Chelsea Banter Archive April 29 2020

29 Apr 2020 20:50:43
You've got to love the story about Lampard calling Mertens every single day!

Let it go Frank! He'll call you when he's interested - you're coming off all desperate!

29 Apr 2020 09:44:33
Don't see all this massive fuss over constant links with Onana I don't think he's all that.

Two of my personal favourite goalkeepers who will end up at big clubs sooner rather rather later are Rajkovic of Reims and Odisseas of Benfica. Both fantastic keepers with consistent high save percentages and both good height at 6'3. Really would like to see us aim for one of those for goalkeeper to push Kepa but obviously I'm sure either one woulr be first choice soon.

Kepa has never had a save % over 70. Truly awful and shows his weak body can't deal well with shots. It's a massive risk going into the season hoping Kepa regains form he's never had (according to some Chelsea fans) if he doesn't who comes in? Pope and Foster aren't long term solutions. Most urgent position needed this summer for me a long with LB. not sure what CB's available would improve us we need a leader. Upamecano young but also injury prone. Gimenez perfect age now but also injury prone. Think Milenkovic of Fiorentina could be a very shrewd acquisition.

29 Apr 2020 12:30:24
Obama's level of performances in CL play over the past 2 seasons has been about top in Europe. And that's the highest level he can perform at. He's faced Juve, Madrid, Chelsea and Spurs in that time (among others) .

His reflexes are immense, athleticism as good as you can ask for, and the biggest thing is that he's apparently very strong at collecting crosses. That alone makes him worth the money as Kepa just isn't good at that and it puts our defense under massive pressure.

If the price is below 40 million I wouldn't think twice. Onana is bordering on world class already at 24. We'd be set for years with him.

29 Apr 2020 12:35:01
Agree about Onana - just watch his performance in the 4-4 draw at the Bridge. And agree that Kepa will never be successful in the Prem.

29 Apr 2020 19:57:15
I would agree that by now we can say that kepa most likely won’t turn the corner and there are multiple options available to replace him. I like onana’s game and think he’s more than capable of handling the prem physically. The only reason I have pause regarding Onana is that well lose him to the African Cup of Nations every other for a month or so. I would also be very inclined to pursue Donnarumma from Milan who I also think has shown that he is physically capable. Donnarumma feels like he’s been around forever; however he’s still only 21 which is how old courtois was when he returned from loan at Atletico. Both are certainly worth following up on at the very least.

29 Apr 2020 23:43:40
I do like Donnarumma and he would help our centre backs by claiming crosses at set pieces. Mina Raiola been his agent is the problem. Personally think Rajkovic or Odisseas would be sensational buys.

30 Apr 2020 02:52:49
Has everyone seriously given up on kepa? To me he’s just lacking confidence and admittedly isn’t great at coming for crosses. If we can get him more confident and have him train his ability to come for high balls I still think he can be the answer. Deserves one more season for me.

{Ed001's Note - he is positionally poor and has weak wrists, nothing to do with confidence.}

30 Apr 2020 10:32:25
I haven’t given up on Kepa!

30 Apr 2020 21:05:42
I wouldn’t say I’ve given up on him and replacing him isn’t nearly as pressing as a new left back and another striker but the market for a replacement is currently in a good spot with multiple plausible options that are in contractual situations where their clubs would be more inclined to move them.