quickpassnmove

Right, thanks for the reply, but it doesn't seem like any individual is "overstating" a lack of technical ability. He has decent technique on the ball but he doesn't look silky smooth, so people have different opinions, but I don't see any one person overstating a lack of technical ability. He is still 25 and arguably growing into his role or maturing overall, so we'll see how it goes.

WHO is overstating his lack of technical skills?

LOL. http://talksport.com/football/tottenham-move-would-be-step-down-klopp-claims-brassell-14041587378

He's undeterred and persistent. Unfazed by the opponent, the challenge. That mentality and his physical presence make up for his technical shortcomings and lack of pace. I'm hoping he goes on to score plenty of goals for Chelsea.

Should we buy Ciro Immobile instead? I suggested Wilfried Bony last summer after we had been linked with him for months, but apparently Lukaku was going to be the next striker, according to the online forum users. Not sure who else Chelsea would consider right now. Dip into Ligue 1 again?

I think Costa is Ramires-awkward on the ball, but the difference is that he has better balance and strength up against defenders than some strikers we know in the Premier League. Also, his mentality is always in a state of "undeterred." just the way I see him.

No one reporting on this story knows the transfer fee, but it looks like 42.5 million EUROS is the current estimation by some papers. It's amazing how often the daily papers in England report the cost in pounds as though 42mil EUROS = 42 mil P. 42.5Euros = ~35P, which is a very good price for a supposed top striker --in the present high-spending climate. Means we would be getting Costa for less money than PSG for a slightly older Cavani last summer.

for me, One "top top" CM, plus Diego Costa, Rodriguez at LB (or a LB of choice), and a second CM like Borja Valero would be an excellent summer window. go ahead and add in an English player like Stones from Everton. He's a good defender, excellent feet, quick, young and not overpriced yet. Let Manchester United blow their big wad on Shaw.

Will be interesting if Ciro Immobile goes to Atletico. can't wait to see that.

Borja Valero is one of my favourite players for CM in Serie A and probably in Europe. Had that short time at West Brom which found him back in Spain quickly. he's 29 but he's not a slow guy. Hard to say how well he would do in the Prem, but he is superb in positioning, passing, vision.

I agree, but I am confused on the homegrown talent rule, or how many English players are required in a squad. How does the club circumvent it? Do Chelsea need to have a number of English players in the 1st team? if some English player is still needed, I think Stones is a better choice than Shaw.

yes, getting the FB elsewhere

I have a feeling that Shaw isn't going to happen and that the Stones rumour is not only more likely, but a better choice. http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/fans/faqs/home-grown-player-rule.html

Fulham are tracking Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Alex Meier, 31, and 21-year-old Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez.

talk about something else... http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/img/7/8/9/6/8/6/5/MTS_Lumaral-1411180-DaenerysTargaryen.jpg http://balls.ie/wp-content/uploads/cache/2013/04/evacarneiro2/1841852329.jpg

Salah has been very good in this match where Chelsea haven't really done enough.

Jon "what's he good for" Mikel Obi coming on to score a goal.

might as well play Ba the rest of the season (and Eto'o). There's absolutely no good reason to ever see Torres on the pitch again unless someone is injured.

Things are better now. Just feel a strong need for an attacking fullback in the summer window along with more quick passing up front.

Willian's not doing it for me. Either he starts trying to play it to Ba in the first 10-15 minutes of the 2nd half, or he needs moved/subbed. might be Schuerrle subbed though on the yellow. if there's no trust or risk taken between this CAM and the CF, I don't see how anything happens unless Swansea gift us something on a set piece of counterattack

I expect more from Boga. fingers crossed

I'm not sure that Witsel would not come. it's still possible.

If anyone from the academy or reserves is going to make it in CM, I'll put my money on Boga and RL-C. But, maybe Chalobah can.

NOt going to happen. just forget it. why would one of Europe's top clubs in the history of European football with a new stadium and the highest ambitions sell one of the key players in the spine of their starting 11?

Yeah, Luiz seems like an impossible project for a CM. No argument that he has top shelf ability, but it's his brain that's the problem and who can fix that? Look at outgoing Mikel. No changing him either. Chalobah would be sixth man for midfield IMO; not one of the top 5 in pecking-order. I've watched him; just not quick enough in his vision/response--yet. I like Josh a lot, but he seems to need a lifestyle coach or dietician and personal trainer to gain weight, plus he's not quick. I would like to think that Josh could be great passing midfielder, but not being a physical specimen, he leaves me in doubt as a starter for a top club.