Chelsea Banter Archive July 22 2016

22 Jul 2016 22:31:54
Unfortunately, it seems some div or divs has or have gone and abused Ed002 so our information is basically guesswork or 'paper' stories.

It is hard to gauge what is going on, the club keep things close to their chest, it seems.

What we do know is that Morata and Koulibaly, two prinicipal targets, our going to be difficult to extract and both would be beyond expensive.

I get the feeling Morata is happy to be at Madrid and could not be bothered pushing for a move, which may be necessary to make it happen.

Koulibaly has interest from Everton and us for certain, as Ed002 has said before. Everton, who will probably soon have a big wad of Abu Dhabi cash from selling Stones to Citeh and added TV cash, would cause the Koulibaly price to go up.

Roma are unwilling to sell Manolas. Lukaku is being priced out of a move by the delusional scousers. We missed the boat on Stones last summer when we failed to get him and is now off to Citeh.

If it is true that Conte has asked the club to pursue further signings, I am glad. We simply must buy a top quality centre half and a top striker to complement Costa and Batshuayi for the two striker system.

I fear we may end up with Lindelov and a cut price forward because we won't pay the going rate asking prices for the in demand players.

It is not the end of the world but the club needs to taper its expectations if it genuinely thinks we are ready to go and challenge on all fronts with the squad as it is. Conte is not a magician.

22 Jul 2016 23:42:55
While we would all love griezman, pogba etc, not every quality player costs millions. You only have to take Kante for example, Leicester paid about £5m for I think the best player in Europe at what he does. With us having no European football next season and still attracting a player of his quality is outstanding business from the club. I do understand where people are becoming frustrated though as our top targets like naingollan, koulibaly are now looking out of reach and where having to make do with a sixth choice signing.

23 Jul 2016 00:22:30
It was continued pestering by a regular member on here re: Pogba that appeared to be the straw that broke the camels back (not referring to you as a camel btw Ed002!) .

I'd hope to see some movement soon. both ins and (permanent) outs. Here's hoping.

22 Jul 2016 09:49:32
Crazy money for Andre Gomes. Not one bit disappointed he's signed for barcalona.

22 Jul 2016 00:00:38
Pogba has signed for United, Gomes for Barcelona - do not worry though people! RLC, Baker and Chalobah will be runnning our midfield soon - and we shall be soooo proud!

22 Jul 2016 00:07:44
Not too sure if this is sarcasm or not. Baker, Chalobah and Ruben are all superb young talents though and all have the potential to be playing for some of the biggest and best teams in the world in the future. We've also signed Kante for less than both those players on the back of an incredible season in which he was one of the best midfielders in Europe, whilst we weren't exactly lacking in midfield options prior to Kante's signing. I for one am extremely excited to see how we do this season.

{Ed018's Note - Kante had a better season than Pogba or Gomes last season.}

22 Jul 2016 02:01:06
I'm over the moon with our midfield options personally although I'm not a massive lover of Fabregas as a lot are on this site I do think the signing of Kante will help him. I just think we need a more complete midfielder there instead like a Kroos or Verratti.

We just need the CB now hopefully we'll push hard for Koulibaly next couple of games.

22 Jul 2016 02:21:32
Defo a little bit of it lol I like pogba but wouldn't pay anywhere near the money there asking I don't really like Gomes and think he will suit them. Happy with Kante over them both to be fair. I still like Barkley as a prospect and I no there's a few on here that don't, just my opinion I think matic wants out and I would let him if I'm honest I hope we get another defender to partner zouma when fit like the look of the Roma lad but know it's unlikely. Like what I see in the new boy up front think he will be a talent. All in all positive from the bridge so far?

22 Jul 2016 07:03:33
No sarcasm. I genuinely believe those boys will be top players in our team. Add them to the amazing signing of Kante and not spending the mind boggling money being thrown around for Pogba and Gomes will be a good move.

One point on Pogba. United have spent £100m on a player who has been decent in Italy - a poor standard of football. I've never seen him run a game against top opposition in the Champions League. I don't doubt he's a decent player but most expensive player in the world? Time will tell.

22 Jul 2016 07:19:24
I do prefer Verratti over Pogba. Hope we can persuade him next year with Conte and CL football.

22 Jul 2016 07:00:07
Sounds like you love Kante ed18.

{Ed018's Note - it's a great signing. The best one Chelsea will make his summer}

22 Jul 2016 10:31:33
Completely agree on Veratti over Pogba, for me he's the second best CM in the world behind Luka Modric. Either of those players next to Kante in our midfield would be a dream. Whenever we play PSG it was never Zlatan I was worried about, it was there midfield of Verratti and Matuidi! Would love to see Conte work his magic on that one.