I do NOT like to gloat, but come on, Ole at the wheel? It’s my current binge-watch.
A month or so ago, after two solid wins against top 6 opposition, the media weighed into the irresistible.
PLUCKY OLE FINALLY TURNS CORNER
Passion, heart, glory… call it what you want, OGS has his team of young lions achieving the sort of elevated football we haven’t seen at United since 1999. King Ole, he knew.
They do it EVERY FUCKING TIME and it makes me JOY EVERYWHERE.
What an utterly garbage coach he is, United are in so much trouble because they’ve basically hired in a beloved family labrador that has perma-diarrhea. He’s stinking out the house, the cream carpets will never be the same again… but who wants to be the one to put him out his misery?
Not me. That’s for sure. Let’s ride this out and hope Woodward makes the correct decision with some elephant strength Immodium, a £100m ‘last chance’ vet bill, and #4moreyears.
… back to Arsenal.
The hottest rumours on the internet are firmly focused on Upemacano being the #1 target for the club this January. That makes me very happy, I really worried we had some contacts scouting™ going with Boateng. The last thing we need is another high earner where the ceiling has collapsed due to a burst water pipe.
Bringing in a 21-year defender that can play in a highly technical system works for me. RB Leipzig is one of the best incubators in the world for talent, so you know he’ll be a hard worker, have an excellent attitude, and be open to new ideas as well as being receptive to feedback.
He still feels like a very big signing for us considering the financial challenges we have, but I guess if we were going for him in this summer, we’re just eating into an overdraft. My initial thoughts were that we’d sell a few players this window, but all of the potential liquid assets seem to have been retained and reinvigorated. The only problem child we have is Mustafi who interestingly wasn’t even trusted to play at right-back. He’s gone from World Cup winner to someone you wouldn’t start in your Sunday League pub team. What a shambles.
I think there are a few folk that worry that Arteta is blinded by players that have let us down, I see it differently, I think he’s probably thinking that signing in new players is a huge gamble and disruptive. If he can get 5 months out of players that know the club and the league, he’s far more likely to have a chance at winning trophies now and going on a run in the league.
That said, I think the summer will be very dramatic. We’ll absolutely have to shift on players to fund the sort of summer that’ll move the dynamic of the squad in the direction of an Arteta model of play.
Our biggest issues at the moment sit in the middle of defence and at full-back. I think we can probably deal with the full-back issue internally, but at centre back, we’re relying on two defenders on the back 9 to see us through the season, playing in a far more intense system than the one we operated in under Emery. I love Holding, but he looked shot the other night.
The numbers on Arteta are moving in the right direction. Interesting that in your head, you imagine that we’re playing a totally different game, but really, the most dramatic shift in the above numbers is the tightening of defence and the build-up stats.
Shines a light on why Arteta doesn’t really care for distance run stats, they’re not particularly important as we saw under Unai Emery’s headless chicken approach. He’s looking at how you use your energy in the most efficient way. The team is only running 4km extra a game, but exerting far more energy through the more intense style. It’ll be very interesting to see what those numbers look like by the end of the season.
I watched back the Leeds game again. Couple of things. I thought Martinez made some truly excellent saves, he really did keep us in the game. I also still can’t believe the output in the second half. It really does show how much of football is in the mind at the highest level. We went from absolute bums to menaces… despite the team being heavily fatigued. It might not last, but you cannot put a value on a winning culture built on dedication to 100% commitment on the pitch at all times. Some leaders can command that, others simply can’t. I really, really, really hope this continues through the next few years. It’s electric to watch when it works. Plenty of massive tests ahead, but I’m excited.
Also, some fool said it was Sheffield United at the weekend, it’s actually not, it’s Palace. I think this game is going to be very interesting, Arteta threw everything at the cup game, so how will his team respond against a side that has regularly bullied us? He’s constantly talking about aggression, I’d really love to see us show some bite against Hodgson’s side. I’m hoping the learning from the Leeds game is that we can’t let our foot off the gas, it’ll be a huge physical test, one that we bottled last season when it counted, so a win here would be symbolic and a very strong indicator of how well the rest of this season will pan out.
After that, the squad has a whole 7 days off to recuperate and get some proper TLC with the coach.
It’s importabt to have a good few no frills players who may not be elite but will deliver a reliable 7/10 every week
They might not be explosive or the difference, but their solid consistency enables those who have sporadic genius like ozil to plug away at their game without having to stress about player x/y/z around them
lol Romford.
How’s the weather in Leeds ??
Love Cesc, very intelligent. Wonder if he has the gravitas to be a manager?
Alonso certainly does.
Lots of Guardiola babies coming into management over the next 10 years, bit like Cruyff back in the day.
More of a case of La Masia/Spanish football culture impact than Pep impact I reckon
“The one I thought would end up here is Xabi Alonso who is Arteta’s best friend.”
Christ those two must slay it when they hit the clubs together.
Freddie
Vidal is older and expensive but to bring him into a team that has for more than a decade lacked steel and leadership in the midfield, and to have him playing near daily w lucas t, think that question answers itself. As for the cost, we both know that that number is random as hell if barca are trying to gethim out. I think its silly to assume anyone on a board like this or 95% of
The info put into the press has any basis in reality.
Romford etc.
think TR7 and cesc would be excellent additions. As for the xavis and guardiola love children, sounds lovely in theory…
AMN can beat a player, something which only a select few can do in our team. Doesn’t do it consistently. His passing, touch etc. is decent. It’s not it’s glorified. He has good pace too. True. Under Arteta his performances has improved which suggests under proper instruction and guidance he can perform at a good level. Granted he’s done well in a couple games but there’s far too many poor and awful performances under different managers to just forget that on the basis of his last two games. It’s ridiculously Arsenal like we’re doing it with AMN and Xhaka and… Read more »
I wonder if we offered something like Lacazette plus £30m whether Dortmund would go for it?
Sancho valued at 100 million at least and Dortmund just signed Haaland. Besides that 30 million and Lacazette? For arguably the best 19 year old in world football? Come off it.
AMN problems are all mental.
If Arteta can get into that head of his that he has to give it 100% every game, then we should see a massive improvement.
Still maintain if we sell mustafi elneny and miki and buy a defender we’re good. Dont understand why we’re not aiming to poach a uk player from a mid table team. Upamechanic seems like another smokescreen as we have saliba in a few months time. If david luiz can keep up his recent form for even a few months, def be happy w his contribution
Zach, huge buzz around Saliba, but still wonder if it’s realistic to expect someone so young to make an impact in the league at his age. Not many 19 years olds at centre back doing things in the Prem.
Why aren’t we looking at the Leeds squad ? I’d take any of them from the keeper out !….
Pedro
Think it’s risky at best to hope a 19 year old can come in as a bonafide starter next season. Fully expect him to take the Laporte route, and have himself nailed down inside a couple of seasons.
Unpopular opinion but we made a real error selling Gabriel Paulista for pennies. He’d have served us well right now, precisely the style of defender needed.
Imagine Gabriel Paulista under Arteta.
Has looked good since moving back to Spain.
Pedro,
Doesn’t upamecan fall into the same
Category though? My read is if we’re really looking to pay 50m, maybe target soyuncu or someone already making waves in the PL
CC tbh with you I always rated Gabriel. Thought he was lot better than people gave him credit for.
He would have been a good squad player if nothing else.
Nelson needs to look at Sterling.
Hopefully Arteta can get the best out of him.
Maybe Man U will be back in the market for a CB soon. Apparently, Maguire has suffered a serious hip injury.
Romford Mismanaging Serge Gnabry and missing out on his potential just as he was coming good has to be one of Wenger’s greatest miscalculations… even worse that the dozens of talents he failed to bring to club despite supposedly spotting them first. We had an outrageous talent on our hands and he let him go… after sending him to the likes of WBA under Tony Pulis… (lol.) Loans under Wenger were an absolute shambles. They were used to send players who Wenger was unable to sell into exile, in hopes that they would be forgotten. Player development didn’t come into… Read more »
Varane was beginning to oust Pepe at about 19/20
*worse than
Leedsgunner
Ah yes, what a great man he was.
“Maguire has suffered a serious hip injury.”
Oh no that’s terrible – poor OGS I mean no other managers in the PL have to cope with injuries.
Fortunately he’s a genius and one of the top coaches in the world.
Feel like we could, w arteta at the helm
Now, realistically be poaching players from wolves, leicester, even chelsea. You know mourinhos bound to do something dumb eventually, be a nice suckerpunch to steal someone worthwhile from the yids
You’ve got every right to gloat, Pedro. You got Arteta right and, like the rest of the world (minus Soamford) you’ve got OGS right.
Loved the description “What an utterly garbage coach he is, United are in so much trouble because they’ve basically hired in a beloved family labrador that has perma-diarrhea”.
Great. Utd are ruthless unlike our lot but they will find it more difficult to get rid of OGS because he was a loyal servant.
I say give him 5 more years. I love it.
Spamford
In my honest opinion, It will be a mistake to consider selling off Nelson, Saka and any other youngsters . Especially now that we have a coach that can accommodate and develop them to be better. We should be patient.
The mistakes made with Gnabry and Adelaide should not be repeated .
Yes we cannot keep them all but we should not lose them so easily.
Marc,
Didn’t you know, OGS is elite. Utd’s squad is stronger than our 10th-at-best squad and Utd’s kids are far better than our “overrated” kids.
Utd have nothing to worry about.
😉
The problem ManU have is the guy who hire’s the managers has now made so many bad decisions that if he fires OGS he’ll probably get fired himself. So he sticks with OGS and hopes it comes good.
Varane’s first 3 years in Spain yielded 7, 12, and 12 starts in La Liga.
Took him until his 4th season to register 21 league starts.
Expecting Saliba to come to Arsenal and drop 30 starts in the prem his first season is awfully ambitious, some might say foolish.
Big Dave
It’s terrible isn’t it!
Zacharse, but he’ll be 22 next year, still young, but he’ll have a lot of experience.
I wonder if we’ll keep Luiz, he seems to like Arteta and I reckon he might fancy a coaching role at some point.
CC, is Paulista still doing bits in Spain?
The Athletic wrote a nice piece on Nelson.
Who exactly is expecting saliba to start 30 games next season?
Pedro
Youre right
Upa’s had near 100 starts to salibas 25. Not sure age makes any difference but game time sure does, esp at a team whos been sitting in the top 3 for a while vs St E who definitely has not
Also re david luiz, hes a commander on the pitch when things are going right behind the scenes. Considering our long spell of no leadership, we should be looking to bring insome old heads even if they’ve lost a little pace, thats what the youngsters are there to cover
I have high Hope’s for Saka.
Less hopeful for Nelson, but can’t go wrong in developing and selling. Same with Zech Medley.
Not sure about Smith-Rowe and JJ. They need more game time – in JJ’s case any senior game time. Hoping if they dont make the grade they are sold for decent money
Pedro
As far as I’m aware he’s one of the better performers there yea. He was 29 in November there so definitely not one of our smartest moves all in all.
Don’t recall why he was shifted so quickly, if anything we tend to hold onto guys too long.
“Who exactly is expecting saliba to start 30 games next season?“
30 of 36 PL games is about average for a starting CB wouldn’t you say?
David Luiz has 18 starts in 21.
Sokratis has 17 starts in 21.
If Saliba is deemed a starter for next season it would be on the grounds he’s likely to drop around 30 PL starts. Which I maintain is fanciful.
Marko,
Pepe started more game than Varane every season he was there bar his last one. Pepe was 33-34 and Varane 23 when Varane started 25+ league games for a first time in a season. They had almost equal game(Varane started 20+ game) time that one season when both Ramos and Pepe were injured for some games, but Pepe again was starter/preferred for majority game very next season.
Pepe was also starter ahead of Varane, injury permitting in every UCL season bar Pepe’s last season there. I.e. when Varane turned 23 and Pepe 33 or 34.
Cc
I did hear a rumour as to why Gabriel was moved on – now I have no idea how true it is but it sort of makes sense. Apparently Gabriel is not the sharpest tool in the box and just couldn’t learn the language and couldn’t settle over here.
Marc
Really? Footballers hardy known for their smarts, so find that an odd reason. Sure I’ve read how he felt he wasn’t given chances etc, but that can be as much to save face than anything.
Poor from us if that is the case, club should always do their best to get a guy to settle as much as the player
Cc
As I said I have no idea how true it is and I agree that should be something the club should help with but clubs do have a thing about players learning the local lingo – one of the reasons Bale get’s so much grief at Madrid.
This notion that young CB’s from another league will come and hit the ground running and we can keep unproven 5 U23 CB’s to see out the season is really like playing FIFA game. If we are getting Saliba and another supposedly good young CB, then keeping Chamber’s injury in mind, Mustafi, Mavropanos should be sold and maybe Holding loaned**. Two experienced CB’s, atleast one depending on how Holding performs till the end of the season should be kept. If Saliba and say Upamecano perform as expected than old players can stay among substitutes. If they complain their contract will… Read more »
I am not a fan of AMN for a number of reasons.
The main issue for me is his lack of “football intelligence or instinct”.
Some have defended him, because he is playing out of position and is not a natural defender. That argument was also directed against Gibbs when he played for us.
However, we have seen that Saka who has adapted recently to playing in lb position has demonstrated that he can play position even though he is not a
natural defender.
The difference between the two is “grey matter”.
Emirates
If you’ve got the right coach directly players a lack of “grey matter” as you call it can be dealt with especially when they are still relatively young – it’s the likes of Mustafi and Xhaka who seem to be hardwired wit certain actions that are a problem.
Chat that we’ve made a bid for Cavani, 6 months left of his contract so would be cheap/free if it’s a pre contract. Another 32 year old, but it makes a bit more sense if we know we’re going to lose Auba now or in the summer. Striker is one of the few positions where we have several youth prospects that look really promising, a move for Cavani would give them time to develop. Martinelli being the standout and will probably lead the line in a couple of years, Nketiah I’m not convinced by but both John-Jules and Balogun are… Read more »
Varane’s first 3 years in Spain yielded 7, 12, and 12 starts in La Liga. True. I was thinking more second season at Madrid he made 30+ appearences. He started to oust Pepe and if it wasn’t for Jose and he natural distrust of using young players it likely would have been more. Way I see it on the one hand I’m not expecting him to hit the ground running but on the other hand if Holding and Chambers can make so many appearences for Arsenal then I expect Saliba to make a lot of appearences too. If he performs… Read more »
Marko
Don’t disagree, just think he’s a ‘down the line’ type of impact and we could stand to replace Sokratis starting place in the side by bringing someone in to relegate him to the position Mustafi will likely vacate.
David Luiz plus whoever as the “starters” with Saliba, Holding, Chambers, Sokratis keeping them in check is a good formula imo.
Plus you have to factor in we don’t have great CB’s. If Saliba performs well he’s going to get games. It’s not going to be that difficult to displace some of the defenders we currently have. Christ if Upamecano is signed he’s a starter straight away ino
How much would Raul Jimenez cost?? Target man, pretty quick for such a tall player, good hold up play excellent work rate in terms of pressing. 28 years of age meaning in his prime.
Maybe Laca+ 10-20 million??
Don’t disagree. Also worth noting we kinda have to give him game time otherwise it might not be long before he looks for that move to Madrid.
Jimenez had 20 maybe 25 G+A league season last year.
Already has 8 goals and 6 assist this season. Most importantly at 6’3″ will provide variety to all of our other strikers without really diminishing offensive output.
Many comments this time round on AMN some good, but most having major doubts about his future. Come on guys give the bloke a break, was not so long ago when he was showing some real promise from midfield, then his career got fucked by Uni , been constantly been played out of position, which he has done without complaint. The very least he deserves is a fair chance from his favored position, he then either makes it, or not. I still think there is a very good midfielder in there , still has pace and skill, perhaps as he… Read more »
http://sportwitness.co.uk/arsenal-demand-e30m-sell-player-buying-club-reach-e25m-already/
There’s still hope that Xhaka leaves, happy days.
Chelsea loan offer with obligation to buy for 55 million for Gedson.
There’s still hope that Xhaka leaves, happy days.
Sky in Germany reporting that Arteta has convinced him to stay. 🙃
Marko Sky is a buzzkill, I’m with Bild on this one. “Now Bild has what is presented as an update. On Wednesday afternoon they report the Gunners are asking for a €30m fee for their player. Hertha Berlin, the most interested club, are discussing things around the €25m mark. However, it’s stated that even if €30m is reached, Arsenal have another condition… they want to bring in a replacement first. Bild believe that man could be Adrien Rabiot, and they report, according to their own information, that Xhaka’s representatives are pushing for a decision because the player ‘absolutely wants to… Read more »
Marko
Unfortunately the vibe at the moment definitely seems to be towards Arteta wanting Xhaka to stay.
Freddie I hope it’s true. Seemingly Arteta has told him that he can leave in the summer so for the sake of a few months why risk the transfer especially when there are apparently players who could replace him available this month.
Zach, I had a school friend that played for the Invincibles, he said something to the effect of ‘the difference in power between a teenager and a someone in their mid-twenties is massive.’ My thinking is that he might struggle with the power and pace. Could be wrong, that was a while back, but the youngest in the league tend to be about 23.
Right I’ve got a full tank of fuel, a pack of gum and Xhaka hog tied in the boot – does anyone have a road map of Germany?
Pedro. Don’t think Saliba is going to struggle too much with the physical aspects of the league, he’s already a unit at 18 and bullying forwards in France. Can’t wait to see how he’s hoing to be at 21-22. Will take him some time to adapt of course like anyone else but our existing CBs are so bad that I can’t see it taking long for him to be a starter. Upamecano is built like a tank so same there but with more experience and further developed physically. Ideally we get one in now so we don’t have 2 rookies… Read more »
Outside of their young age and being talked early as future France Captain, there are more difference than similarity between Saliba at Arsenal and Varane at Real Madrid. Real Madrid had a settled good defense when Arsenal have a shamble of a defense. Varane may have been superior to Saliba in term of technique, but Varane was hesitant. Too often he was bullied off the ball by lesser players. That was the main reproach made against him by Real Madrid and France team coaches. He didn’t like playing against physical players and unfortunately for him against Real Madrid that was… Read more »
I enjoy the more insightful analysis here. Pedro has had a vision for the club which way exceeded that of our senior execs and although it was/ is a gamble the upside for Arteta compared with that for Ancelotti ( at nearly three times the salary) is so much higher. And Romford Pele makes a huge amount of sense . I get very annoyed when I see posters saying things like ‘ AMN is shit’. He’s demonstrably not shit but he needs a coach who can develop and use him properly rather than the hopelessly disorganised and erratic Emery who… Read more »
Can’t believe the shit comments about our young players. YOUNG PLAYERS…not fully developed and experienced. AMN has huge potential. The kid is also playing out of position. His speed (acceleration) is as good as it gets. YOU CANT COACH THAT. Im not going into his focus, his mistakes etc… All players make them. Lacazette sometimes can’t hit a barn door, but there isn’t any condemnation. Same for Reis’s nelson, He is still learning his trade, Believe me, I trialed for Fulham…the kids got good balance, two footed and quick. He is already a decent player. He will get better. Time… Read more »
Freddie, I hope so. I know they are getting mad reviews about how good he is at Arsenal, they really believe he’s a generational talent.
Wenker
Agree on AMN – he’s got raw talent and speed and frankly has been a useful cover at RB
Nelson – not so sure as Don’t think he can become super class and that is what we want in that position. There are better prospects inc Saka
I think he will be another Iwobi type sale
Northbanker,
One thing I’m certain of, he will improve under arteta.
Of course time will tell.
Soumare seems like it could be dependent on Xhaka or vice versa. 27 year old for a 20 year old with tremendous amount of potential. I know what I’d go for. That whole passing between the lines shite shouldn’t be an issue with Torreira he’s shown he can do it
Hesitation and doubt and lack of fight are not things that Saliba suffers from.
Agree. From what I’ve seen of him he plays far more assured and mature than his age.
I’m in the if AMN can be coached, he would be a keeper.
Very interesting article in The Athletic about Nelson – sounds like he’s got he’s always been a fantastic talent and had a great mentality to improve.It also mentions the laissez faire attitude to coaching of Wenger that did not bring the best of Gnabry and The Jeff and suggests that Arteta will give the youngsters what they need to become better. Arteta has already praised Nelson’s attitude and his willingness to learn.
Positive times.
Wilshere another injury setback.
Has only played 712 minutes since he left us 2 and a half years ago. Good value for money for the 100k a week they’re paying him.
Can’t imagine how much we would have paid him if he was given a new contract.
Amazing that there’s still people bemoaning that decision.
17 year old Brazilian right-back Yan Couto is expected to agree a summer move to a European club in the next few days with Arsenal and Leverkusen leading the race.
Deal worth €5m.
Next seasons back up RB looks like
I don’t think Eddie would make it at Arsenal (sorry Pierre). He’s older than Martinelli but behind him in the pecking order and then there’s John Jules and Folarin Balogun behind him who look like more talented players than him. Eddie is probably the worst of a very good bunch of young forwards the club has on thier books.
Chilwell gets beat at the back post by Freddie Guilbert. He’s struggled for the last month.
Every time I watch Chilwell his transfer value takes a dip, hugely suspect defender.
Can see him being one of these early promise types that evens out to just a good player.
Champagne Charlie
Agree with you. Think we were interested in signing him before he made his Leicester debut. Chelsea want him as their long term LB. English premium, not likely to become elite. Sell, sell, sell.
I remember when people used to call Gabriel Paulista garbage, I used to wonder if they knew football at all, he was one of our better defenders, i remember him playing well against the dirty Chelsea striker that got him sent off. His problem was more language, we sold off Gabriel and kept Mustafi…dumb…the fans wanted Paulista out too.
Dream10
50mil sort of money touted isn’t it? Wouldn’t go near him for that price personally.
Watched him maybe 4/5 times in the last 6-8 weeks and he’s been suspect to dire defensively every single game without exaggeration. Had his arse caved by both City and Liverpool too which hardly signifies someone eager to take a step up.
He’s very young still, but he doesn’t inspire for the sort of money touted. Not at all.
Out of interest do villa have a better squad than Leicester!
Grealish has gotta sort his hair out if he ever does come here.
Had our fill with Giroud. Cant do another
“Out of interest do villa have a better squad than Leicester!“
Yea, pretty sure that’s how it works.
Gnabry was a raw talent.
Did Wenger see this? No, he didn’t.
In 2013, when he scored at Swansea, I remember my son saying to me “Dad, Gnabry is special”. He was right.
I’m sorry but if Wenger thought Sanogo was the bees knees how the fudge was he going to make the correct judgement call on Gnabry?
I’m sorry but this mythical outlook on Wenger, by some posters on here, drives me up the frigging wall.
Emery made some bad mistakes but, oh my goodness, they pale into insignificance compared to Wenger’s failings.
Change the record Graham. You’re so bitter it can’t be good for your health.
We know where you stand Graham….
We never sold iwobi for 40m. Stop lying please
whenever i see this lie i will call it out.
iwobi ; 28m plus 6m add-ons
Don you struggling again with comprehension. Me excited to see Saliba in an Arsenal jersey and thinking he can contribute some straight away and you and that tiny brain of yours see that as me turning on him inside two seasons. You are a genius.
6m they will never pay to us because the criteria for that money cannot mearnt by everton ala help them get top4
I just saw that Moussa Sissoko is out till April
Spurs are so fcuking fcuked, how long will it take for Mourhino to start squealing like the little piggie that he is?
Spurs have sissoko and Kane out long term
Utd have Maguire our long term
What odds on both failing to consistently pick up wins in the coming two months?
Make no mistake arsenal are able to surge up the table to top 5 if we win 7 if the next 10 league games.
And yeah if the wheels come off the spurs train early, it’s a certainty that Mourinho will have a meltdown and make matters worse
He’ll be complaining publicly about squad depth then making sky digs that he can’t work miracles without investment. When that investment isn’t forthcoming over the summer it will be months of moaning, start the season with a negative atmosphere, more points dropped, another write off season and spurs only holding off sacking him because he’s expensive
That’s my take…
China1,
Get with the program. The self-described “special one” has now evolved into the “nice one”. He will never ever complain in public about the even nicer Daniel Levy, who in any case, is as generous as they come, especially now that the magnificent stadium was built well within budget and a bidding war has just erupted for clubs to take the supremely talented Eriksen.
This fake news thing is easy. Maybe I should run for President of the USA…..
I know things were really desperate under emery but I do wonder if those who were calling for Mourinho feel a bit of regret about that
Desperate times call for desperate measures but Mourinho…?
There is absolutely no reason Saliba should not hit the ground running: A) He would have had a year to get his head around the fact that he will be an Arsenal player next season. B) He would have had time to psychologically adjust to the move to Arsenal/London and all it entails (ie finding somewhere to live, establishing relationships, adjust to his new surroundings etc) C) He would have had time to get over his injury concerns and be match fit from the get go D) He will have a full pre-season to integrate with his new team mates… Read more »
Un
Following your logic we should only go after the Boatengs of this world then?
“we sold off Gabriel and kept Mustafi”
I think it was because it was actually possible to sell one out of the two.