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)
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
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!
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
"Interested in", "No other competition", "Have bid", "In negotiations", "20m apart in valuation", "10m apart", "closing in on", "close to", "On the verge of", "on the brink of",
The next headline has to be "Chelsea sign Havertz"
Is Alaba leaving? If he is, then he should be the centre-back target. (I'm sure we don't have a big chance of landing him but we should throw our hat into the mix)