Chelsea Transfers

[Blue Armour 4,444]

12 hours ago, Vesper said:

Chelsea eye Josko Gvardiol as Graham Potter's first signing

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog-transfer-talk/story/4742668/transfer-talk-Chelsea-eye-josko-gvardiol-as-graham-potters-first-signing

TOP STORY: Chelsea to try again for RB Leipzig's Joško Gvardiol

After failing to secure a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea will make another attempt for the 20-year-old in the winter transfer window, as shared by Bild's Christian Falk.

The Blues reportedly offered up to €90 million for the Croatia international, who instead signed a one-year extension to remain in Germany. However, Gvardiol is tipped to become the first signing of Graham Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at the helm on Thursday.

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in central defence this summer. Still, the west London side are set to reapproach the centre-back in January and implore him to reconsider a move to the Premier League. The young defender, who made 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, could have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with Thiago Silva set to turn 38 years old this month.

 

Hope Turbo Timo can put in a good word.

He might have disagreed with Tuchel, but I'm sure he appreciated how the stadium going fans had his back even when he went through tough times.

[Vesper 30,195]

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has already unearthed perfect N'Golo Kante replacement

Chelsea are set to back Graham Potter with the signing of another midfield in the January transfer window...

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1667853/Chelsea-news-Graham-Potter-N-Golo-Kante-replacement-Moises-Caicedo-Brighton

Chelsea boss Graham Potter won't have to look far should he wish to find a long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge. The destructive World Cup-winning midfielder was once considered untouchable in west London but with contract discussions yet to reach a successful conclusion, there is every chance the Blues may have to consider what life will be like without their relentless 31-year-old.

In truth, Kante has not been able to offer the full package in recent times under Thomas Tuchel due to his questionable fitness record, which appears to suggest the hard yards are finally taking their toll on his body and legs.

That said, Kante remains an integral player to Chelsea and he is one they would undoubtedly like to keep at the club. With his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Blues will have to act fast before he is free to sign with foreign clubs on a pre-contract agreement in January.

While unquestionably, Kante would be a devastating loss for the Blues, there is one player well known to new head coach Potter that has the quality and capability to fill any void left behind.

Moises Caicedo has taken the Premier League by storm since breaking into the Brighton first-team earlier this year and now he looks set to make the Seagulls another killing in transfer fees.

Potter may have caused himself his own problems though should Chelsea wish to push ahead with a move - either in January or further down the line.

He recently said amid reports in South America of a £42.5million bid from Liverpool: “I think you’d probably get his boots for that, maybe, knowing the chairman! It’s not for me to talk about. It is what it is.”

Brighton know how to play the game - perhaps better than anyone on English shores. They secured a £50m premium for Ben White when selling the England international to Arsenal in 2021 before encouraging Chelsea to pay £62m for Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea know that if they are to firm up their interest, Caicedo will certainly not come cheap. Particularly given this would be Potter raiding his former club.

Yet he knows better than anyone that the 20-year-old is destined for stardom. What he is currently doing - is not normal for someone of his age, who has just moved across the world away from his family to pursue his dreams.

Potter added: “It doesn’t surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level.

"As soon as you do research on him you realise he is a top kid, great person, young, playing in the Premier League, has all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.

"But we know the position he is in and we know the position the club are in, which is why we don’t want to lose him.”

Caicedo can do it all. He's an all-action midfielder who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch. He will break up play in his own half and also has the ability to finish when required - as seen in the 5-2 win over Leicester.

Kante's role at Chelsea has very much changed in the past three or four years since Maurizio Sarri began to play him further up the field.

At Leicester and in his first few seasons at Chelsea, the France international was effectively operating as an extra layer of protection for the defence.

Now Kante has been given more of a license to get forward, although his main strength remains winning back the ball and moving it forward with simple passes for others to do the damage.

That is Caicedo's game to a tee but he is already proving there is much more to his game in an attacking sense having netted two Premier League goals in just 14 outings.

In Potter and Tuchel's 3-4-3 system, the central midfielders need to be well-rounded in order to succeed as they're fundamental cogs in the system. Chelsea are currently lacking standout performers in that department.

Jorginho flatters to deceive while Mateo Kovacic cannot seem to stay fit. Kante has also been experiencing similar problems.

Chelsea need some fresh blood in that department and they are expected to push ahead with the signing of a midfielder when the January window opens - despite signing Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.

Before his sacking, Tuchel hinted Kante may have to lower his salary demands in order to remain at Chelsea, who have placed a competitive offer on the table.

Tuchel said: "You have to consider everything that is on the table. And on the table is his potential, on the table is his influence and his quality.

“But on the table of course is his age, his salary and his injury rate, of course. From there you build a whole picture and try to find a solution.”

Should Chelsea be unable to find a solution - Caicedo could prove to be the answer. Prising him away from the Amex will not prove easy though. It could now take silly money.

Edited September 11, 2022 by Vesper

[OhForAGreavsie 6,076]

3 hours ago, Vesper said:

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has already unearthed perfect N'Golo Kante replacement

Chelsea are set to back Graham Potter with the signing of another midfield in the January transfer window...

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1667853/Chelsea-news-Graham-Potter-N-Golo-Kante-replacement-Moises-Caicedo-Brighton

Chelsea boss Graham Potter won't have to look far should he wish to find a long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge. The destructive World Cup-winning midfielder was once considered untouchable in west London but with contract discussions yet to reach a successful conclusion, there is every chance the Blues may have to consider what life will be like without their relentless 31-year-old.

In truth, Kante has not been able to offer the full package in recent times under Thomas Tuchel due to his questionable fitness record, which appears to suggest the hard yards are finally taking their toll on his body and legs.

That said, Kante remains an integral player to Chelsea and he is one they would undoubtedly like to keep at the club. With his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Blues will have to act fast before he is free to sign with foreign clubs on a pre-contract agreement in January.

While unquestionably, Kante would be a devastating loss for the Blues, there is one player well known to new head coach Potter that has the quality and capability to fill any void left behind.

Moises Caicedo has taken the Premier League by storm since breaking into the Brighton first-team earlier this year and now he looks set to make the Seagulls another killing in transfer fees.

Potter may have caused himself his own problems though should Chelsea wish to push ahead with a move - either in January or further down the line.

He recently said amid reports in South America of a £42.5million bid from Liverpool: “I think you’d probably get his boots for that, maybe, knowing the chairman! It’s not for me to talk about. It is what it is.”

Brighton know how to play the game - perhaps better than anyone on English shores. They secured a £50m premium for Ben White when selling the England international to Arsenal in 2021 before encouraging Chelsea to pay £62m for Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea know that if they are to firm up their interest, Caicedo will certainly not come cheap. Particularly given this would be Potter raiding his former club.

Yet he knows better than anyone that the 20-year-old is destined for stardom. What he is currently doing - is not normal for someone of his age, who has just moved across the world away from his family to pursue his dreams.

Potter added: “It doesn’t surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level.

"As soon as you do research on him you realise he is a top kid, great person, young, playing in the Premier League, has all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.

"But we know the position he is in and we know the position the club are in, which is why we don’t want to lose him.”

Caicedo can do it all. He's an all-action midfielder who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch. He will break up play in his own half and also has the ability to finish when required - as seen in the 5-2 win over Leicester.

Kante's role at Chelsea has very much changed in the past three or four years since Maurizio Sarri began to play him further up the field.

At Leicester and in his first few seasons at Chelsea, the France international was effectively operating as an extra layer of protection for the defence.

Now Kante has been given more of a license to get forward, although his main strength remains winning back the ball and moving it forward with simple passes for others to do the damage.

That is Caicedo's game to a tee but he is already proving there is much more to his game in an attacking sense having netted two Premier League goals in just 14 outings.

In Potter and Tuchel's 3-4-3 system, the central midfielders need to be well-rounded in order to succeed as they're fundamental cogs in the system. Chelsea are currently lacking standout performers in that department.

Jorginho flatters to deceive while Mateo Kovacic cannot seem to stay fit. Kante has also been experiencing similar problems.

Chelsea need some fresh blood in that department and they are expected to push ahead with the signing of a midfielder when the January window opens - despite signing Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.

Before his sacking, Tuchel hinted Kante may have to lower his salary demands in order to remain at Chelsea, who have placed a competitive offer on the table.

Tuchel said: "You have to consider everything that is on the table. And on the table is his potential, on the table is his influence and his quality.

“But on the table of course is his age, his salary and his injury rate, of course. From there you build a whole picture and try to find a solution.”

Should Chelsea be unable to find a solution - Caicedo could prove to be the answer. Prising him away from the Amex will not prove easy though. It could now take silly money.

Let's at least look at Zakaria first.  As for this potential move costing silly money, when it's Chelsea the bidding starts at silly or even very silly.🙂 

[OhForAGreavsie 6,076]

On 10/09/2022 at 06:40, Vesper said:

Chelsea eye Josko Gvardiol as Graham Potter's first signing

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog-transfer-talk/story/4742668/transfer-talk-Chelsea-eye-josko-gvardiol-as-graham-potters-first-signing

TOP STORY: Chelsea to try again for RB Leipzig's Joško Gvardiol

After failing to secure a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea will make another attempt for the 20-year-old in the winter transfer window, as shared by Bild's Christian Falk.

The Blues reportedly offered up to €90 million for the Croatia international, who instead signed a one-year extension to remain in Germany. However, Gvardiol is tipped to become the first signing of Graham Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at the helm on Thursday.

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in central defence this summer. Still, the west London side are set to reapproach the centre-back in January and implore him to reconsider a move to the Premier League. The young defender, who made 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, could have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with Thiago Silva set to turn 38 years old this month.

 

Has only started two games this season and was subbed at halftime in one of those, though this may have been an injury for all I know.

[Vesper 30,195]

2 hours ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

Let's at least look at Zakaria first.  As for this potential move costing silly money, when it's Chelsea the bidding starts at silly or even very silly.🙂 

Chalk and cheese for me, Caicedo is a much different type of player than Zakaria.

For me, Caicedo is more like Barella than Zakaria.

Zakaria is the one who (I will do a fortnight of dancing if this happens) could put paid to us having to (well choosing to) plonk down £130-150m for Rice.

Edited September 12, 2022 by Vesper

[YorkshireBlue 3,277]

18 minutes ago, Vesper said:

Chalk and cheese for me, Caicedo is a much different type of player than Zakaria.

For me, Caicedo is more like Barella than Zakaria.

Zakaria is the one who (I will do a fortnight of dancing if this happens) could put paid to us having to (well choosing to) plonk down £130-150m for Rice.

Not sold on rice so far this season, but then again alot of teams/players struggling this season apart from man city and Brighton before we took potter lol 

[Vesper 30,195]

a great young manager to watch

Matthias Jaissle

[Strike 7,492]

 

 

[MoroccanBlue 5,383]

Bye Felica. 

[Special Juan 28,141]

Based on how injury prone he is now we won't get 50% of this season from him.

[ZAPHOD2319 4,819]

 

[MoroccanBlue 5,383]

In an ideal world neither Kante or Jorginho should be here next season. The former simply far too injury prone and we shouldn't be relying on the latter. 

[Blue Armour 4,444]

52 minutes ago, Hermione said:

This place is a retirement home apparently, long big contracts so they make sure it doesn't matter how they play. For all I care he can leave, it's already bad enough Koulibaly was given a 5 year contract.

Tbf...if Koulibaly got a 5 yr contract, Kante deserves it even more.

But agreed, club needs to be more careful about these things. Kantes injury record is becoming a real problem, and this season its happened even before we started playing games in midweek with him.

[MoroccanBlue 5,383]

7 minutes ago, Blue Armour said:

Tbf...if Koulibaly got a 5 yr contract, Kante deserves it even more.

But agreed, club needs to be more careful about these things. Kantes injury record is becoming a real problem, and this season its happened even before we started playing games in midweek with him.

Kante got injured earlier in the summer and now again. From absolutely nothing by the way. Like you stated, we haven't even played 2-3 matches a week yet which is concerning. 

I'm honestly getting fed up on how high a pedestal Kante and Jorginho are at this club in terms of them being irreplaceable when in reality they are holding us back. We need to move on. 

[Pizy 18,928]

I’d be fine keeping Kante around and using him as a situational player who doesn’t have to play every match.

Jorginho absolutely must go, though. Unless he has some sort of major resurgence in a new way of playing that Potter develops, I suppose.

[Blues Forever 1,232]

 

[Vesper 30,195]

28 minutes ago, Blues Forever said:

 

He’s a boy with poison in his backside

😦

[LAM09 7,056]

57 minutes ago, Pizy said:

I’d be fine keeping Kante around and using him as a situational player who doesn’t have to play every match.

Jorginho absolutely must go, though. Unless he has some sort of major resurgence in a new way of playing that Potter develops, I suppose.

It makes no sense to offer Kante a four-year contract due to his age clearly catching up with him. We're supposedly already offering him a longer contract than I'd suggested.

[Vesper 30,195]

58 minutes ago, LAM09 said:

It makes no sense to offer Kante a four-year contract due to his age clearly catching up with him. We're supposedly already offering him a longer contract than I'd suggested.

I think he will leave on a free

when he is fit, he is still an extraordinary player (I grudgingly admit that Sarri did transform and broaden his game) who vastly improves us, BUT he is fairly unlikely to stay fit for a full season ever again, he is out injured yet again as I type this

[YorkshireBlue 3,277]

2 minutes ago, Vesper said:

I think he will leave on a free

when he is fit, he is still an extraordinary player (I grudgingly admit that Sarri did transform and broaden his game) who vastly improves us, BUT he is fairly unlikely to stay fit for a full season ever again, he is out injured yet again as I type this

True he's been such a strong , tough players who's put his body through the mill, unfortunately it's taking his toll now, he's just made of cracked glass now, such a shame.