Chelsea Transfers

[Vesper 29,152]

3 minutes ago, Patrick Bamford said:

 

would rather this than 10 Hofmanns and Traores

[Jype 6,398]

So if we believe Matt Law and Tuchel is targeting the likes of Adama/Hoffmann for the wing-back role, it would seem like we're continuing with the 3-4-3 next season. Traore as a winger is nowhere near good enough for a top club but as a wing-back he might be an interesting option because of his freakishly good physique and good dribbling skills to take on defenders. Tuchel tried CHO as a wing-back and it seemed to be working reasonably well but towards the end of the season he wasn't getting any more games at WB (or any other position for that matter) so it's obvious there was something Tuchel didn't like about him there.

Looking at the rumored transfer targets, we might well be seeing a super-charged version of the Conte title season. A midfield of Rice-Kante would be quite similar to Matic-Kante in the Conte era and I feel wing-backs of Chilwell-James/Adama would be a huge upgrade on Alonso-Moses. Lukaku would play the 'diegocosta' role and the likes of Werner, Havertz, Mount, Pulisic, Ziyech would operate behind the front man like Hazard/Willian/Pedro did for Conte. Depending on opposition some games would still be played with Havertz as false-9 or Werner up front so there should be plenty of game time for six players competing for three places in the team. Don't see a role for CHO in there though.

Edited May 31, 2021 by Jype

[King Kante 1,521]

11 hours ago, Pizy said:

As we’ve also seen, when Thiago is out AC or Zouma can step in and adequately cover for him. Or Azpi if we’re desperate. Spending big this summer on a CB would be a waste I think. Wait until this time next summer when Silva leaves.

Do we truly need a silky playmaker up front or just a dude who will put the chances away that we always create? Having a striker who is a baller technically would be nice but there really isn’t one out there that’s top class and available.

Does not have to be a silky playmaker, just someone who can trap the ball properly. People seem to be forgetting that Lukaku had trouble at Utd because he was having to play against low block teams all the time and his first touch meant he was losing the ball a lot in important positions. He would have the exact same problem here but worse as virtually every teams wants to low block us now. 

11 hours ago, Magic Lamps said:

Yes exactly. and who covers for them? Azpi and Thiago will have to sit out more games completely next season. Especially over a 60+ game season which awaits us. Zouma and AC will come in which leaves no CB on the bench. We would have to make this up with players from the youth team. Look at how Liverpool collapsed after they lost 2 of their main CBs. No one talked about big money signings. 30m is pocket change for us but it can land us a young, quality CB like Lacroix or Caleta-Car

The Dippers were just unlucky, also I would argue that we have better depth than them. First VvD's injury was a bad one that could've happened to anyone. The Gomez one is a bit on them as he has had a lot of injuries so they should've protected themselves a little more. 

However, for us, none of our CB's have a injury record (Rudiger, is the worst with his knee injuries.) 

For me, we should stick we a back 3 but I think we only need 9 players in total to cover the CB and WB roles. Personally I would be quite comfortable with this: 

RCB: Dave*, James*

CCB: Silva, AC

LCB: Rudi, Guehi/Ampadu

RWB: Hakimi, James*

LWB: Chilwell, Alonso

The important thing here is Dave and James who can play two-four positions; James (RCB, RWB), Dave (RCB, RWB, LCB (probably), LWB.)

For me, Zouma is a disaster on the ball and with his positioning so it isn't a surprise to me we haven't seen much of him recently. I think the FA Cup final, where James switch to RCB, told us he will go this Summer. 

Lastly, if we do get someone like Rice rather than SMS, then they can also drop back. For me, CB has fallen down the order of needs significantly, which is something I thought I would never have said 8 months ago. 

 

10 hours ago, Vesper said:

if roman really is talking about £200m net spend

go hardest of the hard

Mbappe (for CF and winger, as needed) he is perfect for the Tuchel system, arguably better than Kane and Håland in terms of fit, although Håland would be superb as well and offers things Mbappe does not do as well (aerial game especially)

Camavinga (can play anywhere in MF plus even at wing in a pinch)

Varane (Real will cut a deal for sure, as he leaves on a free next summer)

we have just SHITLOADS of surplus to sell, so we can easily dump enough to cover the cost and keep it at 200m net even in thsi market

I am dead serious

Mbappe always wanted to play here, we fucked up on his trial

Camavinga can learn from Kante

Varane knows we are the better team, we smashed them already

French Connection

we already have (a couple may leave) Francophones in

Kante

Giroud

Zouma

Mendy

Thiago Silva speaks fluent French

Ziyech (marginally) and Azpi (fluent) speak it as well

so do peripheral/loaned out players like Bats, Musonda, Bakayoko, Malang Sarr, Pierre Ekwah

 

Aurélien Tchouaméni is French as well, if somehow we could pull him in as well

Camavinga and Tchou as a double pivot in a couple years (when Kante slows down) is terrifying

Mbappe if he is clever will stay at PSG this year, then leave. I mean, his options are;

2021: €100m+ fee to PSG, €750k+ a week wages

2022: €70m+ signing on fee, €750k+ a week wages. 

For me, he would be insane to do anything other than see his contract out as he is only 22. It is not like Kane with him. 

Camavinga I am not sure about, only produces in flashes but I think we need more proven players at this point, rather than constantly pick very young players. 

Additionally, at CM, I am starting to come off the idea of a pure DMF and would now like to see a more progressive CMF (but one that isn't funsized and can tackle.) My choices there would be: 

SMS: Although slightly worried he would struggle with the pace of the league

Gravenberch: If the club insist on going for a young player. However, concerned about the transition from Dutch football to PL. 

Neves: If for some reason the club insists on wanting a PL player. 

[Vesper 29,152]

2 minutes ago, DH1988 said:

Id like us to look for a way to structure Sancho coming in for a fee plus Callum on a two year loan, he would benefit greatly from being there and ultimately I don’t want to lose him permanently.

I’d like to avoid Tchoeumani, I don’t see what others are seeing in the games I’ve seen him, you can say potential, but I don’t see what he brings in to our midfield. It’s my opinion of course.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is first team all Ligue 1, and the young player of the year as well

and that was on a far from great Monaco side

Chelsea defensive midfielder scouting series part five: Aurelien Tchouameni

https://theprideoflondon.com/2021/05/26/Chelsea-defensive-midfielder-scouting-five-aurelien-tchouameni/

All of the midfielders we’ve discussed in this series thus far are already playing in the Premier League. This gives them a slight advantage, as they’d be playing in the same environment—but with different teammates—if they were to move to Chelsea. However we cannot ignore players playing in other leagues because many of the players who have written their names in the history books of the Premier League were bought from other leagues. In part four, we discussed West Ham key man, Declan Rice. In this part, we’d be discussing a multitalented, all-action central defensive minded midfielder, AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni is more of a box-to-box midfielder than he is a pure defensive midfielder, but he exhibits almost everything you’d want in either role. Tchouameni might be the perfect piece to slot into Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 formation. His work rate off the ball and his actions on it show that he’s the perfect central midfielder for Chelsea. His pressing, ball movement and decisive passes indicate that he’d be just as useful in the defensive, offensive and middle thirds of the pitch.

Tchouameni works hard to deny opponents off the ball, but he is also a goal threat. He looks to distribute the ball effectively when in possession, and he’s a competent enough dribbler to get past opponents when he needs to. He has been an important figure in Monaco’s midfield this season. A testament to Tchouameni’s influence is the fact that he’s started—and played—34 out of 36 league games for Monaco this season. His performances helped Les Monegasques to a third place finish in League 1, just five points behind the title winners, Lille. WhoScored has the Frenchman as the third best performing player and SofaScore has him as the best. This is impressive as Tchouameni has only scored two goals and assisted three, so those ratings are not heavily influenced by goal involvements.

We scrutinize Tchouameni’s numbers over the past two seasons and compare them with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante (you know the drill). It is important to note that Tchouameni spent most of his playing time last season with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.

Play style

Tchouameni currently plays in a high pressing team and contributes heavily to said press. He looks to close down opposing players and start attacks by distributing the ball to forward players as quickly as possible (which is most competent midfielders or defensive midfielders anyway). Monaco’s pressing has been so good that it ranks third for successful pressures in Ligue 1, and ranks first for percentage of successful pressures. That’s impressive, especially for a Monaco team that is not a defensive one. Les Monegasques are very much possession-oriented, though not to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain levels.

Monaco has managed 54.3 percent possession on average this season, compared Chelsea’s 58.4 percent. Tchouameni’s team(s) have had an average possession of 54 percent since the beginning of last season. Kante’s team has had 58 percent in that time. Tchouameni has averaged 18.6 pressures per 90 since the beginning of last season, winning 6.5 of them per 90. Kante averages more pressures (21.5) and more successful pressures (7.2). Interestingly, Tchouameni (34.9 percent) has a better success rate in presses than Kante (33.5 percent).

Kante makes more progressive carries (5.4) compared to Tchouameni’s 4.4. This might be due to the fact that the Chelsea man gets more of the ball by playing in a more possession-based side. Tchouameni is also alert, though he comes second best in this category, as he makes 11.3 recoveries per game (picking up loose balls). Kante makes 13.5. Tchouameni is just 21 years old, but he already knows how to conduct himself in a high pressing side to achieve the maximum effectiveness. This is encouraging, as he would need to keep up this work rate in a much more intense league, like the Premier League.

Defensive actions

Tchouameni has recorded a healthy proportion of defensive actions for someone who plays in a relatively possession-oriented side. He has recorded 4.4 tackles plus interceptions since the beginning of last season. For comparison, Kante has recorded 5.2. Tchouameni actually leads Monaco this season in tackles and interceptions, and he’s not even a sitting defensive midfielder. He’s been dribbled past more than Kante per 90 in the time under scrutiny, 1.1 to 1.4. That may be due him contesting more ground duels, as you’ll likely be dribbled past often if you get into these contests a lot. It is worth it too, as the Monaco man has won 5.7 ground duels per 90 at a success rate of 57 percent, compared to Kante’s 4.4 at a success rate of 49 percent in the time under scrutiny.

Tchouameni is obviously better at winning ground duels. He wins more, despite attempting more, at a higher success rate. Tchouameni has a size advantage on Kante though, as he weighs 80 kg rising to 185 cm, compared to Kante’s 68 kg rising to 168 cm. It’s not surprising that Tchouameni would have a considerable advantage over Kante in ground duels. Tchouameni, if nothing else, knows how to use his strengths to his advantage. Tchouameni blocks more shots per 90 (0.3) than Kante (0.2), but makes slightly fewer clearances per 90 (1.3) compared to Kante (1.4). Kante and Tchouameni concede the same amount of fouls (1.9), though the latter wins more tackles than Kante. Tchouameni wins significantly more fouls (1.8) than Kante (0.4), all per 90. Tchouameni seems to have overall better ball skills than Kante, losing the ball on average 11.6 times per 90, compared to Kante’s 13.2.

Tchouameni is clearly defensive aware, and likely the best defensive-minded midfielder at the club. He would fit right in at Chelsea, and would be perfect to partner Chelsea’s other central midfielders, as he offers many things they don’t.

Passing

Tchouameni is a very good passer. He also seems to be a more effective passer. He unsurprisingly makes less passes (45.5) than Kante (53.2) per 90 in the period being analyzed. Kante seems to be a better passer of the ball though. Kante attempts 2.6 long balls per 90 at a 67 percent completion rate, compared to Tchouameni’s 2.2 long balls per 90 at a 58 percent completion rate. Mind, a 58 percent long ball accuracy in itself is very good. Tchouameni makes 5.3 progressive passes per 90, compared to Kante’s 4.7. This indicates that Tchouameni may be better at starting attacks, making him a more effective passer. 12 percent of Tchouameni’s passes are progressive, compared to eight percent of Kante’s. Tchouameni has averaged an 84 percent passing accuracy in the time under scrutiny, compared to Kante’s 87 percent. Tchouameni makes a lot fewer key passes per game (0.6) than Kante (1.2). Interestingly, Monaco’s Frenchman has created double the amount of big chances (six) than Kante (three) in the time under scrutiny, which points further to the effectiveness of his passing.

These passing numbers paint of picture of a brilliant player, who, despite getting heavily involved in defending, is also a crucial component of the team’s attack. His decisive passing has helped his team in the final third, contributing heavily to chance creation, creating the fourth-most clear cut chances for Monaco this season.

Tchouameni definitely still has a lot to learn, and would come into his prime in three or four years, but he’s already an exceptional midfielder for his age group. He would fit perfectly into Tuchel’s midfield, especially if the German decides to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation. Like Kante, he’s such a dynamic player and it might hurt the team to just deploy him as a traditional defensive midfielder. He has played most of his Monaco games in a two-man midfield and has flourished there. His partnership with Youssef Fofana has been fruitful indeed. He can also be a potential solution to Chelsea’s lack of chance creation from central midfield.

He’s valued at €25 million according to Transfermarkt, but his fee would probably be closer to €35-40 million because of his age. The last gem Chelsea bought in central midfield was Kante, this is a perfect opportunity to secure a real diamond for now and the future.

 

 

[Jase 43,479]

35 minutes ago, Jype said:

Looking at the rumored transfer targets, we might well be seeing a super-charged version of the Conte title season. A midfield of Rice-Kante would be quite similar to Matic-Kante in the Conte era and I feel wing-backs of Chilwell-James/Adama would be a huge upgrade on Alonso-Moses. Lukaku would play the 'diegocosta' role and the likes of Werner, Havertz, Mount, Pulisic, Ziyech would operate behind the front man like Hazard/Willian/Pedro did for Conte. Depending on opposition some games would still be played with Havertz as false-9 or Werner up front so there should be plenty of game time for six players competing for three places in the team. Don't see a role for CHO in there though.

But would Lukaku accept Tuchel's rotation style?

All the rotation this season is fine but at some point, I feel like that's gonna come bite us back in the arse. 

[Stats 7,060]

13 hours ago, Jas said:

Summary:

- Tuchel targeting a striker, midfielder and at least one defender, which includes a right-sided player to provide better balance

- Adama Traore believed to be a target of Tuchel for the RWB role (Traore? WTF!?)

- Either Traore or a similar player like Hofmann would also help provide cover in wide areas with Ziyech due to play at AFCON next year

- Remains to be seen whether the club can negotiate a deal for Tuchel's top midfield target Rice. Tchouameni is a cheaper alternative but Tuchel will prioritize quality

- Tuchel doesn't see the need for many additions. Said "Two or three could be very, very good". Also wants to focus on improving the current group of players and not steal opportunities away from them

- Club expected to sell Tomori and willing to listen to offers of £40 million for Abraham

Genuinely would take Bissouma. He has everything in his locker. I mean I would like Rice here but it would take around £80m to buy him. Bissouma, Brighton want at least £40m for him and I think whoever he goes to this summer, he will make stronger. He has good technique, good physique, can hold on to the ball well as well as drive through with it. Would give us that extra bit of muscle in midfield while also supporting the possession football Tuchel likes to play. Have not heard any links with us as he has mainly been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal but seen him enough to see he is able to take it up another level.

[Vesper 29,152]

Player Comparison: Bruno Guimarães vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Manuel Locatelli vs. Declan Rice vs. Eduardo Camavinga vs. Boubacar Kamara

https://fbref.com/tiny/HLiqv

[Vesper 29,152]

Player Comparison: Ismaël Bennacer vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Yves Bissouma vs. Ryan Gravenberch vs. Jude Bellingham vs. Rúben Neves

https://fbref.com/tiny/DAiL7

[Jype 6,398]

3 minutes ago, Jas said:

But would Lukaku accept Tuchel's rotation style?

All the rotation this season is fine but at some point, I feel like that's gonna come bite us back in the arse. 

Yea I agree that there's still maybe one player too many for the optimal amount of rotation.

Don't think Lukaku would be the one to have problems with rotation tho. He'd still be the only real striker in the team (assuming Giroud and Tammy will both be gone) and he'd definitely start most games and only sit out when another kind of approach would be needed (ie. false 9). It would be the likes of Pulisic, Ziyech and CHO (if he stays) who need to be worried. Think next season will be last chance for Pulisic and Ziyech to show their worth, otherwise they'll be moved on, especially Pulisic who will have just two years left on his contract and 2022 the club will then need to decide whether to extend him or try to sell him.

[Vesper 29,152]

Player Comparison: Kalvin Phillips vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Leander Dendoncker vs. Boubakary Soumaré vs. Weston McKennie vs. Sandro Tonali

https://fbref.com/tiny/NCkf9

 

 

[Vesper 29,152]

those are all leagues stats

so no minnows to pad anyone

[Jase 43,479]

3 minutes ago, Jype said:

Yea I agree that there's still maybe one player too many for the optimal amount of rotation.

Don't think Lukaku would be the one to have problems with rotation tho. He'd still be the only real striker in the team (assuming Giroud and Tammy will both be gone) and he'd definitely start most games and only sit out when another kind of approach would be needed (ie. false 9). It would be the likes of Pulisic, Ziyech and CHO (if he stays) who need to be worried. Think next season will be last chance for Pulisic and Ziyech to show their worth, otherwise they'll be moved on, especially Pulisic who will have just two years left on his contract and 2022 the club will then need to decide whether to extend him or try to sell him.

The problem is a lot of our players would also want to start games. Havertz would want to start (Hazard was already starting every week at 21 when he joined us). Werner would want to start. Pulisic would want to start. Mount would want to start. Ziyech and CHO would also want to start. If Mount remains a certainty and someone like Lukaku becomes one, then there's only one spot left up for grabs. The quantity of numbers isn't necessarily the problem. It's the quantity of players that want to be playing week in week out. None of them would settle for being just a backup (would be interesting to hear Ziyech's and/or CHO's thoughts after the recent exclusions).

[R2D2 368]

Why the hell is Ziyech getting another chance Bakayoko, Cuadrado, Salah all were binned after a season why the hell should this guy get another season here, waste of space.

[Vesper 29,152]

1 minute ago, R2D2 said:

Why the hell is Ziyech getting another chance Bakayoko, Cuadrado, Salah all were binned after a season why the hell should this guy get another season here, waste of space.

Square was magnificent at RWB/RB on the worst Juve team in ages

2 goals, 19 assists in 3083 minutes (so no crazy Azpi 4700 minute season to pad those)

 

[King Kante 1,521]

27 minutes ago, R2D2 said:

Why the hell is Ziyech getting another chance Bakayoko, Cuadrado, Salah all were binned after a season why the hell should this guy get another season here, waste of space.

I agree Ziyech should be sold but lets be real. 

Baka is a Championship grade player

Cuadrado looked like a child playing in the PL

Salah, was the one that should've been given a chance. 

[Jype 6,398]

23 minutes ago, Jas said:

The problem is a lot of our players would also want to start games. Havertz would want to start (Hazard was already starting every week at 21 when he joined us). Werner would want to start. Pulisic would want to start. Mount would want to start. Ziyech and CHO would also want to start. If Mount remains a certainty and someone like Lukaku becomes one, then there's only one spot left up for grabs. The quantity of numbers isn't necessarily the problem. It's the quantity of players that want to be playing week in week out. None of them would settle for being just a backup (would be interesting to hear Ziyech's and/or CHO's thoughts after the recent exclusions).

Pulisic, Ziyech, CHO obviously want to start more games but they also need to start showing why they deserve to be starters. Werner, for all his flaws, has been the best out of the bunch and is definitely ahead of the other three at the moment. Mount and Havertz will definitely expect to start most games and and probably will too, even if Lukaku joins.

Based on their current forms, I'd say Lukaku, Havertz, Werner and Mount would all start plenty enough games for all of them to be happy with their roles. Ziyech and Pulisic already had some complaints this season for their lack of play time and I don't see their situation becoming a lot better next season either, unless they drastically improve their play. Like I said, last chance for them next season.

For CHO I'm not really sure what to do with him. He always shows glimpses of good form when he plays and the quality is definitely there, but he's wildly inconsistent and Tuchel is now the third manager after Sarri and Lampard who has said something about his work ethic and motivation levels so maybe they're onto something? I don't see Hudson-Odoi's situation improving enough if he stays at the club so maybe a change in scenery might do him some good. But because I still rate his talent, I would hate to lose him on a permanent deal because there's definitely the chance of it coming back to bite us in the ass like KDB/Salah. A loan deal to a slightly smaller club would be my pick for CHO, and if he performs well with regular play time he can definitely still return and replace Pulisic/Ziyech later on if those two don't start performing.

[Thor 2,466]

I would take Adama every day of the week here. 

If we are going to be sticking to a 5 at the back system, he is perfect for a second string team, or to bring on against tired legs. He is the type of guy that will play better and be far more useful on a better team too. Ideal player for flat track bully style or to get you out of a tight situation at times. 

[R2D2 368]

29 minutes ago, King Kante said:

I agree Ziyech should be sold but lets be real. 

Baka is a Championship grade player

Cuadrado looked like a child playing in the PL

Salah, was the one that should've been given a chance. 

Thing is this is the only real summer we have to get Sancho, assuming CHO and Ziyech fail next summer when we need to replace them no one will come even close to the potential Sancho has.