2016/2017 THE Premier League Thread

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Slava

How about Everton though. I know Rooney is past his best before date, but they're basically buying everyone. I kind of like what they're doing with a couple of these moves.

I think with their heavy spending so far it's obvious that Lukaku to Chelsea is going to happen. Reminds me a bit of the Spurs when they brought in a ton of players before the Bale sale became official. I like most of their moves, too. Know nothing about Onyekuru, but the others are good additions. Ramirez is a bargain at that price, and I think Klaassen will do well for them.

Losing Lukaku and Deulofeu will be a huge challenge though. I fully expect them to sell Barkley, too.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Rumours say Rooney is coming on a free or a loan deal (lol that would be really hilarious). I think if nothing else Rooney will be fully motivated for this year because he wants to be on the WC team in 2018. So for one year if he costs you nothing but wages (which I assume will be drastically lower/covered by United), probably worth the risk.

[devo22]

well there surely won't be a fee, but United contributing to the wages would be absolutely ridiculous. Everton are a top 7 club and have a ####load of money, they should pay all of his wages if they want him. No reason for United to cover.

[Slava]

^ lots of rumours that Barkley is being bought by Spurs. I don't know if I like that or not and I do think that there are better options. I don't know how much Everton are budgeting to get with his sale either, but if it is to Spurs then it likely won't be that much as they have to deal with Levy!

[devo22]

I find Mike Ashleys lack of knowledge disturbing.

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has told the High Court he does not have sole control of the company because he is "not Obi Wan Kenobi in charge of the Death Star," as part of his evidence in a £15 million legal battle.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/sp...-a3580756.html

[Locke]

Arsenal sign Lacazette.

Arsenal have signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for a club-record fee, reported to be around €53m.

http://www.espnfc.us/story/3152942/a...lub-record-fee

Just what Arsenal have always needed, a French striker! Have they ever had one before?

Are we sure that Arsene Wenger doesnt have some sort of side deal with the French employment office?

[devo22]

to be fair, that's a fantastic deal for them. Lacazette is a beast.

Too bad, I really liked watching Lyon last season. Tolisso going to Bayern and Lacazette going to Arsenal really sucks.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by devo22

to be fair, that's a fantastic deal for them. Lacazette is a beast.

Too bad, I really liked watching Lyon last season. Tolisso going to Bayern and Lacazette going to Arsenal really sucks.

We'll see how he does, but at this point he's behind Giroud for France. It will also depend on whether they keep Sanchez and Ozil though.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Slava

We'll see how he does, but at this point he's behind Giroud for France.

Because their manager is clueless. This is a manager who has unlimited midfield options and still chooses Moussa freaking Sissoko for his starting XI, ffs.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by devo22

Because their manager is clueless. This is a manager who has unlimited midfield options and still chooses Moussa freaking Sissoko for his starting XI, ffs.

Well when you throw Sissoko in it's basically like going nuclear! How can I refute a guy who was as terrible as he's been that we paid a club record to acquire?!

I don't hate Laccazatte (I'm sure that's about to change), and I watched some of the Europa League and he looked pretty good. Thankfully the issues at the Emirates run a lot deeper than striker though.

[d_phaneuf]

Choosing the better player isn't always the right thing with national teams, with the 3 attackers behind him Giroud leads the line better than lacazette would.

All things being equal lacazette will score more goals, provided he gets to take 10+ penalties again, but I don't know if arsenal will play better with him, assuming it's still a team built around Sanchez

Crazy price though, even with inflated prices the last few years

Is Lukaku worth 100 now

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by d_phaneuf

Is Lukaku worth 100 now

According to the Mail that is what United are currently set to nab him for.

[Senator Clay Davis]

While Giroud isn't a world class striker, his goal scoring record for both Arsenal and France are pretty decent, France especially he's been very good. I actually think that's one of the things Deschamps gets right, his affinity for Gignac is a bit more odd considering the other striking options off the bench. Lacazette is a decent add, but swapping him in while losing Sanchez is at best a wash. And considering the prices the last few years, it's a decent price to pay for one of the only guys to score 20+ the last four years in the big five leagues, inflated by penalties or not.

[devo22]

boom. United and Everton have agreed a £75m for Romelu Lukaku. At the same time, they end their interest in Alvaro Morata.

Seems like they were quietly working on the Lukaku deal behind the scenes. Well done.

[The Big Chill]

Good move for United. I think Lukaku will do well there.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

boom. United and Everton have agreed a £75m for Romelu Lukaku. At the same time, they end their interest in Alvaro Morata.

Seems like they were quietly working on the Lukaku deal behind the scenes. Well done.

Thats a shame, thats a really good buy.

[Slava]

It is a good buy. 75m is insane though. I thought that the article last month that said that Kane and Alli were the most expensive duo in the world was laughable, but maybe its accurate. I mean if Lukaku gets that much, Kane is worth what...125?

[devo22]

I don't even think 75m is that crazy in today's market. Real wanted more for Morata, and Torino also want more for Belotti. Considering that Lukaku is PL proven and is moving within the league, I don't think 75m is that bad. I expected more ... although I fully expect United to cover some of Rooneys wages now once he goes the other way.

Stealing a player from under Chelseas nose and not giving in to Reals stupid demands is just gravy.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

I don't even think 75m is that crazy in today's market. Real wanted more for Morata, and Torino also want more for Belotti. Considering that Lukaku is PL proven and is moving within the league, I don't think 75m is that bad. I expected more ... although I fully expect United to cover some of Rooneys wages now once he goes the other way.

Stealing a player from under Chelseas nose and not giving in to Reals stupid demands is just gravy.

You have to judge the deal on all of its merits much like an NHL trade, its more like:

Romelu Lukaku for £50M +£25M for taking Wayne Rooney + (presumably) salary retained.

Thats more reasonable.

[Bagor]

I'll hold off until Everton announce the deal is done.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...rton-agree-fee