As well as a couple of forwards we'll need a new right winger or two in the summer, but we'll need a type to suit the system we're using as neither Gray or Iwobi are great there.
A right footer bringing balance to the midfield, hopefully with good pace, can cross a ball and chip in with goals. Seems like most wide midfielders play on the side of the pitch where they can cut in and shoot at the moment though.
I'd say keep Iwobi where he can be moved back centrally and be a useful utility player. With him, Onana, Gueye, Doucoure and Garner I think we would be able to concentrate strengthening other positions in desperate need.
On the surface, if we are going with 3 in midfield then (as you say) Onana, Gana, Doucoure, Garner and Iwobi with perhaps an u21 gives us the numbers.
Then we could bring in 2 right midfielders.
Totally logical and of course McNeil and Gray competing the left sided role.
The issues I see with this centrally are:
1: Iwobi wont be on a low wage and with an extension he wont be a cheap utility player
2: Currently we have an ageing Gana. Doucoure I believe were expecting to have a one year deal triggered. Garner I expect to push out Gana next season, Onana is also a young player...surely we should bring in another u21 to takeover from Doucoure?
We'd then have recycled our midfield in 12months. Instead, by giving Iwobi a new contract were missing an opportunity.
3: How much could we sell him for? Could that figure not be better spent on an u21 right winger or attacking midfielder to gradually develop over the next 12months or so?
For me, I would sign 2 × U21 players to develop at attacking midfield and right midfield. Also a starting right midfielder.
Iwobi's fee goes towards our budget and his wages cover the cost of at least the 2 youngsters.
