Starting to feel that timing has once again screwed us over.
This just doesn't feel like the right window to spend big. The targets aren't as attractive 2017 when Bernardo Silva, Keita, Laporte, Van Dijk were in the market. Or even years before that.
No attractive RW option that we can compete for, no CB in the market that looks that great apart from De Ligt. For RB we're going to have to overspend ridiculously for Wan-Bissaka. No real spark in the midfield targets like Longstaff or even Bruno Fernandes.
Don't need to spend stupid amounts on players, as long as we create a team to get top 4 and an outward perception that the club is going in the right direction. Then, when we get CL we should splash the cash on the likes of Sancho or Havertz(in theory, since we mainly spend when we do not get top 4).
RB:
Atal: Would also be our best RW if we bought him.
Meunier: Decent both ways.
Both cheaper than AWB and significantly better in the final third. That being said, if we end up spending around £40m on AWB then that will also be ok. Could perform well with space and time, given how much we focus our attack on the left.
CB: Maguire is a big nono.
Alderweireld: might be an option.
Ake: Left sided. Left-footed. VVD lig(h)t. Can pass, defend 1v1 against pacey attackers, good in the air...
And many decent options in the other leagues for £40-£50m that would suit a high press/backline and would be an upgrade on our current CBs.
CDM/CM:
Tielemans, Rabiot, VD Beek, Barella. Two of these + Pogba and we are good. Balanced midfielders that are relatively press-resistant, mobile, can pass, receive, work. All available for less than £50m each.
RW:
Ziyech. Assuming you saw Ajax in the ECL. £25m clause.
Sarabia: £15m clause. Mata with some physique. Left-footed, operate RW, CAM, LW and as a passer further back. Bargain.