MrExcalibur100

If we're seriously thinking about Drogba then we've lost the plot. As a coach, absolutely, but not as a player.

Not true at all. Was very isolated by Spain's sterile play in the 1st half and he still won a penalty. Also came extremely close to scoring with a header that was stopped by a magnificent save from the keeper in the 2nd half. His runs were also generally decent. Far from "awful".

Do clubs announce deals on weekends though?

The made up quotes are fake, yes, but not the quotes from the Catalan periodista stating that Barca have accepted our bid.

Rise Of The Kop‏@RiseOfTheKop Call me deluded but I would rather spend £25m on Lallana than £33m on Fabregas.

This is no coincidence at all! Does the "8" at the back also represent a subliminal? Cesc as a replacement for Lamps?!

Pretty much. And there are reasons why he might not want him if Costa is coming, but I don't want to think cynical thoughts.

Judging by his comments, it's either: (1) Lukaku is not rated or wanted by the club and as a result is angling for a move elsewhere. or (2) Lukaku is afraid of competition and wants to go to a club where he will be the undisputed starter. He will rather be a big fish in a small pond. Something gives me a feeling it's the former.

Difference between an attacking midfielder and a central midfielder: Cesc is a central midfielder, as in he occupies the same position of the pitch as the Lampard's, Ballack's and Essien's of this world. This is where he started his career as a kid at Arsenal and this is the position he has played for the majority of his career. The "number 8". Like has been repeated for the umpteenth time, Fabregas is being bought to partner Matic and as an alternative for Oscar as Fabregas also plays the "number 10" position, which is Oscar and Mata's positon. An example of a player who can play both central midfield and attacking midfield is Luka Modric. Another is Ivan Rakitic. A player like Mata for example has never played in central midfield.

Because Torres is shit that's why, Lukaku is the best young striker in the world. Besides, I think that's so 2011-2012. Very few people defend that guy anymore.

Which is exactly what we're all responding too. Lukaku is your boy, we get that, but no need for petty insults to other forum members. ANYWAY, the bolded part doesn't exactly inspire confidence. If our board want him, there's absolutely no way he says that. Hence the concern.

If you won't provide an accurate translation then you can't be calling anyone "bitches". Provide an accurate translation.

It's disgusting really. Sometimes I wonder if the people in charge care about the long term success of this team or their personal glory alone. It will be absolutely ridiculous if we start next season with a strike force of Costa, Torres and Ba. We still don't know how Costa is going to perform in a new league with a completely different football philosophy. We KNOW Ba and Torres are shite and not good enough to wear the shirt. We won't win shit with those three. After what Torres, Ba and Eto'o put us through, I fully expect our board to get rid of two of them (preferably all three, but Torres is hard to move because of his wages). Eto'o is gone. Next should be Ba. Anything less than that and we're begging for a repeat of failure. UNLESS we go out and spend money on a Mandzuvic. But a Mandzuvic won't leave Bayern to be our second striker. Every place in the squad should be earned, but we need to treat this with kid's gloves. There's absolutely no reason why Lukaku can't play 20+ games next season, even with Costa here. You don't win anything with just one striker! We have never won the league before with just one good striker. Anyway, let's just hope our board are not this stupid. We look like we have Costa, Fabregas and Luis. Why piss in the Caviar by allowing this one to drag and drag. Mourinho, someone make a statement and say this boy is not for sale at ANY price. We clearly don't feel that way though, because if we did, Lukaku won't have said that.

I know a couple of those goals were scored in the Belgian league, but goals are goals! I honestly don't know what's happening behind closed doors anymore. We have the best young striker in the world and there's so much uncertainty about keeping him? This should be an absolute no brainer!

Interesting rant from a Barca fan on why Cesc didn't work for them. https://storify.com/LordMoloch/the-cesc-story One man's meat is another man's poison.

This is a new low even for them. Bastards.

https://twitter.com/ChelseaRumours Chelsea Rumours @ChelseaRumours · 5m"Interesting for all players looking for a transfer, and I must be one. Chelsea know my point of view" - this part is 100% made up! Sheds more light!

I agree with this 100%. Schurrle is a much, much more productive player.

Something gives me a feeling we're going to do something idiotic and let this kid go.

http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20140606/fc-barcelona/en-breve-se-hara-oficial-el-traspaso-de-cesc-al-chelsea_54408734530.html "Soon to be made official, the transfer of Cesc to Chelsea".

Really fantastic words from Jose about our finest ever player. Glad to know he will be back at the club one day.: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/frank-lampard-chelsea-manager-one-3650621

I have to say, Ramires is not as good as I initially thought he was. BUT, we aren't in a position were Ramires has to leave. He's a very useful player to have in your team. Not only does he cover a lot of kilometres and work his butt off for the cause of his team, he is also pretty versatile. Remember he can play on the right side to "close" things down when need be. Remember how Jose used him against City to neutralize Kolarov's runs and to a lesser extent, prevent Silva from drifting to the left and forcing him to go the center (even though admittedly, Silva always does that), where he was marked out by David Luiz and Matic. In that game, Ramires was hopeless offensively though, further exemplifying his limitations. We also need him because Jose will also be going 4-3-3 in certain matches next season. If Ramires was put on the market tomorrow, the very biggest clubs in Europe will by vying for his signature, I'm sure of it. There's no doubt in my mind that he's nowhere near good enough technically to be a starter in a passing side, hence the desire to sign Fabregas. But no one can deny his tactical flexibility and the energy, verve and drive he brings. He should be an important squad guy, nothing more, nothing less.

Cesc, definitely. More proven over a longer time period and more talented.

I read somewhere Rakitic doesn't want to leave Spain. That's cheap though, for a top class midfielder. Means Cesc is defo leaving now.