Blue Colored Sky

Sky reporting Ibra 'very close' to join Man Utd. We will be the last ones. So far Chelsea are still in talks over players like Rudiger, Candreva, Lichsteiner. And even then it's often reported by some shit sources.

You just confirmed they were desperate.

Sorry to interrupt into your conversation but Rudiger is really shittest option AT THE MOMENT. I already posted in his thread that Stuttgart was that desperate to get rid of him they accepted what Roma had to offer which was totally on their conditions. Roma hadn't face any competition which can say you a lot. Rudiger is plotting his move to Chelsea, amongst others, for couple of years and that's a cause for concern as it may be finalising long term interest just like Schurrle was for Mourinho (so not on manager request, not on Conte request). I watched Roma and Rudiger was out of his depth before Spalleti took over. After that he was good but so was so many Roma players. Actually more was good/great than not. He has the potential but so many of them have. But the thing is, he is defender and he may be brilliant. Unlike in any other position, defenders can raise from average to great at any age. Let's look at Benatia, who was released TWICE, even at the age of 23, then after a few years everyone was creaming their pants at thought of getting him. He was quoted by Roma director to cost 60m€ when Barca and Man Utd came asking. It's mad but it happens. Thiago Silva got his move from favellas, sorry Brazilian league, at the age of 24, to be the best CB 4 years later. Alderweireld we talk about was really suspicious for Atletico and we know how well Simeone knows defenders, yet he absolutely bossed this at Tottenham. Savic was playing in Champions League final after Man City got rid of him. Boateng was not worth it in their eyes also and look, now he is considered one of the best in his position. CB is special position. Though I would much rather buy someone who already looks good than hope the one we sign comes one. If only we would know it's on Conte's request. But hey, Rudiger may become good, it's not out of the question at all.

I have to say this, SO WHO THE F*CK IS CREATIVE ? If KDB isn't one, then we're talking about like what, 5 (!!!) players in the game that are CREATIVE ? LOOK AT THE BROADER PICTURE GODDAMIT AND NEVER LOSE THAT SIGHT. Who's creative then ? Silva, Messi, Ozil, James, Mata. Don't throw Neymar, Di Maria, Payet, Hazard, Suarez, Coutinho, Mkhitaryan, Isco at me. Because we all know they like to attack at pace just like Kev. So we have that high number of 5 (!!!) players in the world that can be claimed as "creative". And De Bruyne isn't creative because he doesn't check all the boxes of being one. Just great. Oh, I forgot about Pastore. Everyone would want Pastore as AM over Kev because he is textbookishy "creative".

Kwadwo Asamoah is fast, has engine, can play multiple positions. He is typical squad player that Chelsea have signed over the last couple of years. He is a donkey but he is Conte donkey so I'm ok with that.

45m€ is incredible amount of money. It would be transfer record for so many clubs or one of the highest, not least for Chelsea. For a guy that 3 years ago no one heard of and who relies on his energetic runs and is already 28. But what's the plan B ? Still don't know how Chelsea didn't sign Allan or Aranguiz last summer when they were in talks for both.

You can look up at Celtic for that as Ola Aina is going to be released and likely joins Celtic thereafter.

Even on Youtube he looks suspicious. I already can see those uncoordinated moves and runs. I don't like it. Normally when Chelsea buy the player I'm excited, hey, Chelsea buy the player, what's more exciting than that ? But here. Hell, I just read that Roma had an OPTIONAL right to buy him, it was not even mandatory, which means that his previous club (Stuttgart) were THAT desperate to get rid of him they would accept anything. Hopefully it's on Conte's request, then I politely stfu.

So you think Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal didn't have 13m€ (4m€+9m€) to pay for his transfer from Stuttgart ?

At best they're at the same level though I think Christensen is better. Don't forget that Stuttgart wanted to get rid of Rudiger but because they couldn't sell him they decided to loan him with such low buy clause like 9m€. Tells you the story how much he is thought of by his current employer. Imagine having Christensen, Kalas, Omeruo, Tomori, Clarke-Salter, Miazga on your books and your answer to them why their pathway to the first team is blocked is "Rudiger". It's mental. Only his name appeases me.

Just ... do something. All these links, inquiries. At the moment I don't have an idea if Chelsea are doing something besides very tentative talks with clubs. They're probably poaching for some youngsters and randoms for loan army.

Their 'exclusives' are always wrong. Don't hold your breath on this one. He is currently negotiating with Atleti over new contract. His agent is in work.

The good thing is we're actually speaking with Napoli and were given asking price. But it doesn't mean that Chelsea are going to pay that amount. Hopefully it's not 50-60m€ but something remotely reasonable. I'm hyped tbf.

Yeah, because we don't have a highly promising youngster from 1996, playing as a centre-back with technical and tactical skills and great awareness beyond his years.

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/serie-a-showcase/conte-2/ http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/eng/conte-the-transfer-market-between-past-involvements-future-expectations/ http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/features/2016/2/25/11116880/antonio-conte-chelsea-profile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCjeGbHZe0A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUxPWY8ZI_Q

The only world-class striker that is somewhat available is Higuain. Lacazette is not a world-class player. His output is very good for the last 3 seasons though when he was moved to play as a centre-forward. He is quick, agile, strong on his feet, can link up with others, has neat technique and well score goals regularly. His football IQ may be questioned and he may be too selfish. But in worst case scenario he will be next Remy with far less injuries. Which is not something bad. Most importantly he will bring goals, goals, goals. And we're in need of goals, goals, goals.

Yes we can. Lyon try to get rid of that Lacazette contract and are in need of some cash to start pay back for that stadium they built.

Huh ? Where are you getting that from ?

It all makes so little sense. So all that money saving, all that penny pinching, all that cheaper alternatives to now move quickly and pay 4th highest transfer fee in history for a player the club owned just 2 years ago ? I don't believe it at all. Unless the price is significantly smaller.

Thanks but he is not free agent. He has a contract with Marseille for the next 3 years. However, as he claims, Marseille should let him go is someone good wants him as this is something they agreed on. I think it means he will command a fee albeit nothing great.

I don't know if it was pointed out yet but Gianluca Di Marzio absolutely killed here. Called this in January and not jumping on gun but revealed this as soon as he got his info. What a man, I'm a fanboy.

United squad would need quite an overhaul. First thing first, the defenders. Only Luke Shaw looks like a perfect fit as he is big, strong centre-back-ish full-back. The rest of them need reshape. The guy like Rojo or Darmian have too many lapses in concentration to be reliable. Smalling is good but don't know if he's leader Mourinho seeks. No chance that Mou will play with Bling at CB. The midfield line, Schnederlin can have a second breath at the club. He looks to match what Mou looks for at the defensive midfielders. Herrera has some qualities as he is athletic but again, he maybe is too soft in mental aspect. Carrick won't be reliable, he is 35. Fellaini is tough and looks good for me. Schweinsteiger can be bined at the first occasion as he may be Mourinho starter like Alonso. Rooney is great fit and Mou is an admirer. Martial maybe is too calm and soft to lead the line but Jose can unlock him like he did with Benzema. The Rashfords and Lingaards and Depays don't look the greatest fit, disregarding their age even, Mou would have to sharp them up a lot. Ashley Young and Valencia can be good utility men, Valencia particularly goes together nicely with Mou. And Mata, lol. Overall half of the squad looks to be in need of replacing. But Jose Mourinho with cash is very dangerous man. If he will have the budget that is said he will, he will be dangerous as a rival and I mean really dangerous.

Guy's a beast. I remember watching his first game in Napoli when he obviously was raw but I already saw a great potential with some formidable tackles. And now wow, what a player. He has pace, power, size, can pass with left and right foot and is not afraid to start the run from the back. Crucially he has self-belief. And what can be better if you see that he is still devoloping with each passing season ? I should be a consultant, I only needed one game to see something great in him. That Chelsea chief scout Piet De Visser, as far as I know Belgium is part of his area. Yet he let this monster go for cheap somewhere. But he won't say you that.(Or say that people doesn't listen to him).

Wow, well said. His rant after Spurs draw back in 2005 aka "park the bus" rant is now haunting him each and every time.

Mate, I was watching the press conference when Jose said this thing about Lampard. I'm not sure when Eden had the occasion to dig at Chelsea but I'm 100% sure he never said this.