***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Looks like Magic is probably going to United.

Just don't see why we are helping them, even if they are paying a lot for a player that looks past his prime. He's still a good player and will be filling a void they desperately need to fill. It will also allow them to get the most out of their best player.

Just seems really really stupid.

[The_Wise_One]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Isn't Bakayoko injured? Are we going to roll with Cesc and Kante to start the season? We need to sign another big physical midfielder. I'm a fan of Renata Sanches but he doesn't really offer that.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I mean, I'd imagine we have a replacement lined up.

Still though, will be interesting to see what else we do in the transfer market. We are a bit thin atm, but Conte also doesn't rotate a whole lot. At the same time, it would seem our plan isn't going with youth seeing as how we just loaned out all our youth cms.

Is Baker still with the squad? Maybe he likes Baker.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

It feels like one of those offers in FIFA that the CPU makes and you know you're not going to get a better offer but you don't want to sell him to THAT team.

Knowing that he'll step in for Fellaini hurts BUT he still doesn't give United a true CDM and they're going to have to choose between a midfield two of:

Pogba - Herrera
Pogba - Carrick
Pogba - Matic

Each pairing gives them something unique (size, passing range) but leaves them short defensively.

I read today that Bakayoko could play in the Community Shield so that's obviously a boost but unless we turn that 40 mil into depth or a big splash at Wingback/Midfielder we're going into the season with big questions.

On a positive note, Charly looked really positive. It's a shame that niggling injury deprived him of a proper preseason. With Pedro and Hazard out he could have used this chance to stand out.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I can pretty much guarantee you Jose will play all 3 of Matic, Herrera and Pogba together in a 3-man midfield.

Anyway, looks like we might be getting Renato Sanches. Kid looked pretty special for Portugal and Benfica so maybe this works out in the end, still pretty risky though.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Do you think he actually wants to come here considering he'd be 4th choice?

I don't believe any of the rumors with him linked with us. I think Conte asked Carlo after the friendly and Carlo said "yeah he's available for loan" but their board will find a place for him to get guaranteed minutes.


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[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

They would only be concerned about his minutes if they want to keep him. They have a bunch of super talented young CMs, plus possibly snatching Goretzka next summer.

As for his minutes at Chelsea, it would essentially be the same argument we'd make for Nate/Ruben etc. Basically, if we are playing 50-60 games next season then all 4 CMs would theoretically get a decent amount of playing time. Obviously Kante will play as much as possible, but Cesc and a 4th CM would potentially be getting 25-30 games each.

Of course this isn't the same thing as starting 38 games, nor do we have any kind of assurances that Conte will actually rotate the squad this season, but I'd imagine at the very least being a rotational option at Chelsea would be more appealing than sitting on the bench for Bayern doing nothing for another season.

[KG]

***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

They would only be concerned about his minutes if they want to keep him. They have a bunch of super talented young CMs, plus possibly snatching Goretzka next summer.

As for his minutes at Chelsea, it would essentially be the same argument we'd make for Nate/Ruben etc. Basically, if we are playing 50-60 games next season then all 4 CMs would theoretically get a decent amount of playing time. Obviously Kante will play as much as possible, but Cesc and a 4th CM would potentially be getting 25-30 games each.

Of course this isn't the same thing as starting 38 games, nor do we have any kind of assurances that Conte will actually rotate the squad this season, but I'd imagine at the very least being a rotational option at Chelsea would be more appealing than sitting on the bench for Bayern doing nothing for another season.

Yeah I could see that plus the added fact of working with a great manager like Conte who turned Pogba into a world class player has to be appealing. I guess I'm just not used to being on this side of the loan table, ha.

Btw, if Aurier is available for ~22 mil go out and get him. I know he's an a**hat but the guy is good.

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[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

He's good but I'm not sure he's good enough to put up with his attitude. Like if Sandro had a bad attitude you might still take a chance because he's the second best LB in the world, but Aurier wasn't even the best RB in his team. He regularly got benched by Meunier, who isn't exactly a world class fullback.

Who knows though, Maybe he would be different under a manager that won't take his ****.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

If we sell Nemaja freaking Matic and Nate, and loan out Pasalic, Ruben etc. and end up replacing them with Ross Barkely, I am going to be a bit less than thrilled.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Ahahahaha

Jokes on us, it's not Ross Barkley it's Danny Drinkwater

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

So all joking aside, I do think that Ox would be a good purchase. He'd provide depth we need, he's homegrown, he's experienced in the CL and could legitimately challenge Moses for a starting spot. He also has a relatively high ceiling still, and most importantly, we have more or less a 100% success rate with ex-Arsenal players.

Barkley and Drinkwater would probably provide decent depth, and if Conte can turn Victor Moses into a title-winning wingback then I don't see why he couldn't unlock a bit of Ox and Barkley's potential.

Still think we are after Sandro as well, behind the scenes. He still hasn't signed a new contract, and it appears even Juve fans are getting a bit concerned. So maybe there is still something there.

Lastly, I really do think Mahrez would be a great signing. I've already posted in here before about how much it would help Hazard to have another true "baller" on the pitch. Mahrez fits the bill pretty well, and he wouldn't be nearly as expensive as other options.

Our window was never going to be spectacular, as we are in a relatively similar position to Spurs, where we need depth as much/more than we need starters. Ox, Sandro and Mahrez would round out a pretty fantastic window for me.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Talking yourself into Barkley? I think it's time to log off the transfer rumor sites for a bit.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Our board is usually good at getting players much cheaper than their valuation. Barkley for like 25m would be a perfectly reasonable depth signing.

There's no way our board pays 50m for Ross Barkley.

[The_Wise_One]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I like Barkley. He's shown flashes of brilliance but his value has diminished over the last couple seasons. Doubt he goes for cheap to PL club.