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consider me extremely skeptical that we actually will pay this release clause. After slinking away from Alisson due to the cost, we will now go ahead and break that record? im doubtful. However as @manpe said, i don't know alot about him but the things being said online from people who watch him regularly are extremely positive. Would be happy to see him protecting our net.

I agree with you, health is more important. My point is more to respect the individuals decision if religion is important to them. To not sign a player because he is Muslim and might choose participate in Ramadan is a tricky one. I am an atheist as well, religion is a no win conversation for anyone.

Hope to see extended minutes for RLC this game. If we have been playing fabregas in the 3 why not try Barkley/RLC/Jorginho for a bit of time.

I think you're absolutely right about Bakayoko, if Kovacic comes id expect to see Baka leave on loan or a permanent deal this summer before other leagues windows have closed. I think RLC will stay until at least january then leave on loan if he isnt happy or getting the game time.

I don't think a club should ever ask a player to not participate in an important religious event. Performance issues aside, this is just a game we are talking about. If any muslim player celebrates Ramadan the fans should support the player.

I refuse to believe this is a possibility. It is so out of Chelsea transfer policy norm it is tough to even consider it. Feels like his agent thought there would be more of a market this summer for him and they are now grasping at straws. I would take him in a heartbeat here IF this were real, but sadly i fear it is journo clickbait.

Seems like they might not have a choice though. Their valuation excludes any top European team, Martial wants to play in the prem, he would prefer to play striker. I am not confident this will get done, but if egos are not involved we each have something the other desperately wants we should be able to get a deal done. But that ego thing is a real bitch

Here is a question to the forum. Would you agree to signing Bailey for X(50-55m) money while loaning CHO to Bay Lev for the season to make up for the Leon Bailey sized hole in their lineup In: Leon Bailey Out: CHO + cash. It would give CHO guaranteed heavy minutes in a great league, plus it would secure a dynamic player who is more ready to contribute for us this year. Thoughts?

Can we afford to take the risk? probably not. Does it feel like we are going to take the risk? yes. The market for Morata has dried up so we are shifting to reclamation mode. We are essentially banking on either Morata or Bats to start firing & either Barkley or RLC to come good for that Hamsik role. If we can't secure the targets we want in the transfer market, which essentially feels like Martial or bust for the striker position, which would then still leave Morata here and a problem of Martial wanting to be striker but Morata/Bats/Giroud are here. Time is ticking down and to get our striker target it then involves moving 2 players while buying a RW which is extremely difficult. So i have turned my focus and hopes from new targets to Sarri breathing confidence into our talented yet under performing players. Morata/Bats/RLC/Barkley have tantalizing talent, just feels like they all need confidence and belief. I am not confident in the plan but all we can do is hope it works out at this moment.

Seems as if Spurs have jumped to the front of the line for Zaha. I was hoping we could do Drinkwater + cash to lower the transfer price. It wouldn't effect Willian or Morata or even us going for Bailey/Pulisic/Martial. Would be another young HG dynamic player. Sadly it does not seem to be happening.

You'd think Sarri would value the skills RLC possesses. Immense physical ability, ability to glide past people and break the defensive lines. ability to keep control of the ball under pressure, good passing ability. Really RLC is only short in the goal scoring department and hasn't been able to consistently put it together for an extended period of time. Barkley looks fit and focused I think both players will make it a dog fight for that Hamsik spot. Lets hope the club & him decide this is the year they make the 1st team push. Would hate to see him go off on Loan as I think that will be the end of his Chelsea time.

Keeping him in the first team this year would almost make up for Willian staying and no new RW. Club might start viewing returning promising loanees are the new signings. CHO at RW. Bats at ST. RLC at ATM. Fingers crossed he stays. If we loan him & RLC out and keep Willian that would be a gut punch.

Apparently if you believe RMC Sport, Sarri has assured Michy that he will be relied on this season. I so badly want Michy to come good, he is a great character and seems like he genuinely loves and enjoys being a Chelsea player. He is a confidence player and needs the support of his manager, Conte did not offer that to him and he floundered. Say what you will about the Bundesliga, but in his short time he showed he could bang goals. I hope he comes back and comes good at Chelsea under Sarri. A fresh reset and new system might be exactly what he needs.

Hazard sold for half, Kante leaving, Willian poisoning the locker room, Fucked at LB if Emerson doesn't come good and Alonso value plummeting based on what? Worrying if our top 3 defenders get hurt, of course thats a worry but not based in any reality. We have a roster of players who can step in. That "stone cold analysis of the facts on the ground" as you put it is purely based out of your opinion on players and speculation. There is no indication of ANY of that happening, besides what you believe from these journos click bait in the summer. Fans don't like Willian(i myself being one) but he seems to get on fine with the players, his problem was with Conte. Poison is a leap. Kante is in negotations for a new deal + he still has 3 years left on his current deal. Nobody knows what Hazard is going to do, be it Madrid or sign but either way we will get value for him. Let me be clear, I think the club need to bring in some new players and this summer they have not addressed needs. But your little scenario there is not based in fact and is frankly ridiculous.

Scale down the Drama eh? Acting like we are going to implode because Roman didnt spend 200m before the summer is over. Nobody knows what dollar limit the club set for transfers, Nobody knows what the clubs actual plan is for transfers. Nobody knows the dynamics of the players relationships and how they effect certain moves. I want new signings as much as the next person, but if they don't happen you need to support the team as a fan, not whine that they didn't pull off a FIFA inspired transfer plan. I want Martial/Bailey etc as much as the next but calling for one of the most successful owners of the past 15 years to sell the club because you think he isn't spending enough money is downright silly and reflects poorly on you as a supporter of the club.

We might get to see that in the 2nd half. Something like RLC/Bakayoko/Cesc. (I am talking like 75 min onwards)

I agree with the back line, especially since AC was limping a bit last game as well. I'd like to see Emerson get a run with the better players but feels like Alonso. Bold call with Bakayoko, That really is the decision of the day eh. It being a friendly pre season I think Cesc might get that start just to make sure our ball playing keeps humming. I am curious to see Baka with the good players around him like you said though. Gonna be a good game!

Also, Starting line up thoughts? Do Rudiger/AC start or is it Luiz/Ampadu or a mix of the two? Zappa or Azpi at RB. Will Sarri trust the same midfield of Cesc/Jorgi/Barkley? all interesting questions. a great test for us.

This will be a great test for our Defense. Most of arsenal starters have been in training, Auba & Laca have that scary pace plus Ozil is back and playing. As @Tomo said our backline will be under its toughest press yet and offensively they will be the best team we face in pre season(not counting Com Shield) My hopes are the same as the inter match, we play the Sarri style and show we are adapting to the system. That being said Arsenal feel further along at this moment so if we lose on Wed i won't be terribly concerned or surprised. Effort and positive play is what im looking for.

People who watched him regularly at Lazio swoon over him though. Youtube & World Cup aside. I trust the Serie A writers and supporters. it is ALOT of money, but I would be extremely happy to see him here. He is a tank of a human, nimble feet, great shot. He could play the ATM or even a mixture of that and the B2B role. He is not the finished product yet, but if he keeps working he could be special. I agree though, nothing in our recent business suggests we will pay his price tag.

Feels like this is becoming a reality. Maybe i jinxed us. Getting linked with Butland by the the Mirror today. Saw Cillessen links last week.

Outside of the Seismic Ronaldo move its been eerily quiet across Europe also it seems. Most big clubs doing their business right away or nothing at all. World Cup always messes with transfer season and the shortened PL window might mean other clubs are waiting until we can no longer bid to get deals done. Why do all the work then have a PL team match the fee and smash the wage offer right?

Lets say is Drinkwater + 30-35m for Zaha Bailey is 50m Could use the Morata money. Martial would be Willian + 20. Morata would have to be sold elsewhere. Outgoing: Willian, Morata, Drinkwater, Lots of Cash Incoming: Zaha, Leon Bailey, Martial. I am aware this will never ever happen....but just thinking about it & writing it out was enjoyment enough.

Every day that passes i get more and more intrigued to see him as our no. 9. I don't want to get too invested as its an extremely tough deal to pull off.

Would you guys welcome Zaha if it meant no Leon Bailey? Zaha is a tricky dude thats for sure, always gives us problems. Plus he counts as HG.