Chelsea Transfers

[Blues Forever 1,232]

According to Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast

https://londonisbluepodcast.com/

Matt on a new keeper signing:

Frank wanted to leave Cech to the keeper signing (who recommended Mendy), Chelsea decided to make a battle for the number one shirt a priority due to lack of interest in Kepa.

On Kepa:

Kepa & Kepa's people want to stay and fight for the spot, Frank and Kepa have held talks and Frank was sympathetic to Kepa's form slump due to life issues and wants him to stay.

On Mendy:

"They wanted a tall goalkeeper I know that", their most successful goalkeepers in Cech and Courtois were good off the line and Frank wants someone to dominate the area and play with his feet. Told he is a good, confident lad and he brings a different element to the game.

On Declan Rice:

Frank wants a new DM and Rice is his top target, Declan wants to return. Reason left to last is because it is the most difficult and possibly the most money. He isn't going to force his way out of West Ham. "As long as Frank is head coach, Rice will come to Chelsea this summer or next summer".

On Midfield insights:

"Lampard and Chelsea are extremely happy with the midfield talent, but not the mix in Midfield". Kova and Jorginho don't bring out the best in each other defensively, leaves holes, Kova & Kante pair is quiet and do not speak as much on the pitch. Chelsea is a very quiet time aside from Kepa, Azpi & Rudi. They want the mix to work defensively and offensively, they want someone to partner either Kante or Kova and talk to them into defensive position. Aside from Rice, Brozovic & Soumare are options.

On Kante:

Kante's injury problems are due to the overplaying of him during his time France, the Foxes, but especially with Sarri and Conte, his fitness issues are a worry and the club want someone who can fill his spot to keep him fit for longer. Interesting point on Sarri "He was quite frankly reckless with Kante's fitness to get into the Champions League and win Europa League and it set him back several months of recovery."

Further quote from the Kante points: If they bring in a DM, I know their next big area of search for next summer is a commanding & dominant CB. Thiago Silva is a stop gap for that window. "If they couldn't get Rice they will look elsewhere".

On Selling Kante:

Frank has said he doesn't want to sell publicly, whispers if the money was right the discussions could start but until then there is no chance. Highest earner at the club so it's not impossible.

On the market:

They are going to struggle to get the valuations that Marina wants is very hard this window. It makes more sense to get loans out the door and to wait for a better financial position.

On outgoings:

Michy to Palace is confirmed (extra year extension on his contract) club hopes his value will rise after a good season, Bakayoko to Milan will be done unsure as to whether the buy option will be included (Gazidis has good relationship with Chelsea), Ampadu is looking good and his physicality has improved (he is rated highly by the club and his time with Wilder will be great), Gallagher will end up at a premier league club (Leeds the main mention but says there are a few options), Tomori wanted to stay and was hoping to play a role in the backline but the club sees him as someone who needs more consistent playing time at a top 5 league club before settling into a role at Chelsea (he might go to Rennes on loan if Everton falls through).

On Rudiger, Zouma, and Christensen:

Matt's theory and not from any new information, more from hearsay from around the club, says that any of the three of them could have been sold this summer if the market was normal. Rudiger is a good character in the dressing room, but older and injury prone, Christensen is a worry because of a "De Bruyne" situation where a sale to a non-physical league could see his value skyrocket and he could go somewhere else and flourish. Don't want to give up Zouma as he is a big talent, "they are all very much playing for their futures"

On Injuries:

Ziyech might struggle to make gameweek one, they want him to be at full fitness and strong and ready to face the tough league, says he might be on the bench. Says Pulisic injury isn't a big concern, but the concern is more surrounding quarantine and having enough time to get up to match fitness (Matt expects him to be in the starting 11 for Brighton). Chilwell is still a few weeks away from a full start, might make the bench vs Liverpool.

On Silva:

Will be a later start for him due to going from France to Brazil to England, but they are excited to have his leadership around the team.

On Werner:

Everyone is absolutely amazed by him, hearing just how incredible he has looked, everyone is excited for him, thinks he will start down the middle but Chelsea want to deploy a more fluid front three to cause trouble in all areas.

On Havertz:

Thinks he might start out wide to help him adjust to the physicality of the league and give him a chance to have extra space and time to create and learn the league. They are impressed by his desire to join up with the team and thinks he will take some time to get in the groove.

Other choice quotes:

"Like most clubs, Chelsea don't want to do much of anything in January."

"This is just phase one for Chelsea, there are two phases and next summer will be big too."

[Blues Forever 1,232]

 

[Puliiszola 519]

1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

According to Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast

https://londonisbluepodcast.com/

Matt on a new keeper signing:

Frank wanted to leave Cech to the keeper signing (who recommended Mendy), Chelsea decided to make a battle for the number one shirt a priority due to lack of interest in Kepa.

On Kepa:

Kepa & Kepa's people want to stay and fight for the spot, Frank and Kepa have held talks and Frank was sympathetic to Kepa's form slump due to life issues and wants him to stay.

On Mendy:

"They wanted a tall goalkeeper I know that", their most successful goalkeepers in Cech and Courtois were good off the line and Frank wants someone to dominate the area and play with his feet. Told he is a good, confident lad and he brings a different element to the game.

On Declan Rice:

Frank wants a new DM and Rice is his top target, Declan wants to return. Reason left to last is because it is the most difficult and possibly the most money. He isn't going to force his way out of West Ham. "As long as Frank is head coach, Rice will come to Chelsea this summer or next summer".

On Midfield insights:

"Lampard and Chelsea are extremely happy with the midfield talent, but not the mix in Midfield". Kova and Jorginho don't bring out the best in each other defensively, leaves holes, Kova & Kante pair is quiet and do not speak as much on the pitch. Chelsea is a very quiet time aside from Kepa, Azpi & Rudi. They want the mix to work defensively and offensively, they want someone to partner either Kante or Kova and talk to them into defensive position. Aside from Rice, Brozovic & Soumare are options.

On Kante:

Kante's injury problems are due to the overplaying of him during his time France, the Foxes, but especially with Sarri and Conte, his fitness issues are a worry and the club want someone who can fill his spot to keep him fit for longer. Interesting point on Sarri "He was quite frankly reckless with Kante's fitness to get into the Champions League and win Europa League and it set him back several months of recovery."

Further quote from the Kante points: If they bring in a DM, I know their next big area of search for next summer is a commanding & dominant CB. Thiago Silva is a stop gap for that window. "If they couldn't get Rice they will look elsewhere".

On Selling Kante:

Frank has said he doesn't want to sell publicly, whispers if the money was right the discussions could start but until then there is no chance. Highest earner at the club so it's not impossible.

On the market:

They are going to struggle to get the valuations that Marina wants is very hard this window. It makes more sense to get loans out the door and to wait for a better financial position.

On outgoings:

Michy to Palace is confirmed (extra year extension on his contract) club hopes his value will rise after a good season, Bakayoko to Milan will be done unsure as to whether the buy option will be included (Gazidis has good relationship with Chelsea), Ampadu is looking good and his physicality has improved (he is rated highly by the club and his time with Wilder will be great), Gallagher will end up at a premier league club (Leeds the main mention but says there are a few options), Tomori wanted to stay and was hoping to play a role in the backline but the club sees him as someone who needs more consistent playing time at a top 5 league club before settling into a role at Chelsea (he might go to Rennes on loan if Everton falls through).

On Rudiger, Zouma, and Christensen:

Matt's theory and not from any new information, more from hearsay from around the club, says that any of the three of them could have been sold this summer if the market was normal. Rudiger is a good character in the dressing room, but older and injury prone, Christensen is a worry because of a "De Bruyne" situation where a sale to a non-physical league could see his value skyrocket and he could go somewhere else and flourish. Don't want to give up Zouma as he is a big talent, "they are all very much playing for their futures"

On Injuries:

Ziyech might struggle to make gameweek one, they want him to be at full fitness and strong and ready to face the tough league, says he might be on the bench. Says Pulisic injury isn't a big concern, but the concern is more surrounding quarantine and having enough time to get up to match fitness (Matt expects him to be in the starting 11 for Brighton). Chilwell is still a few weeks away from a full start, might make the bench vs Liverpool.

On Silva:

Will be a later start for him due to going from France to Brazil to England, but they are excited to have his leadership around the team.

On Werner:

Everyone is absolutely amazed by him, hearing just how incredible he has looked, everyone is excited for him, thinks he will start down the middle but Chelsea want to deploy a more fluid front three to cause trouble in all areas.

On Havertz:

Thinks he might start out wide to help him adjust to the physicality of the league and give him a chance to have extra space and time to create and learn the league. They are impressed by his desire to join up with the team and thinks he will take some time to get in the groove.

Other choice quotes:

"Like most clubs, Chelsea don't want to do much of anything in January."

"This is just phase one for Chelsea, there are two phases and next summer will be big too."

Pulisic is expected to be in the starting 11?

[R2D2 368]

If phase 2 is getting shit players like Brozovic, Soumare or breaking the transfer record for Rice, I'd rather we not buy anything next summer. This part is simply depressing, you have guys like Zakaria and Camavinga as incredible talents yet chase and try to settle for one of those 3 options.

[Blues Forever 1,232]

8 minutes ago, Puliiszola said:

Pulisic is expected to be in the starting 11?

Pulisic should be ready to go VS Brighton, due to his issue not being injury but returning from summer break with covid. 

[Vesper 30,164]

1 hour ago, Vesper said:

Explained: Why left-footed centre-backs are so in demand

here are the best left-footed CB's who are available or may be available next year

we now have a true wild card, Malang Sarr, who I rate atm over all but the bolds, and quite possibly can become a start with us

there are only 5 on the list (the ones in bold), if you remove Alaba and assume Theo is not tried at CB, who could walk in and be a starter for us and 4 are likely not available and the other one, N'Dicka is 50/50 in terms of being ready

In fact there are only 2 others in football who could, Laporte and Lenglet

so you can see why left-footed CB's are SO in demand

A shocking stat, is that if you make Alaba a LB and DO convert Theo to CB, 10 of the top 16 T Markt most valuable left footed CB's are French and Sarr is only one slot in value behind. What the hell is in the water in France???

  
David Alaba  (last summer window n any list for me, as he is then too old, and tbh, I hope he renews with Bayern to keep him away from Shitty, Victimpool, Manure, Barca, RM, and Juve, all of whom I hate more than Bayern and some are also EPL direct threats)
Lucas Hernández   (IF Bayern are not satisfied with him, but that is doubtful, he just needs to stay healthy)
Theo Hernández (I am positive he can be converted to LCB like his older, smaller brother)
Alessandro Bastoni   (his explosion upward is why Inter may sell Skriniar, probably an impossible pull)
Alessio Romagnoli (another extremely hard pull)  
Dan-Axel Zagadou  (huge, 1.96m, but pace is an issue)  
Pau Torres (not impressed with the last 5 games I watched him play, but he is young so may get stronger) 
Presnel Kimpembe  (cannot see him leaving PSG) 
Abdou Diallo  
Evan N'Dicka  
Benoît Badiashile  19yo, 1.92m, we are tracking him
Marcos Senesi    
Jordan Torunarigha   
Mohammed Salisu  (deffo watching how he adapts to the EPL, huge upside)  
Moussa Niakhaté   
Felix Uduokhai   
Strahinja Pavlovic   19yo, 1.94m
Eduardo Quaresma (ambipedal) 18yo

 

I do not rate Umtiti (I would take him on a free though, lolol)

shocking drop for a WC-winning starter who is only 26 and was a Barca star

[Strike 7,489]

1 hour ago, R2D2 said:

If phase 2 is getting shit players like Brozovic, Soumare or breaking the transfer record for Rice, I'd rather we not buy anything next summer. This part is simply depressing, you have guys like Zakaria and Camavinga as incredible talents yet chase and try to settle for one of those 3 options.

Now that people cant groan about signings, they are groaning about players linked?

Brozovic and Soumare are linked. Just like Zakaria and Camavinga are linked. Not saying Lampard and Cech are above questioning but at least after the summer they've had in recruiting, wait and see how this plays out?

[Vesper 30,164]

1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

According to Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast

https://londonisbluepodcast.com/

On Midfield insights:

"Lampard and Chelsea are extremely happy with the midfield talent, but not the mix in Midfield". Kova and Jorginho don't bring out the best in each other defensively, leaves holes, Kova & Kante pair is quiet and do not speak as much on the pitch. Chelsea is a very quiet time aside from Kepa, Azpi & Rudi. They want the mix to work defensively and offensively, they want someone to partner either Kante or Kova and talk to them into defensive position. Aside from Rice, Brozovic & Soumare are options.

On Kante:

Kante's injury problems are due to the overplaying of him during his time France, the Foxes, but especially with Sarri and Conte, his fitness issues are a worry and the club want someone who can fill his spot to keep him fit for longer. Interesting point on Sarri "He was quite frankly reckless with Kante's fitness to get into the Champions League and win Europa League and it set him back several months of recovery."

Further quote from the Kante points: If they bring in a DM, I know their next big area of search for next summer is a commanding & dominant CB. Thiago Silva is a stop gap for that window. "If they couldn't get Rice they will look elsewhere".

On Selling Kante:

Frank has said he doesn't want to sell publicly, whispers if the money was right the discussions could start but until then there is no chance. Highest earner at the club so it's not impossible.

On the market:

They are going to struggle to get the valuations that Marina wants is very hard this window. It makes more sense to get loans out the door and to wait for a better financial position.

Other choice quotes:

"Like most clubs, Chelsea don't want to do much of anything in January."

"This is just phase one for Chelsea, there are two phases and next summer will be big too."

Surely we must be looking at the following over fucking Brozovic (Inter will FUCK us and he is 28yo in 2 months and is NOT the crunching nor athletic type of DMF we need,) and the VERY problematic Soumare (horrid stats, a pure dice roll)

Assuming we get Rice this window or next summer we should be looking at 3 DMF's who would be an ideal partner for him in a double pivot

1 Camavinga (my dream signing)

2 Denis Zakaria   super cruncher, beast mode

3 Bruno Guimarães so versatile, the most skilled on here after Camavinga

4 Ismaël Bennacer  <<< tough pull but he is little pitbull, player of the tournament at AFCON 2019

5 Boubacar Kamara (recently switched to DMF, where he was been superb, and he is also, of course a very decent CB, so lots of versatility) <<< all day long over Soumare

6 Thomas Partey (if Arsenal fuck it up)

 

Would love to sell Kante (no one is shocked by that)

fuck Sarri, he ruined him

I do agree on the loans to a point, to get better prices

good to see we will go big again

 

not sold on Mendy, but I guess we all will literally defer to Cech, so IF we buy him, I instantly stop the negativity and become a fan

 

[Puliiszola 519]

1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

Pulisic should be ready to go VS Brighton, due to his issue not being injury but returning from summer break with covid. 

Interesting. Good for us. Lets hope he has some match fitness.

[Nero 1,871]

Alaba>Rice?

[Blues Forever 1,232]

3 minutes ago, Patrick Bamford said:

Alaba>Rice?

No chance, he only wants to leave for Barca or Madrid.

[killer1257 3,282]

Alaba>Rice?

Wants 20 million euros as salary lol

Gesendet von meinem VOG-L29 mit Tapatalk

[Blues Forever 1,232]

3 minutes ago, killer1257 said:

Wants 20 million euros as salary lol

Gesendet von meinem VOG-L29 mit Tapatalk
 

 

[Puliiszola 519]

37 minutes ago, Blues Forever said:

 

According to swiss ramble reports, we have signed chilwell for 45m£ for 100kpw. That's 9m£ per year amortized + 5.2m per year wages. A total of 14.2m£ cost. Compare that to alaba's 20m€ wages (without a massive signing on fees or transfer fees).

Let's take rice for example. 70m fee and 120kpw contract (currently reported to be on 40kpw).  That's 14m amortized fee + 6m in wages equalling the ridiculous 20m demand by alaba. Out of one, we can get a decade of play where the player gets better and better. Out of another, we get his twilight years.

[Superblue 6,372]

2 hours ago, R2D2 said:

If phase 2 is getting shit players like Brozovic, Soumare or breaking the transfer record for Rice, I'd rather we not buy anything next summer. This part is simply depressing, you have guys like Zakaria and Camavinga as incredible talents yet chase and try to settle for one of those 3 options.

Whether it's this summer or next, I view Declan Rice as a key signing for us.

My brother in law is a hammer, and has raved about Rice for ages. He says he's an absolute cut above anything else West Ham have got in their squad and is both their best centre back and centre midfielder by a large distance.

I was always a little sceptical, but I've watched him a lot more in recent times and each time I've seen him he has been very good and he offers something at present we lack in our squad, which is a dominant, defensive minded midfielder to shield our back line.

Whether his long term future is centre back or centre mid, I think he would come into our team immediately and improve it and his role can be assessed long term. If we brought him, I also think he would be the long term choice to take over from Azpi as captain.

[Pizy 18,897]

Definitely don't think Soumaré is shit. Far from it, actually. I think he's a top talent who has an excellent all around game. I was impressed with him when we played Lille last season.

If Frank is 100% determined to sign a midfielder this window and Rice is totally impossible, Soumaré would be a good fallback option.

But I don't think the position is in desperate need of a player there currently. We'll wait for Rice until next year if need be rather than signing someone just to sign them.

[Jype 6,398]

7 minutes ago, Pizy said:

But I don't think the position is in desperate need of a player there currently. We'll wait for Rice until next year if need be rather than signing someone just to sign them.

Yep, seems like the better idea to wait if Rice isn't available yet. If the club had hurried the striker signing in January we'd have ended up with some second rate option instead of Werner and this is a similar situation. If the primary target is not yet available but could be next year, it's better to not spend the money now and wait instead.

Of course if Jorginho can be sold now the club should go all out and try again for Rice but if Jorgi stays I can't see it happening. Kante, Jorginho, Rice and Gilmour would be overkill.

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

16 minutes ago, Pizy said:

Definitely don't think Soumaré is shit. Far from it, actually. I think he's a top talent who has an excellent all around game. I was impressed with him when we played Lille last season.

If Frank is 100% determined to sign a midfielder this window and Rice is totally impossible, Soumaré would be a good fallback option.

But I don't think the position is in desperate need of a player there currently. We'll wait for Rice until next year if need be rather than signing someone just to sign them.

I really dont know with Soumare.

Honestly he just reminds me of Bakayoko in terms of he has had only the one decent season and I was wary of Bakayoko when were linked despite the opinion he was the second coming of Yaya Toure, for this exact same reason....

[Jase 43,479]

21 minutes ago, Jype said:

If the club had hurried the striker signing in January we'd have ended up with some second rate option instead of Werner and this is a similar situation.

All that panicking from some people here in January is still funny. 

[Blues Forever 1,232]

24 minutes ago, Jype said:

Yep, seems like the better idea to wait if Rice isn't available yet. If the club had hurried the striker signing in January we'd have ended up with some second rate option instead of Werner and this is a similar situation. If the primary target is not yet available but could be next year, it's better to not spend the money now and wait instead.

Of course if Jorginho can be sold now the club should go all out and try again for Rice but if Jorgi stays I can't see it happening. Kante, Jorginho, Rice and Gilmour would be overkill.

Agree we could end up with Cavani, Mertens, or Dembele.