Strike

Reg: Raphinha, Romano insisting there's no update. Chelsea £60m bid accepted. Barca bid was £42.9m +8m addons

Regarding Ake - the left-footedness is a big factor. Who else is left-footed, quality and available?

You're right. He's a fanboy with no contacts at the club.

With De Ligt, its almost like we laid the base - making contact with Juve, finding out he is indeed available, open to a move and the price is not as high as imagined. And Bayern have pounced

English-based reporters still saying race is open. Bayern don't want a bidding war but are instead working on getting De Ligt to reject Chelsea.

I think Ake walks into the starting XI if he's signed. Who else will play LCB?

Would take Neymar as backup for Havertz

Hope Tuchel vetoes this. Still can't wrap my head around him potentially turning up at Cobham

Kounde at 55m pounds and De Ligt at 65-70m (Ben Jacobs reporting) - Reasonable to pay the extra 10m for De Ligt.

Maybe don't open it?

Would wait. Tier 3 source + Barca fanboy

Judging by transfer activity - in the double pivot

Googles "Jarrod Bowen 2021/22 - Skills, Goals and Assists"

Pretty relaxed position. Raphinha or Dembele.

I forgot about Deco existing till this week. Its been clear from the beginning that he/Raphinha prefer Barca but I would still take him if Barca don't have the cash. Tie him to a 5 year deal and if he likes Chelsea, then we get him for his prime years. He can move to Barca at 30 and we upgrade like the Hazard sale.

Ake for Chris De Ligt for Rudi

06:20-06:40 Ornstein saying this is the case

Similar to Liverpool picking up Mane and Jota after they had proven themselves in the league.

True. Still half of his current release clause and Juve should be thinking this is the only chance to cash in on him.

Not done yet. There's a reason journos haven't called Raphinha transfer despite agreeing fee with Leeds - He is wary of playing wingback at Chelsea. Things should be clearer today.

Word is De Ligt is available for 40-50m euros next summer.

LWB. He's technically gifted and can play CM. That's where he plays for Ukraine now

In this summer's case, I agree Marina and Cech made the wrong call trying to keep Lukaku when the man himself was driving himself out. But long term, I don't think its a good idea for Tuchel to be leading recruitment. Get a director figure who will allow Tuchel to concentrate on tactics, organising the team. There are times when a coach's judgement on recruitment is also clouded - Conte signing Zappacosta, Mourinho trading KdB, Salah.

Ake interest is also down to lack of left footed CBs on the market Tuchel really likes Kimpembe, Gvardiol but they're not on the market. Bastoni is not interested, Pau Torres is expensive, terrible. Other PL clubs targeting Botman, Lisandro Martinez. I think De Ligt Silva Ake with Chalobah, Colwill Azpi (?) rotating will be the defense. Ake replaces Chris and Azpi drops to Malang Sarr role. Two experienced players, two in their prime, two young players looking for a break. There is also Reece who Tuchel likes at RCB