akgw13

I was on the fence about paying so much for a 30 yr old CB(even though hes my fav defender in the world) who doesnt fill an exact area of need. BUT then i realized that Conte knows what he wants and if he wants Bonucci and thinks he can create a solid D then I fully support. Maybe he envisioned Luiz as a marauding LCB/RCB like Chiellini but couldn't play him there due to our lack of CB depth? It was a small sample size of Luiz playing out wide anyways. Give the Don what he wants! ahah

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-transfer-news-tammy-abraham-and-dominic-solanke-show-blues-are-happy-to-play-without-a3570456.html Didn't know really where to put this article but I thought it was a good piece. I really hope Tammy makes it here though, call that wishful thinking.

Lots of games coming up this season so he will still get lots of time at LWB but I think Alonso is a really good *option* for LCB. Depending on who else we bring in.

http://www.football-italia.net/104539/dalbert-opens-alex-sandro-chelsea "Brazilian reports claim Juventus are close to a deal for Nice left-back Dalbert, which would free up Alex Sandro for Chelsea. According to Globoesporte.com, the Old Lady are at a very advanced stage of negotiations with both the French club and the player’s entourage." I am seriously optimistic about this deal now. If anyone was worried about the Board and Conte working together IF they close this deal, those worries are no more.

Very fair, thank you.

Your hate for Lukaku is super real, and thats fine it is your opinion. IF we bring him in what would you deem a successful season from him? If he scores 25 goals and plays well in CL will that be good enough for you?

I think this will happen, Juventus is just working on lining up a replacement(I have 0 proof, just what i think). They are negotiating from a position of power at the moment so they are probably trying to delay accepting our offer until they can get Guerrero or Mendy. I am very hopeful, that is a VERY large sum for a smart spending team like Juventus, Sandro will get a massive pay increase and additional exposure with us in a world cup year. key word: Hopeful, Sandro could accept their contract offer and continue to dominate italian football and do well in CL.

god i hope he asks to leave. trying to remain calm over this but its getting harder.

he wouldn't be a player brought in who we relied on, solely a project i think. thats why for low cost with an unteachable physical skill if Conte makes him a personal project he could be extremely useful. Thats best case most optimistic scenario, just a little end product and he is useful aha we shall see.

Apparently Adama Traore is close to joining us. great physical skill, absolutely no end product. for a low cost id take him as a project. Truly terrifying speed, Conte might be able to coach him up? low cost high potential reward. worth a flyer.

hard to believe this one is true. He has it made at Bayern. worth it to ask the question but this is a new contract rumour. Would be world class obviously but this is a fifa/dream rumour

http://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/andrea-belotti-perfect-premier-league-well-worth-e100m/ “I’ll tell you a story: when I was sporting director of Palermo and Antonio Conte was the Italian national team coach, he called me to ask about Belotti. “He was looking at him for the national team even when he was not in the starting line up at Palermo. He was already looking at Belotti and already loved his way of playing, his skills and his attitude.” Until we announce Lukaku or Belotti gets sold elsewhere I continue to dream about Belotti. Concerns over a 1 year wonder? perhaps. but this dude just works his ass off for the team. I love him.

If the club manage to secure Sandro/Bakayoko/Caballero that is an amazing start to the summer. Lukaku deal will get done, if not we will turn our attention to Belotti and i would be over the moon if that happens, either way Conte is going to get his striker. A summer window of those 4 is a massive success to me and any other players would be cherry on top. I refuse to get excited about Sandro until we announce though, he is a spectacular player. Hazard/Sandro link up is terrifying.

I agree 100%, a few big signings then use the youth as depth is the perfect plan. The most important point you made is (2) They have the right Attitude to take their opportunities. They need to be open to working hard and earning respect as opposed to being given it due to them being Chelsea youth players. We seem to have strong willed players with Ake, Chalobah, Lew Baker, and Christensen so I hope they can prove they belong and show Conte they are worth keeping. Abraham for me needs one more Loan to a PL side then integrate him back in. Spot on message though sir

Nothing but truth in that whole message. i agree 100%.

When Conte would substitute Fabregas on for Pedro it would be similar to a 352, James would be used similarly to Fabregas perhaps? and I think James can play that right side attacker with some free responsibility, Conte wants his attackers to drift in and have the wing backs create the width which Moses did well for most of the year. I think if you swap Pedro for James we get more dangerous going forward, i don't think it will expose moses as Kante will still be on his side behind the attackers. It is an interesting question that I might not have the clearest answer for but IF the rumours linking him to us are true and he is who Conte wants I am sure the Boss knows what he wants to do. We shall see my friend!

well his "Position" will be either RW or the tip of midfield in a 352. but I view our front in a 343 as 3 positionless free attackers. With Lukaku(assuming) up top Hazard and James will have free attacking roles to roam and find mismatches and holes in the D. People wont be able to man mark hazard with James floating around with him, it would be very dangerous. It is a luxury that can be afforded due to Kante and Bakayoko(assuming) protecting the space behind them.

I think we need to wait until at least mid July, If the Nike sponsorship is holding up announcing we will find out. Id expect Lukaku and Bakayoko to be announced before mid July IF that is really the reason. If nobody is announced by then, we might have a reason to start grumbling.

I know he is a divisive player, but I think he can really be special. He could be Juan Mata 2.0. He gives us skills we currently do not have and gives us more danger going forward. He can ping them in from distance and is a special passer of the ball. His work rate needs to be improved but that is Conte's specialty. Plus having Kante/Bakayoko behind really opens up the possibility of playing with James/Hazard/Lukaku which is truly frightening for an opponent. We could play a 352 with James as the highest midfielder, A 343 with James/Hazard drifting all over the field behind Lukaku or a 4231 with James in the #10. Teams wouldn't be able to Man Mark hazard with James on the field and with Hazard/James behind Lukaku he is going to have a field day up front. Really interesting situation IF its true

that is not how you do business, Bakayoko was always linked to be our first choice and he fits how Conte seemingly wants to play. Tolisso has no affect on doing other business with Lyon.

What a physical marvel this dude is, was just reading/watching things about him. His speed and coordination for his height is insane! No wonder Conte supposedly wants this guy.

I think so as well. but I only fully believe it when the players are announced and they are holding up our jersey.

I know it sounds crazy cause Bonucci is the best defender in the world, but if we were to only buy one, K2 fits our current needs far better. The dude is a mountain of a man with some good skill, he would be a great LCB. Dealing with Napoli is just the worst though. Lets hope we buy who Conte wants quickly.

Most important thing, especially for a coach like Conte who values prep time so much. I feel like once the Nike sponsorship is announced we will announce at least Baka and Rom. I am hoping! aha

fine backup GK for me. I would be fine seeing his name on the team sheet when Courtois needs a rest. HG was always a bonus, good solid signing.