Summer transfer, gossip, speculation thread

[Steve67]

Brighton are amongst my favourites to go down.  I suspect Maupay wants to come to Villa though.

[themossman]

I hope we keep Elmo too. Part of the core of players who got us here and can do a job in the PL and therefore valuable to us on that basis. Guilbert hasn’t played a game in the PL yet so it’s not cut and dried that he’s going to be warming the bench.

[TonyD]

So what strikers do we currently have? 

[Smithy]

So what strikers do we currently have? 

Wesley, Kodjia, Davis and Hogan.  All competing for one position in our current system.

[ROBBO]

Out of those only Wesley is capable of holding that position the other three are not good enough I would keep Davis as he shows promise but the others I hope they go elsewhere.

[Villatillidie25]

So what strikers do we currently have? 

Wesley, Kodjia, Davis and Hogan.  All competing for one position in our current system.

Of which I think it’s safe to say one definitely isn’t good enough, one might get there eventually but should go out on loan and two are relative unknown quantities (for different reasons).
I like the look of Wesley but I don’t think he will hit double figures this year (ex penalties), which could be a problem if the midfield goals dry up.
Kodjia I’d keep around but, again, hasn’t been the same since his injuries and needs a run of games, which he’s unlikely to get.
One more that can play wide if required is essential I’d say.

[Meanwood Villa]

I reckon Davis can do a job for us but he needs someone prolific up with him. If midfielders/wingers chip in enough goals he can lead the line. I like Kodjia for what he did first year we were down but I would like to see us get an upgrade on him before the window closes. Hogan can sod off, even if we don't sign anyone else. Would rather RHM got a go than him.

[Meanwood Villa]

Missed him going out on loan! My comment re Hogan stands.

[Baldy]

I'm not sure we need another striker. Goals are coming from all over the pitch. We defend as a team and attack as a team.

One of the best teams I ever saw was Arsenal in the early 2000's, they hardly ever played with a striker but scored for fun. John Aldridge, a prolific striker at club level, didn't score in his first twenty games for the Republic of Ireland. Yet, he was considered one of the most important players for Ireland at a time when they had a relatively successful team.

Dean's football philosophy is going to be very interesting to watch in the coming months.

[mr underhill]

I definitely think we  do need another forward and Maupay could have played centrally for us and out wide, so a BOGOF type player if you like. i'm sure we will bring someone in if its possible to do so.

[john e]

If Smith thought Maupay was the right striker for Villa he would have been here a while ago

I’ve seen he could be the back stop position but we all know how that never works

[garyshawsknee]

I think we still need another option as we don't know how long it'll take Wesley to settle in to English football. I'd keep Kodjia, though he's not top draw quality, he can play on either wing, i'd keep Davis too as his hold up play is strong. I'd do all I can to get Hogan out of the club as he isn't nowhere near good enough, even if we pay 2/3 of his wages.

[Malandro]

I'll be disappointed if Maupay goes elsewhere, I think he'll be very good in this league.

[Steve67]

We definitely need another striker.  To play with Hogan would be to play with 10 men. Davis doesn't score and Kodjia is too maverick. 

[andyh]

There is no doubt whatsoever that a new, very good striker is needed.