Non-Chelsea Transfer Pub

[DYC. 7,542]

Nainggolan would be much, much better imo.

But we're almost in the middle of June and still there arent any links to any CM.

About Jose's words, "Midfielder" could mean AM, but CM seems like the even more important issue i think, doesnt mean we wont bring a Winger since Cuadrado could leave.

I disagree. Radja is good, but I rate Witsel higher. The former is more aggressive and strong in tackling, but is inferior on the ball. Witsel is much better when it comes to holding the ball (crucial because of the current options in midfield) and in his passing, and he has the advantage of height, strength and aerial prowess. He has a really nice blend of height, power and technique.

My comment was merely based on Mourinho's words. Cuadrado possibly leaving is pure speculation.

Otamendia , Witsel, Falcao sounds like a plan even though I am not a fan of any of those. IMO Jose for sure has not yet included the replacements for possible leavers in his list, exp considering luis and cech leaving we will sign backups.

As for all ManUtd's money with the fees they pay the only one they strengthen is the clubs they buy from. There are simply are not many real world class players available atm.

Jose today hinted at a swap deal regarding Cech to Arsenal. The thing is, even if they give us Sanchez, their best player by far, they are still better off. Cech wins you titles, raising his performance in big games, whereas Sanchez.... Does any of you think a swap deal would be realistic? And if so what player would you want, how about Ramsay bolton ..err.. aaron ramsey?

I'd take Ramsey, I rate him. Don't think Wenger is stupid enough to let him go. But I do agree with Mou on taking a player from a rival if they want Cech. Should also help in scaring them away a little.

Defender = CB, 100%.

Midfielder - Imbula, Kondogbia, Allan, Schneiderlin, Nainggolan, Witsel I think someone from this bunch. I probably forget about others but at least one of them is attainable. And when Mourinho thinks about CM then it comes as a replacement to Mikel/Ramires.

And I wouldn't count a striker as a clear upgrade when you only think about replacing Drogba ... Unless Remy leaves.

I'm sure there will be more to that. We're already short on attacking midfielders with 4 at the moment but we had 6 of them in Mourinho first season in 2013. I think the number will be 5. Also Cuadrado may leave. Salah may opt out of his loan with Montella sacking yesterday. Moses will leave. When 3 of them leave they can jointly subsidize great portion of "a star" player cost like Di Maria/Sterling/Griezmann. Or watch us swapping Cech for Walcott.

And finally still think that Oscar may leave if that helps getting Pogba/Koke. Mourinho will surely be all for that. Him substituting Oscar at half-time against 10man PSG is all-time proof that Oscar place is there for taking.

A new player for the '3' would make sense. But don't forget Fabregas counts as a option for behind the striker. A new centre midfielder would offer the option of moving him there permanently or for rotation/tactical changes. We'll see what happens.

Oscar's not going anywhere. I don't believe that all. Mourinho loves Oscar. He sees star potential in him. It would take a Mata/Luiz-esque offer to contemplate selling him.

[Sheva. 5,373]

And finally still think that Oscar may leave if that helps getting Pogba/Koke. Mourinho will surely be all for that. Him substituting Oscar at half-time against 10man PSG is all-time proof that Oscar place is there for taking.

He subbed Oscar in this particular game because he was on a yellow, but was still flying around and making tackles. He had also already gotten Ibra sent off, and the PSG players clearly would milk any fouls he committed. Overall, it was one of his better games since January.

I don't think he'll leave though, Mourinho claimed he can make a big evolution next season and has always supported him since he returned. Oscar also does not cry when he's left out, and i'm sure Mou likes that about him.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I'll just leave this here:

Juve's current central midfield options of Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio and Khedira cost a total of 8 million Euros...THAT's what I call bloody good business!

[Amblève. 4,995]

I'll just leave this here:

Juve's current central midfield options of Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio and Khedira cost a total of 8 million Euros...THAT's what I call bloody good business!

Vidal's transfer fee when he went from Leverkusen to Juve was somewhere between 10 and 12m Euros (not sure how many add-ons Bayer received), but yeah, your point still stands.

[mediator 2,026]

I disagree. Radja is good, but I rate Witsel higher. The former is more aggressive and strong in tackling, but is inferior on the ball. Witsel is much better when it comes to holding the ball (crucial because of the current options in midfield) and in his passing, and he has the advantage of height, strength and aerial prowess. He has a really nice blend of height, power and technique.

My comment was merely based on Mourinho's words. Cuadrado possibly leaving is pure speculation.

I'd take Ramsey, I rate him. Don't think Wenger is stupid enough to let him go. But I do agree with Mou on taking a player from a rival if they want Cech. Should also help in scaring them away a little.

A new player for the '3' would make sense. But don't forget Fabregas counts as a option for behind the striker. A new centre midfielder would offer the option of moving him there permanently or for rotation/tactical changes. We'll see what happens.

Oscar's not going anywhere. I don't believe that all. Mourinho loves Oscar. He sees star potential in him. It would take a Mata/Luiz-esque offer to contemplate selling him.

Believe me, Nainggolan is much much better than Witsel on the ball.

[didierforever 7,349]

so now mental grit and fighting spirit are useless terms?? great... lets all play that fancy football without a damn care in the world. i guess jose was spot on in his award ceremony speech and other interviews he has done this post season.

again, if arsenal's SQUAD IS SO FAR BETTER than ours then why did they end up 12 points behind us in a 38 game league? 38 games requires "squad strength" does not it.

why is it that year after year arsenal have an injury problem? i guess its all co-incidental for the brilliant footballing minds coming up with such awesome opinions.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

I disagree. Radja is good, but I rate Witsel higher. The former is more aggressive and strong in tackling, but is inferior on the ball. Witsel is much better when it comes to holding the ball (crucial because of the current options in midfield) and in his passing, and he has the advantage of height, strength and aerial prowess. He has a really nice blend of height, power and technique.

I dont know about that. I mean, Maybe Nainggolan is slightly inferior on the ball, but not for an important amount anyway. Nainggolan is technical, a good passer and could get out of trouble (pressing) in midfield with his dribble, power and ball control. I would say he's better than Matic on the ball, which for me suggests its good enough. Witsel is very calm and easy to look when on the ball, and a good CM off course, but tbh i never rated him too much, rarely i've seen him really dominates the midfield. When i saw Zenit in CL in the last 2-3 seasons he wasnt even the dominant CM in Zenit, he was always like 'the other CM who's easy to look at but things wont go through him, it would go through the Russian no-name besides him'.

When i see Nainggolan in Seria A (when he clearly was one of the best midfielders this season), i see a mature player, someone who could take the lead, and also a real fighter... i cant see all of that in Witsel, and i actually think he's far away from Radja if im honest, but you probably see him differently..

[stroey 2,525]

The fuck is up with his Ivanovic obsession?

Can't blame him for loving Ivanovic.

Guy is a warrior, played with a damaged foot, scored in like 4-5 consecutive matches for us which were vital like the Liverpool header 1-0 COC and Aston Villa 2-1. Scored many crucial goals in the last 2 seasons, City away for example.

Is strong and tall, super weapon in set pieces. Could rush forward to help the attack. A leader despite being a hot head, basically the Costa of the defenders, big game player, Alexis could do nothing against him.

He actually can defend when he wants but of course he had his flaws. This season not as solid as he once was, he should improve if he wants to stay in the line up. And also as mentioned, his crosses should be better.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I'll just leave this here:

Juve's current central midfield options of Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio and Khedira cost a total of 8 million Euros...THAT's what I call bloody good business!

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I would take Aaron Ramsey, I've always admired the way he plays and if the club can keep him healthy his workrate, goal scoring ability and technique would help Chelsea dominate games.

Matic-Cesc-Ramsey is as good and versatile it gets in midfield.

I would take last year's Ramsey any day. But this year he wasnt nearly enough consistent. Then there are injuries.

[Amblève. 4,995]

I would take last year's Ramsey any day. But this year he wasnt nearly enough consistent. Then there are injuries.

Every Arsenal player these days seems to be injured at least 2 months per season, though.

[iseah100 5,612]

I would take last year's Ramsey any day. But this year he wasnt nearly enough consistent. Then there are injuries.

True, but if he stays healthy, he could be as important as Cesc for Chelsea, if they got him.

[DYC. 7,542]

Believe me, Nainggolan is much much better than Witsel on the ball.

I dont know about that. I mean, Maybe Nainggolan is slighttly inferior on the ball, but not for an important amount anyway. Nainggolan is technical, a good passer and could get out of trouble (pressing) in midfield with his dribble, power and ball control. I would say he's better than Matic on the ball, which for me suggests its good enough. Witsel is very calm and easy to look when on the ball, and a good CM off course, but tbh i never rated him too much, rarely i've seen him really dominates the midfield. When i saw Zenit in CL in the last 2-3 seasons he wasnt even the dominant CM in Zenit, he was always like 'the other CM who's easy to look at but things wont go through him, it would go through the Russien no-name besides him'.

When i see Nainggolan in Seria A (when he clearly was one of the best midfielders this season), i see a mature player, someone who could take the lead, and also a real fighter... i cant see all of that in Witsel, and i actually think he's far away from Radja if im honest, but you probably see him differently..

Quite surprised by these comments. He does not impress me on a technical level and in terms of vision and calmness on the ball at all. His strength lies off the ball and in his physical attributes. But I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Vidal's transfer fee when he went from Leverkusen to Juve was somewhere between 10 and 12m Euros (not sure how many add-ons Bayer received), but yeah, your point still stands.

Yeah, you're right, it was 11 million Euros without the addons.

[Fernando 6,585]

I'm getting bored with nothing happening on Chelsea end. ?

Last season we did our business early and fast.

Why can't it be like that all the time. Sigh.

[Rhino's Skin 972]

I'm getting bored with nothing happening on Chelsea end.

Last season we did our business early and fast.

Why can't it be like that all the time. Sigh.

last season we didnt officially sign Costa until July

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

He subbed Oscar in this particular game because he was on a yellow, but was still flying around and making tackles. He had also already gotten Ibra sent off, and the PSG players clearly would milk any fouls he committed. Overall, it was one of his better games since January.

I don't think he'll leave though, Mourinho claimed he can make a big evolution next season and has always supported him since he returned. Oscar also does not cry when he's left out, and i'm sure Mou likes that about him.

Oscar's not going anywhere. I don't believe that all. Mourinho loves Oscar. He sees star potential in him. It would take a Mata/Luiz-esque offer to contemplate selling him.

Mourinho is pragmatic first and foremost. Do you actually believe that if he has an opportunity to sign Koke/Pogba sacrificing Oscar he would say 'nah, I will wait until Oscar finally turns against good team' ? I can't believe that someone suggest it ... It's Mourinho we're talking about !

He has nowhere near a status of JT, Ivanovic, Matic, Hazard, Diego etc. Nowhere near. I don't remember subbing Ivanovic, Matic, Cesc and Diego off when they were on a yellow and still trying they hardest to get the second card. How many times they were playing on the edge of the second card, especially Ivanovic and DC and still they were allowed to play ? Quite a few times, our striker was virtually sending off several times this season, yet he was still on the pitch by manager decision. If Oscar had the status of above players he would stay on the pitch against PSG. He is easy sheep to sacrifice. Willian already shows that he can play as a starting number 10. I lost count the number of times Oscar was dropped against bigger teams over the last 2 seasons. Even Azpilicueta took his place (!) against Atletico. Willian somehow always plays in the big games.

But of course Mourinho loves Oscar, because he says so - that's why he drops him to the bench.

Mourinho really irks lack of European trophy. And since Oscar doesn't help him against big boys it's easy that if there will be opportunity to replace him with better player, he will take it. I'm not saying selling Oscar for the sake of it but upgrading with the right player. When I recently listened Mourinho comments from recent years just after going out of the Champions League, it's easy to feel how much this trophy means to him. Remember when he dissed Di Matteo just because he won CL with Chelsea before him ? Adding to that he has to take the crown from Barcelona, he will try everything to challange for the trophy next season.

[Polo7 3,496]

Cech for Walcott swap deal? Wouldnt say no. Especially after Mourinho's words.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Do you actually believe that if he has an opportunity to sign Koke/Pogba sacrificing Oscar he would say 'nah, I will wait until Oscar finally turns against good team' ? I can't believe that someone suggest it ... It's Mourinho we're talking about !

I believe he did tried to check the situation of Koke and Pogba, maybe one-two months ago, but quickly he knew its impossible, hence the Oscar comment ("He'll have Hazard's evolution"). Just a speculation of course.

He'll bring a midfielder who's gonna play in the big games, and Oscar would probably challenge Willian for those games, like this season. But in the "Normal" games, i can still see Oscar as a regular starter, unless we bring another RW or Cuadrado starts to shine.

[CurlyHairLikeLuiz 1,625]

Mourinho is pragmatic first and foremost. Do you actually believe that if he has an opportunity to sign Koke/Pogba sacrificing Oscar he would say 'nah, I will wait until Oscar finally turns against good team' ? I can't believe that someone suggest it ... It's Mourinho we're talking about !

He has nowhere near a status of JT, Ivanovic, Matic, Hazard, Diego etc. Nowhere near. I don't remember subbing Ivanovic, Matic, Cesc and Diego off when they were on a yellow and still trying they hardest to get the second card. How many times they were playing on the edge of the second card, especially Ivanovic and DC and still they were allowed to play ? Quite a few times, our striker was virtually sending off several times this season, yet he was still on the pitch by manager decision. If Oscar had the status of above players he would stay on the pitch against PSG. He is easy sheep to sacrifice. Willian already shows that he can play as a starting number 10. I lost count the number of times Oscar was dropped against bigger teams over the last 2 seasons. Even Azpilicueta took his place (!) against Atletico. Willian somehow always plays in the big games.

But of course Mourinho loves Oscar, because he says so - that's why he drops him to the bencbench

Matic has actually been subbed quite a few times.

Oscar is stable. And he gets subbed less because there is a lack of backup quality. Jose prefers to play Oscar deep often over Ramires as his ball control is so poor. Playing Willian at 10 leaves a hole on the wing. Cuadrado is not good enough yet at least and we both know Dave was deployed on the right wing to stop Filipe Luis not because Oscar was not good enough.

Next season will certainly be the one to judge him on.

Finally, Mourinho's system requires his no 10 to do the defensive work for the DLP - Fabregas. I don't think there is a CAM that does this better than Oscar, aside from Willian of course. I can't fault the argument, then, that we should replace him with a CM b2b player either.