18 Jan 2019 09:50:59
Hi Ed001, good morning, I heard that we are looking at Lobotka of Celta Vigo as an alternative to Leandro Paredes, Is there any truth to this and how do you rate Lobotka relative to Leandro Parades?
Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know about the alternative to Paredes, other than he is someone that you have scouted through the season and before. He is highly regarded and, from what I have seen, a really good passer of the ball. I know PSG were considering him, had lots of looks at him but decided to go with a French player. He can play a more attacking midfield role, behind the forwards or a deeper role as a deep-lying playmaker as well as the kind of role Barkley etc are playing, so his versatility would be useful.

I really couldn't compare the 2 as I have not seen them play enough to do so.}

1.) 18 Jan 2019
18 Jan 2019 11:50:15
Thankyou Ed, much respect.

{Ed001's Note - welcome mate.}

2.) 18 Jan 2019
18 Jan 2019 13:57:54
It seems Leandro Parades is a really good player and whom Sarri wants (besides his age is good- 24years) Not every day does a club gets such a midfielder easily (as a first team player or as backup) . I am forced to say that we often tend under price ourselves out of good players. The club should get this deal wrapped up quickly so he doesn't opt for PSG whom I read- has already made a good bid for him.

3.) 18 Jan 2019
18 Jan 2019 15:15:55
I don't make decisions for the club but I will be pissed off if we fail to sign Paredes. He's the kind of player we need to often release the attacking players. He also has experience for his age.

4.) 18 Jan 2019
18 Jan 2019 18:17:16
I hope it doesn't become another Antonio Conte's experience of broken promises for Sarri (less than a year after been employed by Chelsea) . Sarri said that he needs a replacement for Fabregas- hopefully one midfielder has to come in (question is- who? And how is the player? ) .
Read that Inter Milan too is close to an agreement for Barella- another player that Sarri wants.
The funny thing is that when Chelsea now decides to spend- you see them pay £100 million for another Drinkwater.

5.) 19 Jan 2019
19 Jan 2019 05:56:55
Ed001,
Is the parades deal going to be hijacked by psg . if so, who are alternatives looked at for the fabregas role.

Also, can you confirm if outgoings like Cahill Moses Drinkwater will be subject to others coming in . And will it be in this window? Or will younger academy players be given a chance?

Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I don't think it would be hijacking, no deal has yet been agreed for him, so it would simply be them getting a deal done. Though I still think they are more likely to sign Gueye from Everton, for some reason. Not sure why as he is not good enough but there you go.

Cahill, Moses and Drinkwater are surplus regardless of incomings. If they can be moved on, they will be, even if no one comes in. I expect at least 2 of them to go in January, probably all 3, though it might mean loans initially.

As for academy players, Sarri will continue as he has been doing. The use of the academy is not his strength but he will have them in and around the first team.}

6.) 20 Jan 2019
20 Jan 2019 06:36:16
Ed001, I think PSG are looking to sign two midfielders in the next two windows. One who is a B2B like Doucoure or Gueye and a DLP like Paredes, Weigl, Lobotka or FDJ. They will have only Verratti and Nkunku as their two midfield options next season.

PSG might have a strong attacking lineup, but their midfield and defense is poor. If they buy two MFs along with a LB and a RB, and sell Neymar to raise money, I think they would have a much more balanced squad.

7.) 20 Jan 2019
20 Jan 2019 22:29:15
Are there any more players in the academy that can play for even Championship teams and excel. Sarri can't even use CHO.