Strike

Even clubs like Leeds and Everton are making multiple 30m moves. The league looks quite competitive this year, there could be 9-10 tough teams to face (big 6 + Leicester, Everton, Wolves)

To add to everything discussed - a cohesive attacking plan instead of relying on individual moments of magic.

Another factor in the club going for Ben over Reguillon, Tagliafico

https://theathletic.com/2029141/2020/08/28/emi-emiliano-martinez-arsenal-transfer/ Emiliano Martinez for sale (maybe even below 10m). I think this could be a decent stop-gap option. He looked comfortable as Arsenal #1 and has good handling

Unorthodox solution for the centreback spot. Not sure about how he will fare week in week out but a big lift for the dressing room and someome who will set standards everyday. Good to have Brazilians again

That is the social media game but within that Romano at least gets things right. The tosh others put out seems like even the link is made up Like Angelo Mangiante of Sky saying we've bid 50m for Declan before Sky itself played down the the rumor

Would wait to see if he's right or wrong regardless of how long it took to announce He's been reliable and isn't a known bullshitter like most others are

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12056486/thiago-silva-completes-chelsea-medical-as-paris-st-germain-confirm-exit Medical done.

Yes, same conversations where I am. The fastest vaccine so far is the vaccine for mumps and it took 4 years (science is more advanced now and more countries, groups are looking to find a vaccine but still it could be a while longer than people can realistically wait). Only the ultra rich can wait something like this out. In football, I think having a deep squad with youngsters ready to fill in when there is an outbreak will be in practice from this season.

Is the game still on?

Fair play to The Athletic - Simon Johnson called it in December.

Club confirms Chilwell signing. Hope he is the fix for the LB spot for years

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/videos/v/2020/08/26/ben-chilwell-s-first-chelsea-interview---exclusive-vPmWfX7D Is this the announcement?

Yeah Chelsea is not touching him and for good reason. I don't get how a 33 yo Messi known to be a disruptive influence in the squad is a good signing (apart from fan interest, merchandise sales push)

I don't think so. Messi teams can be beaten. Just see the last few years at Barca

The decision makers - Cech, Marina, the coaching team (Frank) and others if there is anyone else involved- share the responsibility. From what I've read Marina is involved in the negotiations.

Let's assume Jorgi, Billy and Kante will play the deeper role. That leaves Havertz, Mount, Kova, RLC, and Barkley for two positions. Have no qualms if he stays and accepts a squad role but the competition is so much that I think he will leave

Thought it was an 18-month loan deal anyway

To be fair, the decisions are not on her. She's the negotiator and she has gotten the deals done at a fair price (maybe marginally high price for Chilwell, Havertz). But point is she did not muck about with the coach's wishlist and got deals done two weeks before the new season!

What is Chelsea's pre-season fixtures?

Setting low expectations on this signing.

At Atleti, Felix is in the wrong sort of team. In an attacking team, he would thrive and few of the elite clubs would still readily take him (there were links to City)

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12055826/mike-maignan-chelsea-consider-move-for-lille-goalkeeper Another Ligue 1 keeper linked to Chelsea now. Not Predrag

Here we go.

Caballero is happy even as third choice by the looks of it. Just keep him around.