Slam Dunk

Drogba has always struck me as a man of principle. He's said his move was partly to strengthen relations between China and Africa, he wouldn't just up and leave if Barca came calling, surely.

Who's shocked? Well done to all those who are in the running. Could've made a case for all of them, but I voted for LDN because, frankly, it's been a long time coming.

I didn't say those were the only players though, did I? I merely commented on the players we've been linked to recently and some of the most common suggestions through the last couple of pages. I'm interested though, who do you see as a viable alternative to the players mentioned above? None come to mind. I really believe that failure to secure a long-term replacement for Lampard could cost us. Obviously it'll be one of the more difficult decisions the club has to make, but it should've been done by now imo.

I cant see Schweinsteiger leaving Bayern this summer, or ever if I'm being honest. Spurs won't let Modric go to another PL team. Madrid are very unlikely to let Sahin go so soon after signing him without him ever proving himself in Spain. Cabaye seems settled at Newcastle and would command a huge transfer fee. Moutinho would also command a fee of over £25/30m, which is well overpriced and I doubt Porto would be willing to sell anyway. Personally I foresee another season with Mikel/Lamps as the starters, with Meireles, Ramires, Essien, Romeu and (loan permitting) Josh, rotating in the double pivot role, which I feel is strong enough. Frankly, I don't see anyone who; is available/on the market, or; doesn't come with a huge price tag.

Might as well keep Meireles then, no?

3 players over the age of 23.

...How much discussion can there be about us signing a deal with an airline company

Cant say i've seen much of him last season, apart from the games against us. I remember him being very tricky/skillful. I know Chelsea have held an interest in him for a good while now as well. Just wondering, is he better off on the left, right or as a centre forward? Any fans of the Bundesliga able to fill me in?

In his defence, he's right. Silva has been poor. It's all opinion though, remember. Good article mate.

Indeed. Brazilian youth players seem to be very complex deals involving rights/3rd party ownerships. All I know is we have first refusal on the three/part ownerships already in place.

The players were Wallace, Pernao, and Ronan.

Fluminense. The RB, Wallace, has progressed to the first team I believe, although I don't think he's ready yet. Another player was fired by Fluminense I believe, cant remember his name though. There was also a third player if I recall. Will try to find some info.

Terry is Chelsea's leader, armband or no. His influence at the club is incredible, it would be utter madness to make anyone else Captain imo.

Just had a quick catchup with this thread and am shocked at how many people actually believe we will pay £38M for Hulk.

How exactly?

No, it has been very well documented that Chelsea officials were negotiating with Porto. The situation, as far as i'm aware, is that Porto know what Chelsea are willing to pay but it doesn't match their valuation of Hulk. Whether or not this has changed over the past few days, I don't know. I think it's safe to say at this point that Hulk is definitely the club's first choice for the RW position, whether or the media know the back up option, I'm not sure. Remember, there is a difference between an official offer and an unofficial enquiry. Hulk wouldn't be able to officially join us until July 1st anyway, so i'd expect some movement in negotiations over the coming week or so.

The renders are amazing. The single tier stand looks like it would be incredible as well. Fingers crossed for positive news.

Technically speaking, it hasn't sailed just yet. The preferred bidders (Malaysian property investors) had a period of around 4 weeks to finalise their plans/submit them from the date they were announced as winners of the site. There is a chance that even though they are the preferred investors for the site, their plans may not actually be financially viable. This is unlikely, as they have been investigating the site for a substantial period of time as far as I know, but not impossible. There was also talk of Chelsea and the Malaysians entering a partnership for the site a week or so ago.

Randomly guessing dates. Why is everyone so impatient? Hulk cannot join us until after July 1st anyway. I'm sure it'll be done in time.

Exactly. No need to read into it too much. Everyone wanted to be at the front. Bosingwa was first as usual - first up to collect his medal, then stood directly in front of the trophy and didn't leave that spot.

I've seen him linked with both Barca and Inter within the last two days. Are Chelsea matches not shown much outside of England?...

Pastore? I may be wrong, cant quite remember. Another deal (along with Robinho) that we were lucky to avoid.

Incredible to think that at the age of 24 he could potentially have been a member of World Cup/European Championship/Champions league/FA Cup winning squads.

Allegedly involved in yet another bust-up with the French team? Seriously, the further away from this club Ben Arfa is, the better.

Liking Lyon's new kit.