AI@nonewthing
Transfer windows are dynamic based on market trends and internal relationships with certain players.
In terms of how Arsenal sell, we have to determine what role MLS, Odegaard and Nwaneri will play for us.
The argument to sell for each is clear
—MLS doesn’t have so much power to defend & impact the boxes as a B2B, neither is he better at LB than Cala & Hincapie. We also don’t have a tall, powerful 6 like Rodri to balance him in midfield.
—Ethan doesn’t have enough power to force the team up the pitch, so depends on the team around him to dominate.
—Odegaard is already on a big salary and an extension may not make sense given his future role in the team.
Arguments to keep
—MLS can deputize as a LB in case of an injury crisis that depletes our defensive numbers. He is essentially a 3rd option for both LB & No. 8.
—Ethan can also deputize as a RW, although we now have Max, Saka, and Madueke there.
—If Odegaard can accept a modest offer and a diminished role, there is no reason to sell. He adds a specific tactical tool almost no one else in Europe has.
What I think might happen
Odegaard is unlikely to stay for human reasons and neither is MLS. Ethan can be kept if we sold Martinelli and need Madueke to replace him as a runner on the left. Ethan staying will also allow us to bin off Gyokeres without having to sign a replacement since Merino can deputize there (& Ethan can play with him best or cover as 10).
If we sold MLS and Odegaard, that should allow us to raise some £100-120M.
That money can directly go into signing a more potent B2B midfielder like Ayoubb Bouaddi to deputize Rice and a substitute for Saliba. Since keeping Ethan allows us more room to sell Gyokeres or Martinelli, that should raise more funds to bolster our incomings.
Ideally, I would want
Veljko from Bournemouth (CB)
Livramento from Newcastle (RB)
Bouaddi (B2B)
Gordon from Newcastle (LW)
This will cost us almost £200M
White
Trossard
MLS
Odegaard
Gyokeres
That’s some 150-160M
Maybe a big one like Martinelli and you can afford replacing Norgaard as well.
