I can see Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all offering Aké a starting spot whereas here he'd solely be a Laporte backup that only gets a few games here and there. It wouldn't make sense for him to come here when he's got the quality to start evey week for big teams. As for RCB I don't agree at all but you must already know that by nowFor me it would be Ake, especially if Bournemouth need a quick sale to generate money. Right sided CB would be a straight fight between Stones, Garcia and Adaradiayo. Worst comes to worst we've got Fernandinho who we know can more than do the job in the short term, if none of those three take their chance.
He may not want to come, if that's the case, we simply look elsewhere. We're not desperate for anyone, however with Laporte's injury last year and the side effect (e.g. Mendy's reoccurring niggles) of that injury, that's where I'd like to see us add some depth to the squad.I can see Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all offering Aké a starting spot whereas here he'd solely be a Laporte backup that only gets a few games here and there. It wouldn't make sense for him to come here when he's got the quality to start evey week for big teams. As for RCB I don't agree at all but you must already know that by now
I mean we still haven't replaced Kompany as a starting top quality RCB. In my opinion we should buy someone like Koulibaly who still got a couple years left at world class level, Stones as a backup, E. Garcia to take over Otamendi's minutes, THB to take over E. Garcia's minutes. I'd still like to see how Tosin reacts to PL football so maybe a loan to a lower half PL club and then evaluate after the season. If Stones doesn't improve and Tosin has come good for the loan team we could easily replace Stones with Tosin. Fernandinho of course available for both CB positions and CDM, offers security, leadership and experience. It would make sense both short term and long term to do something along those lines. Best CB pairing in world football for a couple of years while Koulibaly's age and experience allows our youngsters room to growHe may not want to come, if that's the case, we simply look elsewhere. We're not desperate for anyone, however with Laporte's injury last year and the side effect (e.g. Mendy's reoccurring niggles) of that injury, that's where I'd like to see us add some depth to the squad.
Yeah we'll agree to disagree on the right sided CB position, I just think it's buying for buying sake as we already have 6, although I expect a couple to leave.
You say Fernandinho offers security, leadership and experience; I'd say that's the perfect blend to help the likes of Stones, Garcia and Adaradiayo prosper and develop into the long term partner for Laporte.I mean we still haven't replaced Kompany as a starting top quality RCB. In my opinion we should buy someone like Koulibaly who still got a couple years left at world class level, Stones as a backup, E. Garcia to take over Otamendi's minutes, THB to take over E. Garcia's minutes. I'd still like to see how Tosin reacts to PL football so maybe a loan to a lower half PL club and then evaluate after the season. If Stones doesn't improve and Tosin has come good for the loan team we could easily replace Stones with Tosin. Fernandinho of course available for both CB positions and CDM, offers security, leadership and experience. It would make sense both short term and long term to do something along those lines. Best CB pairing in world football for a couple of years while Koulibaly's age and experience allows our youngsters room to grow
Laporte and Fern has struggled together (looked very shaky against Leicester and there must be a reason Pep doesn't play them together) so there's that. Koulibaly's injury record is very solid for his age. https://www.transfermarkt.com/kalidou-koulibaly/verletzungen/spieler/93128You say Fernandinho offers security, leadership and experience; I'd say that's the perfect blend to help the likes of Stones, Garcia and Adaradiayo prosper and develop into the long term partner for Laporte.
Koulibaly can only be world class when he's on the pitch too, unfortunately that's not very often recently. I certainly don't think spending £80m plus (it's Napoli), is a wise decision. It's a humongous risk which could potentially cripple us with FFP restrictions when we've got Aguero more than likely leaving at the end of next season, combined with what will probably end up being a low fee/free transfer of Sane who we may very well need to replace, plus Fernandinho, plus a lack of depth at LCB and left back.
I have no real opinion on who we should buy, don't know enough about players playing in other leagues. But if Skriniar isn't good enough now on the ball 25 is too old to start becoming good enough on the ball in a Pep team.Laporte and Fern has struggled together (looked very shaky against Leicester and there must be a reason Pep doesn't play them together) so there's that. Koulibaly's injury record is very solid for his age. https://www.transfermarkt.com/kalidou-koulibaly/verletzungen/spieler/93128
We could use someone like Skriniar as well if Napoli play hardball. Similar physicality and assured defence but more of a hothead and not as good on the ball, he's younger though so more room for growth
I have no real opinion on who we should buy, don't know enough about players playing in other leagues. But if Skriniar isn't good enough now on the ball 25 is too old to start becoming good enough on the ball in a Pep team.
The annoying thing is I think Stones has all the attributes and I thought he'd become a great player under Pep, seems though he hasn't got the mentality for it kept expecting him to come good but given up on him myself now.Otamendi improved for a season under Pep - but yeah ultimately I think you're right.
I'd love Nathan Ake but Chelsea will almost certainly buy him back.
I'm like you got no idea who we will end up targeting. I think CB is a tough position to buy for in a Pep team.