Mateus Ferdnandes

[Bishop]

We have to remember we can't just get everything in one window. If we get in a quality CM and at least one quality winger along with having already addressed our CB issue then that is a very good window.

Quality strikers are hard to come by - if we improve our CM and wingers then we will score a lot more goals whether that be from the new players themselves or more chances created for Solanke and Richi - and possibly RDZ might consider Tel or Lankshear at CF too. We can't expect everything sorted in one window, and CF is the toughest to recruit arguably.....

If we sort out the midfield and the LWF I can just about accept (although I don't want to) another season with the current strikers.

It will be a frustrating year with them constantly not making use of whatever good play we make but I can live with that I guess, midfield is my single biggest issue followed closely by the left hand side attack. I think a strong and capable defence aligned with a fudging midfield that can pass the ball competently is ultimately more important. If we can get that going we can get back to dominating teams and winning games and playing good football.

 

[JerusalemMan]

Solanke is a good player who will suit De Zerbi’s high pressing style IMO.

With no European football to worry about my guess is that we’ll try to get through this season with what we have up front and then, if we make CL or Europa next season then we’ll buy another striker then.

I also think we’ll see more from our strikers anyway under De Zebi’s attacking football compared to Frank’s negative, set piece reliant, horseshoe ball.

I would love it if Lankshear impresses enough in pre-season to be kept as back-up.
And then develops sufficiently under De Zerbi to be considered a starting option in 2027/28, or even the tail end of this season.

Much like another English front man for us over a decade ago. No pressure Will!

 

[SteveAWOL]

I have heard similar, to the extent that apparently we are not actively canvassing for a CF. Which IMO is mad!!!!

How do we improve upon a Ballon d’Or winning CF though?!