at all the Everton fans on Twitter and ToffeeTalk saying "£20m? They can double that and we'll talk!" Or "if David Luiz was £50m then we should demand at least that for Stones." It's funny, many Chelsea fans think paying over £20m is ridiculous while all the Everton fans think it's a derisory amount.
I think the inflated fee and English tax is actually worth it for Stones. Getting a quality CB is extremely difficult. Perhaps more difficult than any other position right now. Finding one who's this young , English, and who can play with the ball at his feet so well already is something we shouldn't pass up. He's a fantastic footballer and can only improve dramatically under the best English CB ever and Mourinho. Probably looking at Luke Shaw money here but I think it'll be worth it long term.
Doesn't really suit the way Liverpool play at all, does he? He thrives on long balls and crosses, neither of which Liverpool utilize. I suppose now that they've signed Clyne that can change since crossing is what he does best. Still, seems like a strange buy for them. Would've been a much better fit for United who smash in loads of crosses every game. Glad it doesn't look like he's going there.
Still incredible that José never targeted him. He's literally the midfielder I'd imagine Mourinho designing in a lab if he were creating his perfect player. The price that's being talked about for him isn't even absurd either.
Midfield 3 with Matic & Witsel just behind Fabregas in the big PL matches and in the CL would be solid as a rock. Fabregas gets freed up more from defensive responsibilities while not leaving Matic do to all of the work. Would be a brilliant signing but I can't see any way it happens without Mikel leaving and that's not looking likely.
So it's completely up to what Pedro wants. Does he want to be an important player here or ride the bench at Barca and waste the prime years of his career? He'll be even further down the pecking order now that Arda is there. The manager and board have now said they won't stand in his way should he want to leave. If he's the best available that we can get (which is looking likely) lets get it done. Want him to have a preseason and be able to hit the ground running.
Where would he possibly play? Makes no sense at all to bring him back. Imagine if we didn't buy a new player and brought Moses back instead. The rage here would be hilarious (justifiably so).
That's the spirit, champ. A player who has been a part of the greatest club side ever and the best national side ever and won every imaginable trophy he can win will in some way lessen our chances in the CL.