03 May 2014 12:02:51
The following information from two separate sources from both the training ground and Stamford Bridge from people I worked with whilst working with Neil Barnett and the media team at Chelsea a few years ago. Mourinho apparently willing to sacrifice an AMC (Oscar or Hazard) in order to raise funds for the signings of both Costa AND Cavani and will change formation to play two upfront. Mourinho has apparently spoke to both players and informed them that he wants them to form the best front two partnership in World football. Abramovich reportedly convinced by the fact that clubs such as City, Liverpool and A Madrid are playing attacking and exciting football with two out and out strikers. These are apparently the two critical signings Mourinho referred to in his recent press conference and it would make sense in terms of what Ed002 was saying in terms of Chelsea wanting 2 of the 3 of Costa, Falcao and Cavani. If Chelsea were to sign both players and played in the same formation Cavani would be in exactly the same situation as he is in PSG. This seems logical. This is going to be a fierce Mourinho team if he signs both Costa and Cavani. Figures I have been told (which are probably wrong and not worth taking much notice of) are £32m for Costa and £60m for Cavani. Mourinho apparently would prefer Oscar to leave who PSG are willing to pay £45m for which would essentially mean £15m for Cavani. Hope it happens. It's what we have been missing ever since Drogba left. An actual goal threat up front.

Is there any trace of truth in this Ed? At least part of it?

(Sorry forgot to add this bit on). Please be nice.

James13

{Ed002's Note - It is largely speculation James. However, Chelsea were looking to bring in two of Costa, Cavani and Falcao plus perhaps a youngster - with much expected of one or two youngsters already at the club, in particular Stipe Perica. It is also known that there is interest in Oscar from PSG but he is far from being their first priority and they will need to start controlling their spending a little better which means they need to sell. However, you also need to remember that Mourinho is far from being the only decision maker in this process and I don't understand why the amounts of money being discussed are in GB Sterling, that is not the basis for any of the transfers.}

1.) 03 May 2014
Thanks very much for the response Ed.

2.) 03 May 2014
Man, it'd be a shame to see Oscar go. He hasn't been playing up to his potential but he's still so young and such a likeable player. Gives his all for the team, great tackling etc

3.) 03 May 2014
Whether it's true or not, I just love speculation like that. It makes your head go wondering :-) Thanks for the info James. I for one would be more than happy to sacrifice Oscar (BUT NOT HAZARD!) for Cavani. Realy really hope it happens. I mean, just imagine, Hazard-Cavani-Costa-Willian. Jaw dropping. Although I'd have to disagree with your assumption James that Cavani would be in the same situation as he is now at PSG. That's wrong as by what you're saying we'd play 4-4-2 with Cavani and Costa both in the middle while PSG play 4-3- with Cavani RW. Cheers.

4.) 03 May 2014
The only thing that puzzles me is if the interest in Cavani is so strong why didnt' we pay whatever it took already last year. If I know correctly, PSG didn't get involved until late, am I correct Ed? Another thing. was the fee really already agreed with Napoli but Napoli wanted everything in one piece which we couldn't agree to? Is this correct info I have Ed? And to conclude, IMO the only way we're getting Cavani this summer is by player + cash deal. IMO. Am just afraid United will indeed get him with the money they have.

{Ed002's Note - I explained at the time - try the archives.}

5.) 03 May 2014
Mihel8 - that's not what I said. I meant if Chelsea remained playing the same formation it would mean Cavani would be in the same situation he is in at PSG (Costa providing the same problem as Ibrahimovich), therefore the change of formation to playing 2 strikers makes logical sense if we are pursuing both players. I can't see it happening. Chelsea have failed to make the correct signing upfront for over 2 years and I don't see why it will suddenly change now and we will sign 2 top strikers. Willian was a good signing and has had a solid season but why £30m + was spent on him and a top striker was not bought still perplexes me. Cavani or Costa or even Higuiain (available for £35m) would have been the difference this season. What we have achieved this season without a striker is incredible and is due to the manager. If the manager had a top striker we'd have been champions with 3/4 games to spare IMO. Oh well these disappointments in the transfer market go way back. Why didn't we buy Torres when we bought Shevchenko? Why didn't we buy Aguero for £38m when we paid for £50m for Torres shortly after? Why did we pay £50m for Torres when we could have had Suarez for £20m? Chelsea have made some great young signings such as Courtios and Hazard but in terms of buying the ready made stars aged 24 + we have got it so wrong in the last 4/5 years. Cech, Terry, Lampard, Ivanovic and co deserve more league titles and European titles for what they have given, they have been let down by a lack of investment in the right player at the other end of the pitch. There's a striking imbalance in the way Chelsea have approached the market at times.

{Ed002's Note - Your view is that money can get anyone you wish. That is simply not the case.}

6.) 03 May 2014
Swap using Hazard is more likely. Chelsea already has Lukaku so it's unlikely that some guy like Perica will get chance over Lukaku and Schurrle. I can se D.Costa at Chelsea only if Torres is going other direction-A.Madrid.
IMO if Hazard leaves DiMaria will be JM's.prime target.

7.) 04 May 2014
We must not let Hazard go, he's the most exciting player at CFC by some margin even if, probably not fully fit, he made some defensive errors v Atletico. Truly brilliant creative players like EH incredibly rare. Would not much like Oscar to go either, because since Mata gone he is one who can supply defense splitting pass. But would still keep Hazard over almost anyone. Add Costa, yes, but not at all sure about Cavani if at 60 million euros or thereabouts. Haven't see that much of him, but he hasn't looked nearly as good as Suarez/Aguero.