OhForAGreavsie

They can't prevent us triggering the clause that is correct obviously. What they can do, and I believe are (or were) doing, is to point out that a 'standard' transfer, even for an amount above the clause figure, can actually cost Chelsea less because of the tax implications. That is already better for The Blues, even without the advantage that comes from being able to amortise the accounting of a standard transfer fee for FFP reporting. They can argue that it would therefore be in Chelsea's interests to pay a higher figure specifically to avoid the clause, and they would be right. This is what I believe is behind those reports which have claimed the we offered more than €120m. The latest number I've seen quoted (in this thread) is £115m, which is well north of €120m of course.

OK.

His first post didn't bother me in the least, nor do I think it should have bothered anyone. He spoke directly, but he spoke the truth as he sees it. I'm sure many would see it as he does. There has indeed been a display of self-entitlement in this thread.

I'm sure he came to give his opinion and I'm ok with that.

Visitors should be welcome here. If he has a different opinion to most here so what? By my reckoning the first inappropriate post was written to him not by him.

As I've said numerous times, I believe costa wants more than the clause. Indeed it seems he has been offered more than the clause, but still is holding out for more.

I believe we have bid more than €120m, as reported by some source last night, but that Benfica has nothing to loose by holding out for more. They don't have to make a final decision until the clock has nearly run out but they equally can't be sure that they've squeezed every possible penny out of Chelsea until that same moment.

Work permit would probably kill any transfer mind.

I think he's playing a blinder.

They're ringing but are only getting an out of office message saying everybody's gone to Portugal.

Good on him. He's showing quality in his new line of work too.

I know I'm repeating myself so forgive me please, but I don't think Benfica are holding out for the clause. I believe they are holding out for more than the clause.

I'm sure he would like to, but he's too busy reading TalkChelsea. 🙂

The problem it seems is that triggering the clause, and being forced to account that amount plus taxes, in the current year's FFP, will mean that we can't pass FFP. That therefore means we cannot do the deal on this basis. Note, it's not that we can't afford the payment, we can, it's that we can't afford the FFP hit.

That's his job. He works for Benfica, not Chelsea.

Let me know where you're taking her and I'll send a bottle to your table.

Neither of us, I think, know the full facts but I don't believe what you say here is correct. I think Chelsea is flushed with cash and can easily pay the transfer fee in one payment if they wish. The issue is not about payment terms, but about how those payments can be accounted for FFP purposes. Formally triggering the clause means that the full amount, plus taxes, must be accounted for FFP purposes in the current year. That becomes a problem because we would then fail FFP. On the other hand, completing the deal as a standard transfer, i.e. without triggering the clause, allows the cost to be amortised across the contract regardless of whether the actual payment is made in one payment or not. This would allow us to pass this year's FFP. This is about FFP, not the ability to pay.

I believe this is exactly the difference between the two clubs currently. Chelsea will argue that, as long as Benfica get the clause amount, it shouldn't matter to them whether or not that comes from a formal triggering of the buyout. Benfica will argue that if Chelsea trigger the clause it will cost them a lot more than the clause amount. By paying above the clause, in exchange for Benfica doing the deal as a standard transfer, Chelsea actually save money.

Until the end of the BVB tie at least, we can dream can't we? 🙂

In general I've liked the fact that we've allowed players to get the moves they wanted. It's been a show of strength and confidence, as well as a demonstration of loyalty to the players. Now that we are sending Arsenal player who might actually help them win the league however, I'm no longer feeling so fair minded. 🙂

I think Rui Costa is just trying to squeeze every last penny out of Chelsea. Only 5 minutes before the cut-off point for getting the deal done in time does he have to make a definitive decision, so he's just waiting to see if Chelsea will sweeten the deal even further. This bloke is good.

As long as he gets that first one. 🙂

Well let's hope talkSPORT are right then. £15m being better than £12m. 🙂

That's a good fee.

This is the grown-up argument for sure. The emotional argument is that I, and I imagine millions of fellow Blues, do not want to see red ribbons on the Premier League trophy come the end of the season. If it was City wanting Jorgi, I'd be more open to a deal but if Arsenal think Jorgi can help them then I really would not want to see him go there.