Riyad Mahrez

[Trix]

I'm only messing. I'm sure everyone is frustrated to a degree. We've cleared a lot of shit out and haven't replaced. But then there are the kids, but then it's a risk, but how will they improve if they don't play? Arrrgggghhhh.

I think the uncertainty and contradiction is what is most frustrating. At least twice now we've been told to expect a signing in the next couple of days...only for that to pass without incident.

We scouted the u21's extensively by the sound of it and we've got people here, there and everywhere so I'm sure something is happening, but like a lot of people, I'm an inpatient bastard

No worries matey. I think a lot of the frustration is a bit "keeping up with the Jones's" so to speak purely because our rivals are spending big. What a lot fail to comprehend is that, Chelsea apart, it's actually a case that its the Jones's that are playing catch up themselves. I know people are starting to panic, but apart from Lenmar we are bang on track, and our targets are all still our targets. I was told 2 in plus replacements to any first team squad players that left, and that is still very much what I expect to happen. Now 3 to come in.

 

[whatislifewithoutspurs]

No worries matey. I think a lot of the frustration is a bit "keeping up with the Jones's" so to speak purely because our rivals are spending big. What a lot fail to comprehend is that, Chelsea apart, it's actually a case that its the Jones's that are playing catch up themselves. I know people are starting to panic, but apart from Lenmar we are bang on track, and our targets are all still our targets. I was told 2 in plus replacements to any first team squad players that left, and that is still very much what I expect to happen. Now 3 to come in.

Perhaps it's less about keeping up with the Jone's but rather looking at where we are now - preseason has already begun. Always thought we would try to get the new players in early to gel with the squad. If the season / new players do not start well we will begin to think back about how we could have brought in the players early.

 

[Trix]

Perhaps it's less about keeping up with the Jone's but rather looking at where we are now - preseason has already begun. Always thought we would try to get the new players in early to gel with the squad. If the season / new players do not start well we will begin to think back about how we could have brought in the players early.

We could also remember the likes of Batshuai, Willian, and Martial. Players who we very much wanted early only to be blown out of the water financially by teams that weren't interested until our interest became very clear. When Poch says we need to be clever, it's not just about finding unknown talent from the depths of beyond.

 

[stevenurse]

No worries matey. I think a lot of the frustration is a bit "keeping up with the Jones's" so to speak purely because our rivals are spending big. What a lot fail to comprehend is that, Chelsea apart, it's actually a case that its the Jones's that are playing catch up themselves. I know people are starting to panic, but apart from Lenmar we are bang on track, and our targets are all still our targets. I was told 2 in plus replacements to any first team squad players that left, and that is still very much what I expect to happen. Now 3 to come in.

I agree with the "keeping up with the Jones'" aspect but I think it's also that the targets we are apparently after, are all largely underwhelming. Barkley would be a good signing but hardly gets the pulse racing.

I know it's largely unrealistic and we shouldn't do it to ourselves, especially considering the financial constraints we are under, despite what levy says, and our salary position also. But it would have been nice to see us go hard for someone exceptional. We hear most years about making sure we have the right targets. Yet last summer especially we fucked it right up (I know we finished 2nd, but wanyama aside, how much of an impact did our signings make? Maybe that could have been the difference in games like the semi final).

I don't bloody know anymore. At least we've only got 5 weeks of this nonsense left.

 

[Shadydan]

I agree with the "keeping up with the Jones'" aspect but I think it's also that the targets we are apparently after, are all largely underwhelming. Barkley would be a good signing but hardly gets the pulse racing.

I know it's largely unrealistic and we shouldn't do it to ourselves, especially considering the financial constraints we are under, despite what levy says, and our salary position also. But it would have been nice to see us go hard for someone exceptional. We hear most years about making sure we have the right targets. Yet last summer especially we fucked it right up (I know we finished 2nd, but wanyama aside, how much of an impact did our signings make? Maybe that could have been the difference in games like the semi final).

I don't bloody know anymore. At least we've only got 5 weeks of this nonsense left.

I don't see the point of doing that seeing as we're less than likely to get him...see Lemar and even he I wouldn't even call an exceptional signing.

 

[stevenurse]

I don't see the point of doing that seeing as we're less than likely to get him...see Lemar and even he I wouldn't even call an exceptional signing.

That's why I said it's largely unrealistic. I'd just love another Van Der Vaart, under the table, out of nowhere signing.

I feel that we need someone like Mahrez though. For all his undoubted talent, we can't hold our hopes on Lamela. We've done that too often and had our fingers burnt. Impossible to happen but someone like Lanzini would also be perfect.

Sissoko or Mahrez?
GNK or Mahrez?
Onomah or Mahrez?

For the right price it's a no brainer

 

[Trix]

I agree with the "keeping up with the Jones'" aspect but I think it's also that the targets we are apparently after, are all largely underwhelming. Barkley would be a good signing but hardly gets the pulse racing.

I know it's largely unrealistic and we shouldn't do it to ourselves, especially considering the financial constraints we are under, despite what levy says, and our salary position also. But it would have been nice to see us go hard for someone exceptional. We hear most years about making sure we have the right targets. Yet last summer especially we fucked it right up (I know we finished 2nd, but wanyama aside, how much of an impact did our signings make? Maybe that could have been the difference in games like the semi final).

I don't bloody know anymore. At least we've only got 5 weeks of this nonsense left.

We had the youngest side in the league last season, and we finished second. They will get better. Our issue wasn't our first XI it was the strength in depth. That is what we are looking to improve.

 

[stevenurse]

We had the youngest side in the league last season, and we finished second. They will get better. Our issue wasn't our first XI it was the strength in depth. That is what we are looking to improve.

I agree and if they improve on the disappointments at the end of last season, as they did the season before, then we will have another good chance.

We are just in a horrible predicament when it comes to transfers now. To improve the first team would cost maybe £40m/£50m maybe? But to have players of sufficient quality to rotate/backup won't be at the prices we want to/can afford to spend, or the pay them for the pleasure of not playing every minute.

 

[nicdic]

We had the youngest side in the league last season, and we finished second. They will get better. Our issue wasn't our first XI it was the strength in depth. That is what we are looking to improve.

I'd go further, our issue wasn't strength in depth either. We dealt incredibly with a LOT of injuries. Our biggest downfall was Chelsea not having Europe.

Chelsea also have to strengthen to now manage a CL campaign.

 

[stevenurse]

@Trix out of interest, and I wouldn't expect you to reveal if you did, but are you aware of any targets that haven't reached the media yet that could make an impact in the first team?

 

[Trix]

I agree and if they improve on the disappointments at the end of last season, as they did the season before, then we will have another good chance.

We are just in a horrible predicament when it comes to transfers now. To improve the first team would cost maybe £40m/£50m maybe? But to have players of sufficient quality to rotate/backup won't be at the prices we want to/can afford to spend, or the pay them for the pleasure of not playing every minute.

It's always cheaper to buy quality goods in the January sales. And by that I don't mean January, I mean after everyone has already overspent on their Christmas shopping.

 

[Trix]

@Trix out of interest, and I wouldn't expect you to reveal if you did, but are you aware of any targets that haven't reached the media yet that could make an impact in the first team?

Nope, the only current potential incoming I know anything about is Barkley. Rumours and whispers about others, but nothing I would post in here as ITK.

 

[mill]

I'd go further, our issue wasn't strength in depth either. We dealt incredibly with a LOT of injuries. Our biggest downfall was Chelsea not having Europe.

Chelsea also have to strengthen to now manage a CL campaign.

I disagree considering how poor we were in Europe last season

 

[ParlyCicton]

The only reason I am so impatient is because I check this forum every day now it is apart of my life and routine, I just want DL to add some decent depth so I am confident of the season ahead. It is good to know that they aren't just sitting on their arses thinking about how good our team was last season. Thank you @Trix for settling my nerves I look forward to your knowledge in this window.

 

[Kirito]

The only reason I am so impatient is because I check this forum every day now it is apart of my life and routine, I just want DL to add some decent depth so I am confident of the season ahead. It is good to know that they aren't just sitting on their arses thinking about how good our team was last season. Thank you @Trix for settling my nerves I look forward to your knowledge in this window.

Stop worrying about something you have no control over.

 

[gavspur]

I would think that what @Trix is saying when mentioning being clever, is to be under the radar on our targets, so as not to get blown out of the water when it comes to a bidding war. This would also mean we have to wait til everyone has spent their dosh elsewhere, and hope they don't show interest in our targets beforehand.

Therefore, I guess that our odd statement about not wanting Kovacic is a curve ball. Well, I can dream, right?

 

[stonebrow]

I would think that what @Trix is saying when mentioning being clever, is to be under the radar on our targets, so as not to get blown out of the water when it comes to a bidding war. This would also mean we have to wait til everyone has spent their dosh elsewhere, and hope they don't show interest in our targets beforehand.

Therefore, I guess that our odd statement about not wanting Kovacic is a curve ball. Well, I can dream, right?

Not sure if it's possible to fly under the radar these days. Surely an agent would spread the word if his client was negotiating with a club. Try to get a better deal for the player and themselves.

 

[sammyj]

We have such a great team with young players knocking on the door everywhere . Chill winston

 

[ParlyCicton]

Well that is probably the most stupidest thing I have seen. Worry comes from fear of the unknown something you have no control over.

Plus I have loved this club since birth so no I won't stop.

 

[cookiemonster]

Haha... that little bald head probably asked Lester to inform him when the price drops below 10m

Btw I am also asking Bar Rafael and Emma Watson to keep me informed of any changes in their relationship status