Saint Garrett

David Connolly scored a few goals like that, great finisher in L1

Although S Armstrong was decent at CM, I wouldn't want him playing there through choice. He offers very little defensively and can get excited and get tackled. Thats not the CM's job in this system.

He was perfect for the championship, had an excellent season. We did also beat Man City at home with Hooiveld and Yoshida at the back in our return to the prem... Fonte was the shakier one in the championship, and excelled in the premier league.

People said the same thing about Hojbjerg, his shooting was shit, he didn’t score enough goals…etc….but you know what, stick him in a defensive midfield position and he is excellent. He is very good at what he’s good at. With 4 “forwards” we shouldn’t be reliant on a DM to create chances, and score goals.

I just struggle to see how since VVD left, we've struggled to bring in someone who is better than: Yoshida Hoedt Vestergaard Stephens We're still scrapping around for a CB, with all of these being part of a poor defensive side. Hopefully this guy might be a bit better, but I think it would be a shame if we can't upgrade on the current lot....

I'd guess there is also the logic of wanting to show other players who come in like Tino (young player step down) that there is a pathway to the first team. Maybe there is another similar transfer lined up, and it's a marketing ploy to prospective transfers in...clutching at straws possibly! Would be a shame if KWP spends a lot of time on the bench this season though, as he is absolutely superb.

Logically KWP, Perraud, Romeu, JWP, S.Armstrong have to start for me. The rest, is based on system. If we go 4-2-2-2 then Arma and Adams up top. I'd probably go Bednarek and Salisu at CB. Both keepers are crap, so just pick one, ideally Forster cos he actually makes saves. Livramento doesnt deserve to be dropped, but if we're going to play on the counter, we probably need one of Walcott / Redmond on the pitch unfortunately. It's a sorry state already, and I feel completely deflated about the season after one game. Hopefully it's not a complete embarrassment, as it's my neice and nephews first ever footy match...they might not come back...!

Oh dear

Ha! hopefully not!

Had a poor season last season and had Covid. Has barely played recently.

Agree, Bertrand was class for us, and although he wasn't quite at the level he once was last season, he was still very good.

Nixon seems to suggest that he’ll go on a free if he goes there, or the Armstrong deal will be adjusted to £21m… Hes adamant though, despite no one else agreeing with him all day.

Doesn’t make much sense that. Unless there were 2 separate deals agreed, one with Obafemi and one without… Dont see why we’d sell Obafemi to anyone else, if it costs us money, surely we’d just stick the additional on the Obafemi fee?

and Maguire when he went to Leicester....

I think if anyone is offering £5m, then I'd take it with, ideally, a % sell on clause too. He's not going to play ahead of Adams, Armstrong, Broja or Tella. We also have Redmond and Walcott who can be effective there too. Wish him luck if he does go, but not sure we can turn down £5m with a year on his contract now.

I'm sure official "discussions" haven't been had, but it's completely naive to think that transfers aren't discussed all the time by agents / players / clubs. I've no idea, and I don't care enough to look, but I'm sure Prowseys agent has clients at various other football clubs, so a bit like walking past someone in the office in the corridor and asking them how their weekend was (pre-covid), is probably similar to asking if x y z player could be available...

Not what I was told by a mate of mine who spoke directly to him... I was told he wants to stay, but "unsure what the club will do". Clearly he was aware the club needed to raise funds for transfers, but this was before Ings went. I'm pretty certain he will stay, unless it's silly money (£60-70m), which then is fair enough for the club to accept. It will take something ridiculous for him to leave now though IMO.

Looks like a backup / alternative to Adams, with Armstrong / Tella being the other striker. I'd be happy with that front line.

Nixon seems adamant it's £15m + Obafemi. Done in separate deals....we'll find out.

Possibly he / his agent showed he was interested, perhaps Arsenal were looking to raise funds and they tested the water, who knows, I wasnt involved in negotiations, but it's pretty rare that a club bids for a player if the player and club will 100% say no.. Villa know we're skint and if they offer enough, we will likely accept, but it would have to be a huge bid for us to consider I think.

Yes - or they wouldn't have bid for him.

JWP will not want to break his consecutive apps start if he can help it, so I'm expecting him to start.... Forster; KWP Bednarek Salisu Perraud; Romeu JWP; S Armstrong Walcott; Adams Tella Wouldn't surprise me to see Stephens, Diallo, Redmond, Djenepo or A Armstrong start..... Nice to have a few options, just a shame they're all about the same quality.....!

I'd be offering him a new 3 year contract and send him on loan. Depending on his salary.

"Up to £15m with addons", not "+ addons". Others not mentioned Obafemi either.

£15m inc addons according to others. I'd like to see Obafemi go out on loan for the season and get some games.