Jase

I know they say Fjortoft is reliable when it comes to Haaland and while this is related to Haaland, this "story" about us preparing for a "big offer" is not something that comes from Haaland's camp. So, I don't know how believable that is (different case altogether if the usual Chelsea journalists start to report the same thing, although it's only at the "preparing" stage) and not to mention, he tweeted something very similar a month ago, only to then say there has been no contact, no development etc few weeks later.

They quoted Fjortoft.

It feels like people like to jump on Mendy because he’s not a fancy, noteworthy name and that he was plucked from obscurity. Preparing FC is back!

There's more than one way to skin a cat. Yes, Spain/Italy have better midfielders than England from a technical perspective but don't think they are better from a physical standpoint. Even Mancini said it post-game last night but England never bullied or tried to bully Italy's midfield out of their rhythm.

Well, that hasn't stopped Barcelona from posting about it on their social media accounts.

Well, too lazy to argue more over this. Guess we'll see what happens if we throw in big offer.

Silva will be laughing at this. 🤣

Not saying Dortmund will reject our bid, if we do submit a big offer, but it is balancing act they will have to consider between staying competitive and pocketing money from transfers. Let's not forget that they also just sold Sancho and have money now. Plus they will continue to get big money in years to come by selling the likes of Bellingham, Reyna etc (aside from Haaland).

Well for that quote, give and take with the general consensus. They have probably said something more specific in the past. We know they're not gonna sell unless someone puts in a crazy offer that will make them think. Yeah, I suppose it will make them think. But on the flip side, if they sell two of their biggest stars in the same window and they suddenly become uncompetitive and say, don't qualify for the Champions League (something that was a near possibility even with two of their biggest stars last season), then how will they explain that?

His agent quotes: https://www.marca.com/en/football/ligue-1/2021/07/10/60e96a4be2704eb09e8b463b.html "Real Madrid had the right of first refusal until PSG and Inter said that the deal was going to happen," explained Camano. "We maintain the illusion and the dream that Achraf will return to Real Madrid because he was born in Madrid, he grew up in Madrid and, as a final goal, one day, he would like to play for Real Madrid" Camano admitted that there was also interest from the reigning European champions. "Chelsea also bid for Achraf. The fact that they are champions of Europe perhaps threw him back."

Well, can't blame the seller if they want to milk more money out of us. Either way, the potential transfer is gonna cost a lot of money. I feel like it's either we buy Haaland and no one else or don't buy Haaland and buy others. And by "no one else" and "others", I mean getting players in other positions.

I think it depends on the seller but paying transfers in installments is quite common for big money moves, I believe. United, for example, will be paying the Sancho transfer fee in installments. Different case though if they have a release clause. That I believe the buyer will have to pay the money upfront immediately.

TBF, don't think any potential price tag has been set. Everyone has been just throwing random numbers out there.

Zorc just came out and said it today. I did not keep track of their previous comments and am sure they have also said it some time this year. And the media, including the German, have also been reporting Dortmund have no intention to sell this summer. So am mostly just going by that. Under pressure to sell as in? If we actually put in the 175 million euros bid? Or just in general?

Bild mentioned 175 million euros (and no, that's not a currency typo). The fee difference may be bigger but you're talking about a club who have a history of holding onto a player for one more season and then either selling them at a cheaper price (e.g. Sancho) or letting them go for free (e.g. Lewandowski). Dortmund might be a selling side but they also still have interest in being competitive. If Dortmund are really concerned about getting less money next year, they would not have said all year that Haaland is not for sale this summer and they are also not under any financial pressure to sell. So, I don't think it's a foregone conclusion to just say they will accept our offer immediately. More importantly, we gotta actually table the bid in if we want to make it happen because right now, nothing seems to be actually happening and it's all just empty talk after empty talk after empty talk. And oh, there are also tons of recycled BS.

Don't forget that we could have a similar situation had we signed Reguilon instead of Chilwell last summer. Zidane really kinda F it up with Hakimi and Reguilon.

Even if he did say that, am sure you would have tried to spin it to something encouraging. lol In any case, that same Bild article claimed that Dortmund will stick to their stance and that Haaland is happy to stay, but they did wonder what will Dortmund do if we throw in a €175 million bid, supposedly the kind of crazy money required to maybe change their mind.

If Silva wins the Copa America tonight, are there gonna be any calls for him to win the Ballon d'Or? 😆

He's barely started at PSG. lol

That's also kinda optimistic but I'll say no more. 🤣

That's very optimistic considering the state of these Italian sides. Word is that Roma want Zouma on loan with an option to buy.

I can't remember. Is AS reliable?