I love him DB I really do, and my guessing would be that Ayew would still rack up 30 odd appearances through subs, injuries, games where tactics dictate his ability to retain ball and move it are more important etc.

But Olise when fit has to start on the right and I'd like a LW with a bit of youth, pace, goal threat and dynamism against teams outside the super rich at the top of league.

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Both Schlupp and Ayew will play prominent role this season. Both of which make me happy.

Ayew at the moment is un-droppable, never thought i would say that

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I think those are the key words. In other words we're not in desperate need for new players but it would be nice to get a couple more over the line.

You could say we’re not desperate if everyone stays fit and the refs are not waving too many cards in our players direction

Our top 8 players are Anderson, Guehi, Doucoure, Eze and Olise.
It’s no coincidence that these are the players linked with moves.
It’s too early to assess Lerma and Franca.

This doesn’t mean all the other players have to be replaced to progress as a team.

You could get ‘better’ players than Ward and Ayew, for example, but you may not replace their determination, bloody mindedness and value to the team.
It’s a question of producing a well balanced team with a bit of everything.
I recall an old manager saying the best teams are made up of ‘ 8 hod carriers and 3 violinists’
PSG are a classic example of buying some of the best players in the world but never producing a team in the proper sense of the word.
Ward may well struggle v Martinelli on Monday, but it doesn’t make him a bad player or devalue his contribution to the club.
Against the majority of teams he will do a sound job, even if he won’t provide the acceleration of Walker or crossing of Trippier.

When he’s replaced I hope it will be with a quicker player who can attack, but I also hope the replacement can provide the other qualities that Ward demonstrates.