23 Feb 2014 21:14:59
Eds we seem to be trying hard to stay within the FFP rules regarding income/outgoings etc. The point I do not understand is won't them rules only make big clubs bigger and not let the smaller clubs make any progress. Also does anyone at the club have any serious interest in bringing in Luis Suarez in the summer. I know you have mentioned costa as being a serious target but I don't think we would be better off with cavani or Suarez. I understand one of the two Uruguayans would cost upwards of 45million but it's needed. A lot of that money could be raised from player sales. I also think if Luiz is not going to be played next to matic then he could well be sold or used as a makeweight for cavani from PSG as he's not good enough in defence.
{Ed002's Note - The FFP is trying to level the playing field and whilst they have worked the loopholes pretty well they cannot level out the income. As an example, Media money in England is much higher than most leagues and with few exceptions well beyond what most clubs can earn. In Spain two sides have a separate media and sponsorship deal to the rest of the league. So the imbalance is at the top end. It is meant to hit the PSG, Manchester City, Anzhi type teams. In England, two sides have fallen foul of all three data collection season, Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea want to survive financially and will try to sell to buy - January saw the club make a profit through transfers as an example. In the summer Chelsea would ideally like to take two of Falcao, Cavani and Costa but realistically price, availability etc. all come to influence that. Right now, if they could get one then I think folks will be happy. Someone else will also be arrive - but it is too early to suggest who it might be. Chelsea has been approached by representatives of Suarez on a number of occasions. He seems to be the third choice of Real Madrid naw so efforts have been made to try and have a back up plan with another side - and several have been approached. If Liverpool make the Champions League proper he may well stay. But they will be in Pot 4 with some tricky ties no doubt. If they stay in fourth I think he will be open to offers from the likes of RM, Barcelona, Juve.}
Ed 002 That's really interesting info.
How do you see the future of our current strikers?
Thanks
{Ed002's Note - It is not out of the question that all four (the three at the club and Lukaku could all leave. Torres is being courted by the soon to be new owner of Valencia; Eto'o has a contract expiring in the summer; Ba nearly went in January; Lukaku has to recover from a situation or will be sold or exchanged - although considerable efforts are being made by the ex-player who does his liaison whilst he is on loan to ensure he has a future at the club.}
That's some great info Ed. I'd be pretty shocked if we picked up 2 of those 3. Do you think Luiz is likely to be sold and if so is Varane being seriously considered? He'd cost a bit, he along with Falcao/Cavani or Costa as well as another left back such as Shaw etc is going to cost a lot of money.
I'm gathering we'd fund these sort of buys by selling the Lukaku, Luiz, Torres, Ba and releasing Eto'o?
{Ed002's Note - Varane has been considered for 18 months and he would be seen as a long-term replacement for Terry. There is no plan for Luis to be sold, although it is still only February.}
Hey Ed002,
I'm very curious as to what this situation is that Lukaku must recover from. I have never been convinced that He's the best fit for Chelsea's needs but He's still Young and could develop & improve. Is it an attitude & personalty issue or more a technical issue?
Thanks in Advance.
{Ed002's Note - It is not something that needs to be discussed.}