I still think it makes more sense to aim for the moon for this LW signing with Vini and keep all of our eggs in that basket until we hear that he isn't moving or has extended his contract. There is no one on the market close to him in terms of fit, talent and production. Any other options like Barcola could represent a big improvement on our current options, but he's a much bigger gamble and right now he is being priced at the top end of his potential. Personally, I think he'd be an improvement on Martinelli but I think the gains would be closer to 10-20% and personally I don't think that type of improvement would be worth the financial outlay.
That's not to say I wouldn't want us to have a backup option or two in mind should things fall through with Vini. It sounds like we are still keeping our irons hot with Alvarez and I think he's our highest profile backup plan. We've also still seen some links to Yildiz pop up even though it's been stated he isn't leaving. If Martinelli were to leave, I would even be interested in a late window cut price deal on someone like Rashford or Leao. Clearly they aren't the solution but I'd be willing to gamble on their attacking talent if the finances involved dropped to a level where there could be some value. All this being said, I want Vini and I think we can get him. I know the chances aren't great but I love how we have positioned ourselves and I'm glad we aren't Liverpool forking out another club record fee for Barcola.
