Sideshow Luiz

I think the side effect is getting Kovacic on loan. Which means that we don't have to buy a midfielder, which means we have more funds for a keeper.

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/07/chelsea-kepa-arrizabalaga-athletic-bilbao-record The Spanish club [Madrid] have offered the unsettled Croatia midfielder as a sweetener to ensure their pursuit of Courtois reaches a positive conclusion. Kovacic has made clear a desire to play more regularly and will be permitted to leave for the season. Chelsea would not have an option to make the move permanent next summer, with Real considering him a long-term successor for his compatriot, Luka Modric. That deal, too, could be confirmed on Wednesday.

It does give us a year to look for the right player. Maybe we can negotiate a fee with Madrid during the course of the year. An option to buy would have been best. Bayern did it with James, and with Coman. Shame we couldn't do the same. But, he has to give a shit if he wants more time at Madrid, which works for us. It's also an upgrade for us now. It's better than buying some crap for 40M, for sure. Maybe Barkley or RLC take to the role and we don't need anyone next season. It keeps our options open. Though if we had a buy clause, it would open our options up even more. I think Real are hesitant to sell since they don't know Modric's situation right now.

I still see him as a B2B player. He's a bit clumsy, but if he could work on his defensive side, his power would make him a lot to handle in a B2B role.

I agree. The outgoing transfer have been very slow, no links except for Baka today. Baks can leave after our window closes, so that's okay. But, DD and Moses probably aren't leaving the PL, so if there haven't been any links, I don't think they'll be leaving. I thought Moses has been terrible (again) as a winger this pre-season. Could possibly sell him to Italy since they use wing backs a lot and that's his best role.

Okay. Today's moves were nice and everything. But, what have you done for me lately? Willian for Martial, and Fekir or Baily in for a swap with Bakayoko. C'mon board, pull your fingers out and get it done.

If Roman wanted to go "Bond villain" he could offer Courtois' ex a job at the club (for big wages) and have her move to London. We'd all get a chuckle out of that.

I think so. He'd played every match in pre-season. I think he was rested today so he would be fresh for Saturday.

That other teams have been linked with. Who needs a scouting department?

Are we sure? Piazon's been here for a while now. Kante and Hazard have a ways to go before reaching Next Kaka - Piazon status. jokes.

I suspect that the starting line-up will be as it was against City. Those players have had the most time in the system. ? Possibly Kepa Azpi - Luiz - Rudiger - Alonso Fabs - Jorginho - Barkley Pedro - Morata - CHO Possibly see Kante or Hazard for Fabs or CHO in the starting XI Willian, Kante, Hazard on the bench to change the game or lock it down.

i think he's excellent. But, he was never coming. Might as well make De Gea, Ederson, and Ter Stegen your top targets.

First real test.

That's too nice. String them along, keep upping the price, then "no deal" on deadline day.

This match is showing us how important it is to have a keeper who can pass the ball. We got in to trouble trying to build up from the back because of a couple of poor decisions.

Pretty sure he was kidding.

Edit: wrong thread:. Different post: Reina with the assist, it seems: Pepe Reina > Scott McLachlan

Get your look at Rob Green everyone. Last sighting. Can he throw the ball in to the net for old times sake?

Areola is also a Raiola client, so there's that. Might have ended up paying another 10M in "agent fees". Oblak was going to be 100M. Sure, he definitely 20M better. But he doesn't want to come. He's not even in the discussion.

That was quite some applause for Piazon.

So....Barkley, Kante, and Jorginho are better than RLC, Drinkwater, and Bakayoko?

I think so too. TBo is counting on it. Kepa, TBo, Kovacic. All part of the same merry-go round.

Sucks. Get rid.