LDN Blue

Lol that's by far the strangest thing I've read on this topic.. and there's a lot of strange shit on this thread anyway .

well that's just hilarious if it happens. Anyway I agree with above, think they'll go for Bellerin instead.

Yeah but there's a difference in us not needing what he brings to the table and giving a rival exactly what they could need. You've written a great paragraph on how Matic does bring teasing qualities for us, but at a Jose favourite and seeing Matic's form when he rejoined us we should not chance him at United. It's like Barcelona selling Cesc to Real. A player they didn't really need but had all the qualities to be useful in another team. They were happier to sell to us than domestically, which makes complete sense. Just because he's less effective here, doesn't mean he won't be as, if not more, effective for a rival. Don't think we can help that now, the precedent has already been set. We've strengthened our rivals both direct and indirectly. Directly when we sold Cech and Mata to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively; Indirectly when De Bruyne ended up at City and if Lukaku ends up at our domestic rivals'.

We're Arsenal. With their Van Persie to United etc.

If we sell Costa now, we're bigger idiots than I thought. No doubt, on form, he's one the most clinical strikers in the league. If we can keep him fit and healthy for the entirety of the 2016-17 season then we have a true shot at the title. With an inform Hazard, Fabregas, Costa, Willian we can replicate the early 2014-15 form where we dominated the league. Of course we have to replace the useless Pato, Falcao & Remy but unless someone like Lewandowski suddenly decides he wants Chelsea and no European competition then Costa should be our #1 striker. If he wants to leave we shouldn't sell for less than £40m

Lmao, it'll happen. I'm used to such decisions now, we're determined to do everything to strengthen our rivals but not ourselves

The Pedro-style attack hey? . Eden, get the mrs to have a word with his mrs!

Nah don't get me wrong, I get what you meant in that sense but it's not the first time I've seen the Kante-Essien and then Kante-Makelele response. I made the point a few days ago, thinking ahead of next season assuming we're back where we should be.. Is Kante the type of player we're building our midfield around? I don't think so. I accept the need for short-term solutions now, but we should have an eye on further ahead too. We buy Kante for an excess of £20m now, we then get stuck with such a player for years on end because no-one wants such a player after. Of course he could turn about to world-class and make me eat my words too . But from seeing him this season, I really don't know what more he offers other than pace and stamina..

Agreed. Di Maria was an exceptional case but by no means is he the norm for big teams that don't make he CL. We're not Man United, who's global reach far exceeds ours and were also at a time where they were spending near £250m like no-one's business. Shaw et al we can get. Di Maria and such, no chance unless no-one else wants them

Again, I think we're taking this Kante being Essien thing a bit too far. I think it's an enormous jump to make after his solitary season with Leicester in a system that really played to his strengths. Whether he can replicate that and even prove effective in a team where they keep the ball more, well who knows. Also as far as I know, Kante isn't capable of such screamers like Ess was capable of lol. His energy is of course the major strength but whether he's being bought to play as Ramires did or whether it's to play his natural game remains to be seen.

Ffs if that 3-year deal is true I give up . It would also all but null the idea of Azpilicueta returning to his natural position..

Surely, surely he'll be replacing his centre-backs minus Otamendi . No way he goes into the season with Kompany, Mangala and Demichelis

It was largely reported not too long ago, but haven't heard actual confirmation though you're right. I absolutely agree he should be bred in now, with Terry's role being 'different' its clear he's moving into a coaching sort of capacity. He can take Zouma and Christensen under his wing, while Cahill provides experience when needed. Cahill, Koulibaly, Zouma, Christensen and Terry. That would be nice with Ivanovic doubling as a CB (god help me if we don't replace him at right-back)

So Conte, about these academy players... Wonder who his pick of the crop will be, every manager has one. Musonda is confirmed to be staying at Betis same with Christensen in Germany. Personally, I hope it's DaSilva since left-back is somewhat of an issue for us looking forward. Of course Loftus-Cheek and Traore too, but you'd think we're signing key players in those areas. Although the rate things appear to be going, the academy might be all he has.

Boy Hazard, you must regret committing right about now. We're not giving you any other world class ability to help you hone yours. I hope you're ready to head this burden, because you'll need to broaden your shoulders to carry us. From De Bruyne to Oscar you'll go, only Willian to keep you sane.

Man the guy issues a 'come and get me' and we're still not making any apparent developments. Hope we can at least finalise this sometime this week..

However it's been done, thank fuck that's over. Marked a terrible case for us, we were like Liverpool standing by Suarez after his racist slur against Evra. Shame it couldn't have been as simple as an apology from Mourinho after the fact and her reinstated. But really, that's all it could have taken.

Lol our club man....... looks like Manchester is dominating the PL again.

Here we go again, strengthening a rival. Hope we overprice the pricks, won't happen though.

they're literally playing player roulette in the media in Serie A/Italian players! Who's next, Florenzi? Motta? Zaza?

This is a strange thing to say. We should discount a player's ability just because they come from what we deem an inferior league. There are a number of talented players in Serie A like Dybala and Pogba, as well as those who have reinvented their career as you said. Tevez reinvented himself in Serie A, because their media didn't hound him like they do here . I don't really care what league we're signing players from, as long as their ability and talent is true. Of course you want to see them in highly competitive situations also but lets not forget how over the years it's been recited like gospel about how much more tactical Serie A is. Aren't we always seeking tactically, as well as technically, gifted players?

Yeah I've heard he's reemerged from the shadows the player he was meant to be. Disagree in the sense his sale was justified at the time but yeah if he's what he used to be then why the hell not I guess . Although he's 31 and kind of goes against my point in the sense.. Going forward we need a more long term approach.

Personally, I hope Chelsea watch the other fullback playing for Switzerland that day..

I don't know how I feel about his arrogance. On one hand it's like, sure whatever helps you play better.. On the other it's more like, 'dude, the fuck?'.

Oh if we sold Hazard, I absolutely would. Cos that would be stupid by the club unlike the aforementioned....