2023 Summer transfer window - hopes, needs, expectations and rumours.

[JJ-AV]

I think we've got plenty of time yet, the squad is strong. We need 2 forwards but I'd rather go to the wire and get the right players.

Also worth remembering that (if you believe the links), we've already missed out on Asensio, Williams and Ferran Torres. So Diaby may be 4th on the list. It's understandable they might not be willing to go to such a huge fee.

Diaby, Barnes, Johnson, Felix and Doku all still available.

[frank black]

This Diaby link, I get the impression that no journalist has a clue what’s happening. Everyday is a contradiction.

[JJ-AV]

I think it probably suits both Diaby and Leverkusen to use the Saudi link. More £ for both. If he goes there I wouldn't want him any way.

Surely he wouldn't? 24 year old France international probably 2 years from a Champions League move.

[AV84]

Also worth remembering that (if you believe the links), we've already missed out on Asensio, Williams and Ferran Torres. So Diaby may be 4th on the list. It's understandable they might not be willing to go to such a huge fee.

Diaby, Barnes, Johnson, Felix and Doku all still available.

If you believe the reports Asensio, Williams and Chiesa all dismissed us immediately. There were no real discussions of any kind with them. They just weren't interested. Whereas several reputable places maintain that Diaby is very open to the idea of coming to us, which is am improvement over the others named.

It seems like Felix is trying to engineer a move to Barcelona, issuing a "statement " through Romano yesterday basically begging them to sign him. Again it's debatable how much of anything is true, but he's in a bad situation at Athletico, and we're apparently the only team offering him a way out, but he's not willing to take it.

It's funny because we've all been discussing the idea of ambition when it comes to the choice of us vs a Saudi team, but with Felix it feels like a negative because he won't choose us over holding out for Champions League. It's obviously not as clear cut as that, given he's already at that level, but it's still an interesting dilemma.

[Dante Lavelli]

You wonder whether Felix would be more interested if it was a loan deal.

Not ideal but we’d get a world class-ish player for a season and hopefully in that year we grow so we’re a more attractive option.

[AV84]

You wonder whether Felix would be more interested if it was a loan deal.

Not ideal but we’d get a world class-ish player for a season and hopefully in that year we grow so we’re a more attractive option.

I'm pretty sure a loan deal is the only option as his selling price is massive and very few clubs could afford it, or want to pay it at the moment. If that's the case then a loan to a team playing any kind of European football should suit everyone. Worst case scenario he spends a season at a decent club, with a stable set up, and regular playing time, and puts himself in the shop window. Maybe this time next year Barca would actually pay the asking price, or someone else would.

[Baldy]

Whether we like it or not, the Saudi situation is a game changer. Money, money and more money normally gets what it wants!! The Premier League will still keep its competitiveness but we may have to accept the quality will reduce in the coming years. In the real world, being financially secure for life (and your children's, children) by the age of 25 is probably more important than winning the Premier League or the FA Cup.

I like Alex Ferguson's approach. He encouraged his players to be involved in a serious relationship (preferably married) as early as possible. This was seen as a stabilising influence and also reduced the chances of a player wanting to leave. Going to Saudi on your own is one thing but bringing a young family is another.

Any ideas what Unai should do? His 'game' management skills are fantastic but like every other manager, he may need to think more about 'life' management skills!!

To me, this is very important, as more and more top level 'rumoured' transfers, seem to be having a Saudi link.

[VillaTim]

Really not sure about this Diaby guy, seems like ridiculous money for a player whose stats seem no better than Bailey at Leverkeusen. Got a bad feeling about this one

[Dogtanian]

Really not sure about this Diaby guy, seems like ridiculous money for a player whose stats seem no better than Bailey at Leverkeusen. Got a bad feeling about this one

Express elevator to hell, going down.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

You wonder whether Felix would be more interested if it was a loan deal.

Not ideal but we’d get a world class-ish player for a season and hopefully in that year we grow so we’re a more attractive option.

It would be extremely expensive but Monchi can at least try and negotiate a deal. Right now Benfica are trying to do exactly that.

[Brazilian Villain]

Really not sure about this Diaby guy, seems like ridiculous money for a player whose stats seem no better than Bailey at Leverkeusen. Got a bad feeling about this one

Express elevator to hell, going down.

in one of those US military bases where they have 12 floors underground.

[Axl Rose]

Leverkusen fan at work said he's brilliant, but then again, he said the same thing about Bailey.

Said he's better than Bailey, however.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It's been reported that Nico González will not be included in the Barca squad this season. We've been recently linked with him so it will be interesting to see if we try and do a deal.

[paul_e]

Also worth remembering that (if you believe the links), we've already missed out on Asensio, Williams and Ferran Torres. So Diaby may be 4th on the list. It's understandable they might not be willing to go to such a huge fee.

Diaby, Barnes, Johnson, Felix and Doku all still available.

If you believe the reports Asensio, Williams and Chiesa all dismissed us immediately. There were no real discussions of any kind with them. They just weren't interested. Whereas several reputable places maintain that Diaby is very open to the idea of coming to us, which is am improvement over the others named.

It seems like Felix is trying to engineer a move to Barcelona, issuing a "statement " through Romano yesterday basically begging them to sign him. Again it's debatable how much of anything is true, but he's in a bad situation at Athletico, and we're apparently the only team offering him a way out, but he's not willing to take it.

It's funny because we've all been discussing the idea of ambition when it comes to the choice of us vs a Saudi team, but with Felix it feels like a negative because he won't choose us over holding out for Champions League. It's obviously not as clear cut as that, given he's already at that level, but it's still an interesting dilemma.

That's not right with Asensio, most of the stories at the time were that he was very interested until PSG came in and then they were always favourites. Williams was also reported as having met Emery in person before deciding to stay with them.

I get your point on Felix but I think there's a big difference between choosing from 2 offers on the table (diaby) and rejecting the offer on the table in the hope of something better emerging. The latter is much riskier, especially when doing nothing is such a bad option. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is much more open to joining us in a few weeks.

[DB]

His agent will be making sure he gets as much money out this deal as possible as well. Hopefully the lad will use his head for his career / international aspirations.