16 Aug 2024 06:44:12
Reading we are now after Lesley Ugochukwu on loan from Chelsea. A 20 year old French number 6 worth over 20m. Could be a Lavia alternative. If we do go 4 2 3 1 or Downes is injured we need another DM, so this sounds interesting.

Also reading we are after striker Cameron Archer from Villa, who was on loan to Sheffield United last season. Only scored 4 goals there but he is young and improving. Not sure about this one.

Seems there is interest in Alcaraz, Mara and ABK All newspaper reports so take with a pinch of salt.

1.) 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024 08:48:33
Ugochukwu looks like a very good addition to the squad. I saw him a few times last season with Chelsea and he looks like someone that will make a big contribution. I've got to say the pursuit of Cameron Archer worries me. Looks like he could be another Carrillo, Mara, Sulemana etc. I know he's young but it's not what we need right now - a 50/50 (at best) punt that we're more likely to attempt offloading for a massive loss, as turn him into an EPL standout player.

It's a massive risk and with some money coming in from the sales of ABK, Alcaraz and maybe Mara now, I think we could invest in someone with a greater chance of success even if they would cost maybe 10M more - Eddie Nketiah springs to mind. A big few weeks coming up for RM and Saints.

2.) 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024 08:56:49
Archer is a very good player reminiscent of Jermaine Defoe, a permanent deal is potentially very exciting. Ugochukwa is a surprise but definitely puts to bed Broja/Lavia loan deals. Both deals had been kept very quiet, still need a keeper and attacking midfielder.

3.) 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024 11:27:33
I like the Archer move a lot. But what's up with Ipswich landing all the players we've been after as well? Delap, Johnson, now Broja?

Bringing in Archer *and* Broja on loan and sending Mara out for a year to play every day in Ligue 1 would have been great. Then bring in Johnstone and loan a winger for when we go 4-3-3 and find a cheap backup 6. That would realistically solve our problems without breaking PSR.

4.) 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024 11:48:37
Why can’t we get Willian in on a freebie now he left Fulham? Could still do a job eh

5.) 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024 16:07:37
What about Petrovic the goalie at Chelsea? Being sold after a year. What’s the crack? Any good?