extent. I feel we have enough players who are very capable passers, but our system is risk averse and has led us to be very passive in the central midfield area. Maybe it is a limitation of ability, but think part of our issue is that we have very few running into space ahead of the ball so our options are usually the backwards or sideways pass.

If achievable, would love to gamble on a player like Wirtz, but can't see Arteta wanting to go down a route that would marginalise Havertz's role in the team. I also don't see the point of having both Merino and Havertz. While their strengths are not exactly the same, with the latter being a more willing runner, I can't envisage a midfield with both of them starting. Want to promote MLS into midfield to see what he can do and in terms of signings, I would then try and gamble on bringing in Camavinga alongside Zubimendi. That's only a possibility if we can offload Partey and one of Merino or Havertz.

Rather than go for Williams, would like to try a prospect like Ali Cho from Nice on the wing.

If still available, would prefer to get Watkins as CF as imagine he will be better able to hit the ground running as a proven player in the league. Ideally like to re-sign Biereth in 2026 (if he can maintain his form for Monaco).

DKGooner Agree to a limited extent. I feel we have enough players who are very capable passers, but our system is risk averse and has led us to be very passive in the central midfield area. Maybe it is a limitation of ability, but think part of our issue is that we have very few running into space ahead of the ball so our options are usually the backwards or sideways pass.

I think if you have a less technical passer at the base of defence then that slowing gets worse as teams get back and can get men behind the ball before we get it forward. We've seen that when Rice plays as the 6, and yeah he's a capable passer but he isn't as quick to turn and release it as Partey or Jorginho are and it limits us somewhat. This is why I favour Zubimendi. I think he exactly what we need in there on the ball.

DKGooner If achievable, would love to gamble on a player like Wirtz, but can't see Arteta wanting to go down a route that would marginalise Havertz's role in the team.

I think inevitably Havertz gets somewhat marginalised anyway but I don't see Arteta signing someone like Wirtz. Havertz will be marginalised when we get a better striker.

DKGooner I also don't see the point of having both Merino and Havertz. While their strengths are not exactly the same, with the latter being a more willing runner, I can't envisage a midfield with both of them starting. Want to promote MLS into midfield to see what he can do and in terms of signings

Yeah I agree here. I think if we get some proper strikers in then this clash becomes an issue. However I think we are at least 18 months off that.

Rather than go for Williams, would like to try a prospect like Ali Cho from Nice on the wing.

I haven't seen enough of Cho but he's far less proven than Williams and his stats don't exactly blow me away in a far weaker league than Williams is in.

DKGooner If still available, would prefer to get Watkins as CF as imagine he will be better able to hit the ground running as a proven player in the league.

I think he should definitely still be seen as an option. If they don't get their top couple of targets he should definitely be considered again for exactly the reasons you say.

JazzG Zubimendi, a CF and a LW is the bare minimum. If they can't manage that we may as well not bother tuning in next season.

There’s also very few who make runs behind. You notice it live mainly.

FEBravo that’s why you want your Ekitike + Nico summer. Was watching L16 Champs league highlights. Our peers have so much running power. We need more.

Will be good to get him in. Raya doesn’t play like Lehman or Cech. He covers a lot of ground and makes a lot of passes. A rest here and there will be helpful if we are to preserve him.