quickpassnmove

might actually turn out better than someone like Kovacic. I see nothing wrong with this as a signing; the real problem at Chelsea --for many seasons now, is that tempo of play on attacks. Particularly, we need faster interplay and passing to break opposition down. Ramires and Mikel should be leaving (any blinking day is fine), Iva to backup defender and give time to Loftus-Cheek this year. I'm confident in saying that a CM in Crystal Palace of McArthur, Jedinak, and Cabaye poses more of challenge to opposition either by pure talent or by way of CP's tempo of play when compared to what Chelsea currently offer (including some of last season). At very least the football is easier on the eye.

I've been trying to not say much, but all I can really say is that I would have waited until around December this season to re-sign Mourinho. That was a dumb decision. Someone has put a photo of one Juergen Klopp as his profile image. Lovely.

LOL the guy that mentions Barcelona above when discussing this Chelsea squad. that's funny.

The best question is: can Chelsea do any better? How? I haven't seen it. I don't see it. I didn't see the CP-Arsenal match earlier, but I'm sure it was more entertaining from both sides. How would CP look in this match?

Chelsea have one good centre midfielder: Matic and one top striker: Diego Costa. No one has emerged as -THE- right winger either as Hazard and Fabregas must carry the team again with Diego. Chelsea are NOT a top squad in Europe, so no, no chance on the CL unless they limp in and park the bus again. Get something more in CM, another fullback and emergent winger this season along with a fully healthy Diego and Chelsea MIGHT have aspirations with something more than park-the-bus.

I think the summer transfer season is about to begin. 3 signings OTW? Make it good.

I just heard that this deal is going through on talksport. anyone seen something yet? ?

strong in the air and strong shielding the ball, but getting worse on overall defending and still looks like merely a gifted CB on the wing during attacks. Need a real fullback, sorry. Today's game requires capability on attack from those fullback areas.

excellent signing. I'm happy for this. You won't find a more athletic fullback with some good defending and attacking skills already in superior development at age 21. Good luck, Baba. Now, about centre midfield...

running on one leg with Matic in CM, I don't think so. fullback, CM and possibly a winger. the first two are the priority despite the fact that a lot of the time Willian doesn't look at all like a winger. I hope that Azpi moves to RB and the new player gets the job at LB as starter. Also worth noting: ManUtd bought an excellent FB this summer in Darmian.

Facepalm summer. Where's the fullback and centre mid?

agreed^^^ I'm beginning to doubt Cuadrado, Remy and Falcao while already seeing a lack of quality in CM for a while, doubting Costa long-term, and wondering about both depth and quality at RB and LB during the past year. As much as people here will want to call the new poster above a "troll," I've been one to agree with the essence of what he's said season after season. Chelsea have yet to prove to me that they can play week after week like a side that builds attacks through quick, accurate passing on build-up and in quick transition. In other words, as blues.bridge suggests: not through individual talent so much, but through strong interplay on attacks. This is what I've been waiting to see since that 2004/2005 season. Sorry to offend anyone, but I've simply not seen enough of it from SW London. Most neutral fans around the world have the same view if they've seen enough to know.

Soooo.... that means we'll probably wait 3 years until we get another CM to accompany the quality of player we have in Matic? ohhhhhh Arsenal --I mean Chelsea. I am, however, glad the Rahman is coming. good news. we'll see what the rest of August brings.

Looks like I wrote this a few hours too soon. Today our striker position looks dubious with another prolonged hamstring problem.

getting that other CB is a good idea right now. I still think that Zouma might hurt himself and that leaves us thin on the back line already. if Kenedy and Rahman will be in the first team, plus that CB, the only weakness in the squad will be in centre midfield.

I don't think anyone has a thing to complain about given how athletic, strong, agile and apparently skilled this guy is. And Chelsea need a left back with top quality potential. I'm completely satisfied with this signing. There are never any guarantees, but this guy has it all and all to gain in coming years. Happy Birthday, you're welcome. Now about the CM and maybe CB...

I think this will be an excellent signing. He will become a great defender for Mourinho and he already has excellent physicality, speed, tackling, delivery. One of the positions Chelsea need the most.

the likelihood that no club will pay for him and his wages and Chelsea are stuck with him won't bother me much as long as he's on the bench (which is likely where he'll be most of the time). not everything's perfect, but at least we got rid of Torres and Luiz.

we've seen his ceiling and it's time to move on. a lot of us hate him because he embodies some really crap football not worth watching. might as well hear the score 5 hours later and roll my eyes if Chelsea midfield is being run by Mikel. keeping the ball and defending a lead? I think it's about as likely to backfire on Chelsea as succeed with the speed of the game and pressing of quality sides. Mikel is targeted because smart opposition knows Mikel's like the boxer with the predictable footwork.

I don't understand someone who watches football and can't compare a player like Mikel to top centre mids from clubs of the past and present, all over Europe. Doesn't stack up, period --unless you want the player who rarely creates any impetus on transition and overall possession.

looks like a player with plenty of composure, skill, and versatility. add him and get rid of Mikel. next up: fullback.

Window is too quiet at the moment. A CM and fullback would be very good choices IMHO. anything else is a bonus -IF- that something else gives us more goalscoring.

probably the best AM in rumours although Sterling could be as good ITF. I would have liked to have him.

good news on a Monday.

I feel like the priority to sign a fullback has been as high on the priority list for Chelsea as it has been in my book. fullback, CM, got the striker.... what else?