Michail rejoins the squad tomorrow (Mon)
Manuel Pellegrini wants to take a good look at Michael Antonio before he makes any decision on the player and that could delay any departure – should he decide on that – until January AT LEAST!
The manager is having to decide whether to look for a back-up striker to Marko Arnautovic and Chicharito or use Antonio as a cover player in a number of areas.
ClaretandHugh reported last night (Sun) that although the bulk of the club’s business had been done there was still the possibility of fringe players and a back-up striker being brought in.
There is no pressure to sell given the two David’s decision to guarantee a £50 million overdraft and the manager will now continue to make his assessments of players free of that financial concern.
It will be his decision on whether a new front man is required but it would be entirely out of character for him to make that sort of decision before giving Antonio a chance to impress him.
Should he remain with the squad his price would rise anyway in what is always a frantic January window should the correct level of interest be shown in him.
The manager is very much a football purist and loves a good first touch and ability to move the ball quickly within good passing movement.
Whether Antonio fits his style remains to be seen but he could prove a decent option given his ability to provide cover up front during Andy Carroll’s current injury spell.
Of he likes a good first touch that could be Antonio out the door then
Great transfer window but am a little concerned that we do not have a good holding Defensive Midfielder. Remains an area of weakness.
Obiang or Rice. The one we missed was Seri; he could be an inspired signing by Fulham.
MP is looking at playing Declan in the defensive mid role as he has impressed him so far. Obiang is also of that position and if needs be, we saw Zab playing there with Noble last season. Admittedly its not ideal but those type of players are hard to come by and expensive.
On Antonio, i think we should definitely keep him as he can cover the right wing and attacker role. When fit, we all know what he’s like and it would cost another small fortune to replace him with someone similar. Maybe when Lanzini returns it will give us more options to release Antonio but even then, i’d still wanna keep him.