Badger

Bet JWP is sat by the phone...

Glad to see others concur

Cup of Horlicks and go to bed then, it'll look better in the morning.

It does seem a bit of a compromise on the club philosophy that Les Reed has publicly spouted about in the past, as does the signing of players to suit the managers own national preferences (Dutch or experience of their league for RK, and now going Francophile for Puel).

Observations on the changes: Mane - Boufal ; from some of the articles read, and comments made Boufal may be equal to, and possibly an improvement (the proviso being he recovers from his injury of course, and doesn't prove to have glass ankles or knees Hojberg - Wanyama - Hojberg is an excellent signing, but NOT a VW replacement, we simply haven't recruited a DM of any note. Hojberg would be a lot more effective alongside a Wanyama type, or a Morgan. As it is he may be reluctant to venture too far upfield knowing Romeu isn't going to effectively cover. Redmond - Juanmi - as a replacement for Juanmi, NR is an improvement, but just don't try to pretend he's a first choice striker GK - McCarthy a few years ago was highly rated, no concern over him in place of Steklenberg or PG. Austin - Pelle - we simply need more threat up front. RB - we've gone from two unconvincing RB's, to having the same two AND a crock. No improvements. None of which addresses limitations in DM , goalscoring threat, and Central Defence Conclusion is that although we've again made some potentially astute signings - Hojberg, and Boufal in particular - its pretty average, as we've not adequately replaced VW. Biggest question mark though hangs over the choice of manager, and his tactics. Unless that proves a good choice then we're buggered irrespective of the signings.

Good luck to McCarthy but the fact England have to call up a GK who seldom featured last season and is our current reserve goes to show the limited options of quality available now.

Hope so.

Not Disgraceful, but disappointing to leave us weak in CB options, no real DM, and limited goalscoring options, especially if Austin isn't utilised properly.

Agree

Just goes to show what can be achieved if you have a manager with some initiative. It does also give Howe the chance to "manage" a big name, and no doubt be looked at closely by the Arsenal board (ahead of seeking Wenger's replacement).

Probably as much to do with the "wad" Les Reed waves in front of them as it is with Puel's charisma.

Couldn't happen to a nicer group of people.

2003 springs to mind.

Added something to your last sentence.

It's not simply a matter of having 25 bodies in the squad, and an issue if you don't either maintain the quality, or improve on it. Of this summers business, and dealing with them as you've listed: Mane - Boufal ; from some of the articles read, and comments made Boufal may be equal to, and possibly an improvement (the proviso being he recovers from his injury of course, and doesn't prove to have glass ankles or knees Hojberg - Wanyama - Hojberg is an excellent signing, but NOT a VW replacement, we simply haven't recruited a DM of any note. Hojberg would be a lot more effective alongside a Wanyama type, or a Morgan. As it is he may be reluctant to venture too far upfield knowing Romeu isn't going to effectively cover. Redmond - Juanmi - as a replacement for Juanmi, NR is an improvement, but just don't try to pretend he's a first choice striker GK - McCarthy a few years ago was highly rated, no concern over him in place of Steklenberg or PG. Austin - Pelle - we simply need more threat up front. RB - we've gone from two unconvincing RB's, to having the same two AND a crock. No improvements. None of which addresses limitations in DM , goalscoring threat, and Central Defence.

Gone backwards; missed opportunity again

So do I, but can't really see it happening.

Just seen this clip on in an article from Newcastle Chronicle, I've reformed my opinion of his potential after seeing the last goal scored: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-sebastien-haller-you-need-11766777 Would prefer Gabbiadini though, although at £20m not likely to happen especially as Everton look in pole position.

Thought Claude has probably already earmarked him as a Thierry Henry.

Don't think we'll sign Saponara either but don't think he and Boufal should be an either/or. Saponara looks a bit more of a solid MF, wheras Bofal I imagine is more speed and perhaps playing wider.

Did he want to sh@g Lovren's wife as well ?

£16m looks a good price. Means we've still got some ££ for another or so, possibly the the bloke from Empoli, a DM , or an out and out striker.

We really should have been at the front of the queue for this player. I'll reserve final judgement until the close of the window, but at the moment it does seem we've been a bit slow and subdued this summer especially given the attraction of 6th placed finish and EL football.

"European nights at Anfield.."

And if he is a bit lightweight and powderpuff, do we call him Sophie-Ann ?