LAM09

A host of PL players have gone for much more than they're actually worth over the past few seasons. Rice's move to Arsenal set the precedent this summer.

It's stupid that clubs are willing to put their players at risk. I know it wasn't the exact same issue, but look at how RLC got badly injured a few years ago.

That is true. We aren't off to a good start, though, after yesterday. I'm hoping it's only a minor setback.

Top 4 being a walk? If we sign him, I don't see why we can't, at the very least, pose a threat for the title. The lack of a WC CF is why I certainly wouldn't give us a chance of upsetting the odds. Just look at the rumoured fee for Raya. There's little value around nowadays.

They came in for him as well, but he had already decided to join us.

I was thinking the same thing. Here, I was expecting it to be £10m~ at most.

No chance with Enrique at the helm.

I just don't agree with the thinking behind it and believe there will be better options going forward. I'm still holding out hope for Osimhen, potentially 12 months from now, or someone else that might light up Europe in that period.

His injury record, recent goal return (17 league goals in 42 games), and the biggest issue of all, a £30m+ outlay for someone who wouldn't be an undisputed starter. I'd stick with what we have while reassessing things in Jan or next summer. We can't fall at the same hurdle yet again.

I'll give you a list: He's HG. He wants to play for the club unlike a number of players in the past (even some that came through the club), He's shown he can deliver in the PL with a weaker side and showed glimpses in a Blues shirt. I personally believe he will be a better player than whatever Vlahovic becomes. There are almost two years between them. Most importantly, HE COSTS NOTHING (ideal for FFP). We have no idea what will happen over the coming nine months, so I'd rather have Broja as an option to challenge Jackson, who has yet to play a PL minute, might I add, or just for rotating purposes. There are reports doing the rounds that the club believes the only way to get rid of Lukaku is to sanction this swap. What idiotic way of thinking is that when it isn't even a straight swap?

I'm guessing Broja doesn't exist in this "world"?

This signing just reeks of Morata #2. I hope it's nothing more than the usual Twitter noise.

He and his agent are getting a nice payday if this deal wraps up quickly.

I feel like it's only a matter of time before one of these mega offers goes through, which essentially forces the club/player to accept.

I think a lot depends on how much of an effect it will have on our incomings going forward. However, having a WC player join us really can't be matched and would potentially put us in the title race conversation, IMO.

He wants experience, and we've only signed one player over 25, so they've managed to do that already.

We might have another target lined up that hasn't been spoken about. Either way, we can't be played around with like a toy. A final bid should be exactly that, rather than a sort of threat before running back with our umpteenth bid. I'm sure most around here are sick & tired of talking about Brighton at this point.

It's a shame this didn't happen at the beginning of preseason rather than two weeks before our first competitive game.

Sell Sterling and go for Dembele before the 31st July.

You should realise it's a theme at this point. It will be someone else 12 months from now.

Same reason Nkunku did, same reason Szoboszlai joined Liverpool—our current positions are temporary. Also, as the former mentioned in a recent interview, our project is appealing (just look at the post above). Barella is seemingly earning around £155kpw. Going up to £200kpw with bonuses attached isn't something I'd deem extreme, all things considered.

I didn't say that either. Just an example that Italian clubs need money and players would move on if required.

Same as Tonali? I don't believe this idea of players being so reluctant to move countries unless they are at the backend of their career.

I'm not sure why you deem Barella an unrealistic target. If we offered the exact amount we have to Brighton, I'm almost certain they'd listen. The issue is having to deal with them again, which is something I'm not fond of. Thuram is another name that could be an interesting option that would cost a fraction of what we've offered thus far. At some point, the club needs to realise enough is enough rather than bending to Brighton's hourly demands.

PSG has done a fair bit of business already, and Liverpool has made two notable midfield signings. I can't speak about what plans other clubs have, but we seem set on Caicedo for some stupid reason at this point instead of keeping our options open. The market isn't that small, especially if we're willing to drop £80-100m.