samthegooner If I were Berta, this is what I'd do (June 16th edition):
Sell: Trossard and Zinchenko.
Buy: Kepa, Zubimendi, Sesko, Rodrygo, Eze, defensive depth (the Brazilian CB from Lille, Alexsandro, or Hato)
Rodrygo (Martinelli/Eze) -------- Havertz (Sesko) -------- Saka (Nwaneri/Eze)
--------- Rice (Eze/Merino) --------------- Odegaard (Eze/Nwaneri) ---------
------------------- Zubimendi (Partey/Rice/Merino/MLS) -------------------
MLS (Calafiori) -- Gabriel (Kiwior/Alexsandro) -- Saliba (Alexsandro/White) -- Timber (White)
------------------------- Raya (Kepa) -------------------------------
We'd have depth at every role 1:1 but also have versatile players like Eze that could get minutes at 4 different positions. I'd argue that Eze might even displace Odegaard at 8, although I doubt Arteta would bench a healthy Odegaard. Sesko would have time to adapt to the league but at the very least would be an impact sub off the bench for the first few months. My only worry would be speed across the team as Rodrygo isn't a burner but we collectively upgrade our technical ability by a good deal with Rodrygo and Eze joining, both of which would thrive in UCL knockouts where we have been craving some individual brilliance. Personally, I think this team wins a trophy next year and also think we can realistically bring in these 5-6 players. I'd be okay with other wing options in order to allow us to get Eze, as I am just a huge believer in his talent and fit in our current squad.
I said this back on June 16th and thought it was very optimistic but now I'm starting to think this may be the reality.
No one will be surprised that I am planting my flag on side of the fence that says we are going to do what we have said we are trying to do this summer and its going to be a banner summer. I will admit I was drinking the kool-aid and give everyone on the more negative side their flowers on September 1st if I am wrong of course.
I feel like we are going to end up with the following: Kepa, Zubimendi, Norgaard, Mosquera, Eze, Rodrygo and one of Sesko/Gyokeres. Sesko would be my preference due to a higher ceiling with his size, pace and unicorn skills of ball striking and technique for his size but I won't be upset at all if we end up with Gyokeres. If we do end up pulling this off, it's a 10/10 summer for me and I would fancy our chances against any team out there.
