Strike

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

I'm in favor of keeping Broja around as Kai backup too. The Giroud style option to throw on in games and start the occasional game in cups, CL

I hope Inter rejected because they don't want Draxler. Otherwise the finances are too steep

It's here now

Di Marzio seems to break more stories than Fabrizio. He broke the news of De Ligt interest too

Surprised he's actually leaving. He knows many languages, has immense respect in the game. It was reported he was leading the talks on the Havertz deal, the biggest in the last few years. Good luck to him, he should be in demand.

Great Lukaku replacement. The only forward in the league who pressed lesser

50m euros + Werner is more than fair. De Ligt is not signing a contract. This is the only window they will get this sort of money and let's face it. There are no buyers for Timo in the market. Bayern got Mane, Dortmund got Adeyemi and Haller and I doubt any other club in Germany can afford him

Anyone knows how De Ligt has got on at Juve? He struggled under Sarri and Pirlo. But seems to have put together a decent season under Allegri. Lot of Juve fans saying he is a fine player but would sell this summer as the fee would come down next year.

No mention of Declan Rice from the club source here. De Ligt, Kounde, Ake in defence and Dembele, Sterling, Richarlison in attack

There is also West Ham's interest in Broja and possibly Ruben

The issue with this is there's no viable Jorgi replacement without going out and getting Rice.

Kicks in next year

Yeah, there's no room in the system Tuchel uses. He is also not suited for a top team's high-pressing demands.

Signing both Sterling and Raphinha would cost over 100m. Don't see the club bidding for both with 2 CBs to be signed as well.

Why won't he be a regular at United?

It seems Jurien Timber declined a move to United. Their situation is so bad that their new manager isn't even able to attract his Ajax players to join.

Don't see Boehly, Tuchel and co being the type to sign glamour players. The rumoured list of targets are all a coach's dream worker types -Rice, Sterling, Jesus, Raphinha

What is so worrying about Arsenal's business? Sterling is better than Jesus at the same price, Arsenal are way off Raphinha's valuation. I don't know about the Portuguese league player they signed. Chelsea didn't have a board in place a month ago and are now handling everything else (sponsorships, megastore) on top of recruitment. I like Boehly's decisiveness and back the coach approach and don't think that the recruitment team has been slow so far even though that's all you read on this forum these days.

35-45m ? That's a market realistic deal

What's with the interest in City's backups? Sterling, Jesus and now Ake. Among the three, I think only Sterling is a good deal.