Alexis Sanchez | Staying at Arsenal after City deal falls apart

[Halftrack]

Christ, there's a lot of people who seem to think money is the only thing involved in a transfer. "Just bid a lot, and we're sure to get him!"

That, and just wanting us to buy any big name that pops up, regardless of whether the manager want them or not.

Then there's the guys going on about how adding just this one player will win us the league, as if the other problems with the team just disappear with said players arrival.

Also, the guys who tend to pop up in the transfer threads of any player who isn't a worldie and declaring said player to be mediocre, or bang average or whatever (most likely an opinion they formed after checking wikipedia).

And finally, the people wanting us to act like massive dicks in the transfer market, placing bids to drive up the price for others, for no other reason than being petty.

I just have to say, I'm glad none of those are in any position of power at the club. We'd be skint and relegated within five years.

 

[Red_Orchestra]

Hasn't Sanchez turned us down twice already? He'll probably turn us down for a 3rd time if we made a bid.

So feck him, he's had his chance to join.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

So, if he does go to City, how will they line up with this lot available...

Sanchez
Jesus
Aguero
De Bruyne
B Silva
D Silva
Sterling
Sané

Genuine question, and if there's any more that I've missed feel free to add them on.

 

[Jim Beam]

So, if he does go to City, how will they line up with this lot available...

Sanchez
Jesus
Aguero
De Bruyne
B Silva
D Silva
Sterling
Sané

Genuine question, and if there's any more that I've missed feel free to add them on.

That's what I was thinking, someone will be definitely frozen here. There is overload, especially in terms of attacking wingers/midfielders.

Is Iheanacho still there?

 

[SwansonsTache]

So, if he does go to City, how will they line up with this lot available...

Sanchez
Jesus
Aguero
De Bruyne
B Silva
D Silva
Sterling
Sané

Genuine question, and if there's any more that I've missed feel free to add them on.

They will line up with the best ones available in the PL, rotate for the cups and pay such royal sums that the ones left out will be happy with their bench and squad role.

Sterling isn't good enough to command a starting place, Jesus and Sane young enough to accept some bench time, D. Silva injured a lot, Aguero the same. B,Silva and KDB will probably be in their first XI most often, same with Sanchez if he joins.

They will manage.

I am a bit puzzled though, is the pull of the bald one really that great or are they paying some obscene wage to Sanchez? Surely he would rather join Chelsea or us if it was a straight toss. Especially Chelsea with his reported preference for London as a city.

 

[Garethw]

That's what I was thinking, someone will be definitely frozen here. There is overload, especially in terms of attacking wingers/midfielders.

Is Iheanacho still there?

Rumours are that they are willing to sell him, but with a buyback clause.

 

[Jim Beam]

Rumours are that they are willing to sell him, but with a buyback clause.

Makes sense. He clearly has talent and he won't get more than few games in this team.

I am still counting that Pep will not manage to sort his defence.

 

[giorno]

I am a bit puzzled though, is the pull of the bald one really that great or are they paying some obscene wage to Sanchez? Surely he would rather join Chelsea or us if it was a straight toss. Especially Chelsea with his reported preference for London as a city.

By all accounts, baldy's pull is the biggest of any manager in the sport, and it's not close. Especially for attacking players

See: Gabriel Jesus, who could have gone to literally any top european club and chose baldy over real madrid, barcelona, bayern munich...

Makes sense. He clearly has talent and he won't get more than few games in this team.

I am still counting that Pep will not manage to sort his defence.

That attack coupled with his tactics will automatically sort out the defence, at least as far as the premier league is concerned

The managers in charge of the two best defensive sides in the world(Simeone and Allegri) both agreed his Bayern Munich was the team that gave them the most trouble. Simeone outright said Bayern were the best team his Atletico ever faced and Allegri said the first half in Turin was the hardest he's faced at juventus. Guardiola is a possession football savant, given good enough players his team can play any other team off the pitch

 

[Jim Beam]

That attack coupled with his tactics will automatically sort out the defence, at least as far as the premier league is concerned

The managers in charge of the two best defensive sides in the world(Simeone and Allegri) both agreed his Bayern Munich was the team that gave them the most trouble. Simeone outright said Bayern were the best team his Atletico ever faced and Allegri said the first half in Turin was the hardest he's faced at juventus. Guardiola is a possession football savant, given good enough players his team can play any other team off the pitch

That bold part is exactly what Baldy also thinks and it is the weakest part of his philosophy. If he doesn't sort the attack and midfield to be in perfect shape, the defence will be too exposed.

In short, hoping that he will not fix the last season issues in one window with so many new faces and imo this team will be still level or two behind Bayern team who needed a minor correction. We'll see.

 

[giorno]

That bold part is exactly what Baldy also thinks and it is the weakest part of his philosophy. If he doesn't sort the attack and midfield to be in perfect shape, the defence will be too exposed.

City's bad defence this season was as much of a myth as united's bad attack. Them conceding that many goals was a fluke, they actually conceded very few chances per game(albeit great ones)

It wasn't the defence that let them down, it was the combination of poor finishing on their part and incredible finishing from their opponents

 

[Jim Beam]

City's bad defence this season was as much of a myth as united's bad attack. Them conceding that many goals was a fluke, they actually conceded very few chances per game(albeit great ones)

It wasn't the defence that let them down, it was the combination of poor finishing on their part and incredible finishing from their opponents

Not sure. You can't put that mainly to fluke or bad luck. Never seen Pep's team so harmless as for example Monaco away first half, Everton away. They did have some bad luck at home but not so much that it had to come down to a battle for top 4 until few games until the end. They finished where they deserve to be, as we did.

I do understand that they will be stronger next year, it's evident. I'm only saying I hope that they will not reach his desired level.

 

[giorno]

Not sure. You can't put that mainly to fluke or bad luck. Never seen Pep's team so harmless as for example Monaco away first half, Everton away. They did have some bad luck at home but not so much that it had to come down to a battle for top 4 until few games until the end. They finished where they deserve to be, as we did.

Take a look at Monaco second half, at everton game before lukaku's goal(and how they conceded that goal)

Of course it wasn't just down to bad luck, city were a far cry from barca/bayern and several players simply weren't good enough to play in such a high-risk system, which lead to too many mistakes, which lead to them not winning games after battering their opponents for 90 minutes

And yes, their final league position may not have been down to luck alone, but it certainly played a big part(chelsea themselves were very lucky this season. You only have to look at their two head-to-head games to see it)

I do understand that they will be stronger next year, it's evident. I'm only saying I hope that they will not reach his desired level.

That's two of us. If they get Alexis and, say Bonucci, they'll be CL contenders. I like them more in their current CL punch-line incarnation

 

[Jim Beam]

That's two of us. If they get Alexis and, say Bonucci, they'll be CL contenders. I like them more in their current CL punch-line incarnation

Bonucci? Wtf? Don't do that please, I'm really trying to be indifferent to their transfer dealings.

 

[giorno]

Bonucci? Wtf? Don't do that please, I'm really trying to be indifferent to their transfer dealings.

If Kompany can stay fit() i'm not sure they would even need Bonucci

City averaged 61% possession this season. By swapping Sagna, Clichy, Otamendi and Kolarov for Dani Alves, Bernardo Silva and Kompany, that number will increse to 64%/65%. Less stupid mistakes in possession, too. That alone will massively improve their defence

 

[Jim Beam]

If Kompany can stay fit() i'm not sure they would even need Bonucci

City averaged 61% possession this season. By swapping Sagna, Clichy, Otamendi and Kolarov for Dani Alves, Bernardo Silva and Kompany, that number will increse to 64%/65%. Less stupid mistakes in possession, too. That alone will massively improve their defence

Kompany can't stay fit the whole season. But, I'm hoping that Pep will not pay attention to that. So, Otamendi and Stones are my only hope. Not so bad ones also considering the way they played.

Just noticed. How on earth did you make that calculation about 64, 65% increase in possession?

 

[giorno]

Kompany can't stay fit the whole season. But, I'm hoping that Pep will not pay attention to that. So, Otamendi and Stones are my only hope. Not so bad ones also considering the way they played.

Just noticed. How on earth did you make that calculation about 64, 65% increase in possession?

Increase TO, not BY

 

[Jim Beam]

Increase TO, not BY

I get that part. Was badly written by my side. Still, don't know how you got to that 3,4% increase.

Nevermind, just keep Bonucci in Italia.

 

[giorno]

I get that part. Was badly written by my side. Still, don't know how you got to that 3,4% increase.

Nevermind, just keep Bonucci in Italia.

Better players with higher IQ, better circulation of the ball, less mistakes, greater attacking threat---> teams will be forced even deeper in their own half, will commit fewer players on counters---> easier for them to win the ball back quickly

 

[Jim Beam]

Better players with higher IQ, better circulation of the ball, less mistakes, greater attacking threat---> teams will be forced even deeper in their own half, will commit fewer players on counters---> easier for them to win the ball back quickly

Sounds reasonable. Will keep in mind their possession numbers next season.

Bonucci in Italia ---> Kompany can't play whole season ---> Stones and Otamendi in defence ----> A certain feck up usually two or three times per game --->
Goals against City

I know that you will say they will usually score more based on their attacking play. Probably best to end it here.

 

[Infra-red]

So, if he does go to City, how will they line up with this lot available...

Sanchez
Jesus
Aguero
De Bruyne
B Silva
D Silva
Sterling
Sané

Genuine question, and if there's any more that I've missed feel free to add them on.

2 good players for each position - that, presumably, is the mantra.

De Bruyne and D.Silva will continue in midfield. Left wing will be Sanchez and Sane, right wing B.Silva and Sterling, and up front Aguero and Jesus.

 

[hellohello]

That's what I was thinking, someone will be definitely frozen here. There is overload, especially in terms of attacking wingers/midfielders.

Is Iheanacho still there?

I think Levy may want him as a part of a possible Walker deal. At least rumors, might be bullshit though.

 

[Jim Beam]

I think Levy may want him as a part of a possible Walker deal. At least rumors, might be bullshit though.

What do you think of it?

 

[Kurosawa]

I think whoever gets this guy will ultimately win the league in the same way RVP won UTD the league.

 

[hellohello]

What do you think of it?

Well, I don't want to lose Walker, especially not at the same time as strengthening a direct rival who need him for their homegrown quota as well.

But if the deal is necessary for us to finance players Poch wants, and he believe it will overall make us a better team then I'll be okay with it.

Regarding Ihenacho, it's the type of player we could most definitely use, a good goalscorer. Kane can't play all the games next season, and I don't feel Son play his best as a number 9. So I'd be okay with it.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

I think whoever gets this guy will ultimately win the league in the same way RVP won UTD the league.

Exactly.

 

[Jim Beam]

Well, I don't want to lose Walker, especially not at the same time as strengthening a direct rival who need him for their homegrown quota as well.

But if the deal is necessary for us to finance players Poch wants, and he believe it will overall make us a better team then I'll be okay with it.

Regarding Ihenacho, it's the type of player we could most definitely use, a good goalscorer. Kane can't play all the games next season, and I don't feel Son play his best as a number 9. So I'd be okay with it.

Yeah, was curious. Ihenacho is still one of best talents in the league even though you have good options for attack.

If you need to lose Walker that is not a bad deal at all imo.

 

[top1whoisman]

Sanchez was asked about his next move while sitting next to team-mate Claudio Bravo.

• Q. "Will you be a teammate of Claudio Bravo at Manchester City next season?
  
• A: "[laughs]. Good question! Right now I'm focused on the Confederations Cup. When this is finished I will see if I stay or if I go. I don't know."
  
• Q: "Is it clear in your mind, or have you not decided?"
  
• A: "Yes it's clear but I can't tell you [laughing]".

 

[Angelinho]

Sounds ominous. If he indeed does turn up at City, the atmosphere at The Emirates is going to turn toxic very early this season.

 

[Cee90]

City will look formidable (on paper at least) if they added Sanchez to their ranks too.

Hopefully it's not true and he'll move abroad, assuming we have no chance of signing him.

 

[whatwha]

Give him Rooney's wages. Great player.

 

[VorZakone]

Why does City need so many attackers? Their CM and back 4 isn't still up to par compared to their offense. Toure/Fernandinho/Delph is an underwhelming CM and guys like De Bruyne / Bernardo Silva are better in the final third.

 

[AndyJ1985]

Why does City need so many attackers? Their CM and back 4 isn't still up to par compared to their offense. Toure/Fernandinho/Delph is an underwhelming CM and guys like De Bruyne / Bernardo Silva are better in the final third.

Because the fraud that is Guardiola can't win anything without a squad of world class players.

 

[Denis79]

Because the fraud that is Guardiola can't win anything without a squad of world class players.

Well certainly seems so doesn't it?

 

[Adam-Utd]

So, if he does go to City, how will they line up with this lot available...

Sanchez
Jesus
Aguero
De Bruyne
B Silva
D Silva
Sterling
Sané

Genuine question, and if there's any more that I've missed feel free to add them on.

GK
walker/Kompany/Otamendi//Sane
fernandinho
De Bruyne Silva
Silva Jesus Sanchez

 

[Brwned]

Because the fraud that is Guardiola can't win anything without a squad of world class players.

The vast majority of great teams were successful with a squad of world class players. It's common sense to build a team with that goal in mind. What makes Guardiola different to most managers is that he can successfully manage a squad of world class players. That's one of the things that made Sir Alex great. We don't look back at the 2008 team and say "sure, we won the league and CL, but Sir Alex didn't have much to do - we had Rooney, Tevez, Giggs, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand and VdS". We praise him because he was able to build that team and knit it together.

 

[Liver_bird]

Not sure. You can't put that mainly to fluke or bad luck. Never seen Pep's team so harmless as for example Monaco away first half, Everton away. They did have some bad luck at home but not so much that it had to come down to a battle for top 4 until few games until the end. They finished where they deserve to be, as we did.

I do understand that they will be stronger next year, it's evident. I'm only saying I hope that they will not reach his desired level.

this is a fair point but that stat isn't always indicative of a good defence . in the first half of the season we had an excellent defence in terms of chances conceded one of the best in Europe. Yet we still had much publicised issues, and regularly gave up big chances when we did give up chances. It might mean that it's a better defence than it looks on paper but at the end of the day it's still not a great one.

 

[Jim Beam]

this is a fair point but that stat isn't always indicative of a good defence . in the first half of the season we had an excellent defence in terms of chances conceded one of the best in Europe. Yet we still had much publicised issues, and regularly gave up big chances when we did give up chances. It might mean that it's a better defence than it looks on paper but at the end of the day it's still not a great one.

My point was that his style made City's defence worse than they are. Stones and Otamendi looked like average players with a panic every time the ball was near them. You mainly manage to do the opposite in the first half of the season.

Not sure what you are suggesting here, to be honest.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

So he has decided where he is playing next season. That is nice of him.

 

[Jim Beam]

So he has decided where he is playing next season. That is nice of him.

All that with a valid contract.

 

[Josep Dowling]

If he goes to City I will explode.

They are stockpiled with attackers.

He would move to a club where the coach previously bought him, didn't use him and then sold him.

We are constantly told United cannot buy Premier League players anymore because it's too difficult. This season it appears City will buy Sanchez and Walker from title rivals.

We can't even use 'he doesn't want to move to Manchester' if he went to City.

Why are we not even linked with him?

Sick of this transfer window already. My inside muppet has spoken.