Chelsea Banter Archive April 05 2016

05 Apr 2016 19:50:39
Diego Costa: Should Conte try and keep him or let him go? I was crucified before this season started when I said neither Costa or Hazard will be with us for the 2016-2017 but I stick by that. I was never a Costa fan, preferring Cavani who uses both feet and can head the ball. I am in the let him go camp; never really impressed me, never felt he wanted to be here any way and far too big a liability with his antics. What is the concensus, stay or go?

06 Apr 2016 02:23:34
If the right money is offered then I would sell.

06 Apr 2016 02:30:03
Costa over Cavani every day of the week!
On his day there aren't many better out there than Diego Costa. 11 goals in 15 games under Hiddink should tell you that!

06 Apr 2016 03:33:12
I think I'd want Higuain more. Some striker that we could settle around, a couple days ago another poster made the point that Cavani is always linked with a move so I get the feeling he is more of a money chaser. Higuain had been playing out of his mind the past couple seasons, though he's probably just below the "elite level" like Ronaldo, aguero and lewandowski. Not sure we will ever have another Drogba type threat imo.

06 Apr 2016 05:46:52
Diego is much better than Cavani! I'm really disappointed to constantly read about Diego wanting to leave as I feel if he knuckled down and stopped with his silly antics he can be a Chelsea great. If he were to leave though I would expect top money. As for his replacement, Higuain would be a good shout as Matt24 said, he's been very good the last few years in Italy. Ibra could work as a short term option on a free (but ridiculous wages) or maybe Benzema as I believe RM want to sell although he has a few problems himself. Would love to see Harry Kane in blue although before a load of spurs fans come on here and slate me I understand that it's just a dream and not a realistic one!

06 Apr 2016 09:43:10
Of course we shall try to keep him, he's a top player and it's not easy recruiting top players, particularly without European football. That said, Chelsea will not stand in his way if he wants to leave providing the money is right. The same goes for Hazard and any other player. I would like to see Costa and Hazard paired together in a 3-5-2 next season.

06 Apr 2016 10:10:01
Allegedly Conte spoke to Terry, Hazard, Matic&Costa in Cobham. It seems he wants to keep them. We shall what will happen in summer.

06 Apr 2016 14:08:45
Saim: Why is Costa vastly superior to Cavani? I know it is all about personal perception but Cavani's scoring ratio of a goal every 1.85 matches is greatly superior to Costa's 2.45 and he is a lot less volatile. He is also good in the air which Costa is not. I would not be too disappointed if we got Cavani now but at 29 we probably could find someone better.

06 Apr 2016 15:53:30
Having watched him plenty in both his Napoli and PSG days (both weaker leagues than BBVA and Prem) you can clearly see whilst he scores goals, he's nothing special technically and also not very clinical, missing plenty of golden chances in games. Also funnily enough, in games versus us in which he has scored plenty, I believe he has been poor for the above reasons also. I would've been happy with him a few years ago before he joined PSG but since then he's only declined and so has his work rate which used to be top notch.

06 Apr 2016 18:31:01
Saim: As I said it is all about personal perception as much of what you said I would have said the same about Costa never one of my favourites. I can tell you I will be glad when this season's over no matter who stays or goes!

06 Apr 2016 21:07:07
Yeah I agree mate, can't wait for this awful season to be over! As much as I want the likes of Courtois, Hazard and Costa to stay, I won't be too disappointed if they leave as I don't want players here earning top money if they can't even put in a performance for us fans. As far players coming in I believe in the club and the new manager to do the right things. Should be an interesting summer.

06 Apr 2016 21:49:08
I believe cavani would be profilic in our league, although he is not the most eyecatching and skillfull forward, he is reasonably quick, versatile, good in the air, good finisher who always scores lots of goals.

05 Apr 2016 16:34:50
Hi Ed, a lot of stories from different sources that Conte is facing a 6 month suspension because of match fixing? Is this true or am I being misled. Appreciate it!

{Ed002's Note - Don't worry about it.}

05 Apr 2016 17:12:19
Got it, thanks Ed!

05 Apr 2016 08:25:08
We are going to have a 'very' interesting pre-season. Already the papers have drawn up lists of every player Conte 'wants' and all the things he will be doing; with Euro 2016 I think a lot will be done without him, certainly transfers and I really hope he gets greater support than Mourinho did in that area. No manager has ever had a completely free hand with Abramovich and cannot see him starting with Conte. I cannot see wholesale changes as it usually means you take a season to blend so he will probably only go after three to four players in what we will all agree are the key areas. I am certain there will be a huge clear out however.

05 Apr 2016 18:51:59
Mourinho had control more than any other Chelsea manager. But I have to agree with you entirely. Ins depend on outs not to mention financial part.

05 Apr 2016 02:58:01
Now that Conte has been announced, here's the players who I think will leave before his first game; with potential replacements too.

COURTOIS - I think one of either Real Madrid, Barcelona or PSG will offer big money for him. Not sure he ever really wanted to return from his loan and will make it clear he wants to leave. FORSTER.

TERRY - Not buying the hype that with Conte comes hope of a new deal. Unfortunately the die has been cast on Terry's future at CFC. MARQUINOS.

MIKEL - Despite his critics (I have been one) he has been a model pro at Chelsea and won everything; but time has come to move on - via big Chinese money. AMADOU DIAWARA.

FABREGAS - This one comes, a bit, from left field, there's been no reports of him going; but I don't see him staying. Maybe he'll leave in January. YOUTH PROGRESSION (RLC and BAKER) .

PEDRO - Has had a couple of good performances but more often than not he's looked lost - imo a return to Spain with someone like Valencia is likely. CUADRADO (loan return) .

OSCAR - His long touted move to Juventus could materialise this summer. Has lacked consistency in the EPL. PJANIC.

DIEGO COSTA - Seemingly wants a return to Spain and At. Madrid may give it to him. CAVANI.

05 Apr 2016 06:49:08
Can maybe see 3 of those happening at most, Conte isn't the type to gut a squad. Plus the Oscar interest from Juventus was due to Conte!

05 Apr 2016 08:17:34
I think the immense Juve interest in Oscar started when Allegri became manager there.

05 Apr 2016 12:22:37
Interesting, but Fabregas will not be leaving and Diawara and Marquinos will not be coming. Cavani is one of those players who is supposedly moving every summer and always stays where he is - especially so as Zlatan is leaving.

05 Apr 2016 15:10:07
I'm suprised to see some names on the list while others like a hazard aren't included. I also agree with others that I'd be surprised to see a massive overhaul. I really wouldn't mind seeing Oscar go as he has interest and I believe the club are done waiting for him to progress and I think he'll be replaced with a more mobile midfielder such as naingolan (sp? ) . I don't see Cesc going anywhere. I would be suprised if atletico have enough money for Costa. With courtois, Barcelona and PSG will be buying this summer but in other positions while I'd be very suprised if real didn't go for DDG. Pedro and Mikel I would be fine with leaving especially if the replacements you mentioned came in. Bottom line the squad has to be improved upon and it's hard to do that when your best players are leaving.