Probably not going to happen but would prefer him to the Likes of Pedro http://metro.co.uk/2015/08/18/antoi...an-abramovich-sanctions-transfer-bid-5347853/
This makes no sense. Added to the Baba signing this would take Chelsea well into a positive spend and we all know Jose has only ever sold to buy. He's proud of his net spend record across his career. Also, you have £27m Cuadrado.
We have wingers coming out our ears. What we need is a big, strong, skilful, go forward mid fielder and a striker who tries to score goals, not fight with all the opposition players.
I would argue it's the other way round. Hazard is the only winger we have worth keeping. Getting rid of Schurrle for Cuadrado was criminal in hindsight and how much could we do with someone like De Bruyne or Mata right now? I'm happy with our options up front and would be more inclined to get rid of Cuadrado for someone like Griezmann if it's possible. Something's not quite right at the club, don't know what it is but there seems to be a bad taste at the moment. Throwing money at the problem won't solve it though.
Add on the fact that Griezmann has had his buy out clause raised to a record high by Atletico Madrid, cant see this happening. Even if we traded them a player it would take a very generous valuation.
I thought Jose merely indicated targets he would like and the Board attempted to sign them or closest equivalent. I've said it before, a player isn't just a bunch of skills. He has emotions and attitudes and prejudices. They all have to fit or at least be manageable within the existing squad. This is primarily why Mikel has lasted so long with us, he is like squad glue, a positive, cohesive force, much like Ray Wilkins was when he was on the staff. The friction is caused because Jose wants it to be his squad and not the Board's and not be distracted but outside influences like popular attractive doctors who can also influence the squad or affable experienced ex-players like Ray. Keep your heads down Eddie, Tore and Soxy.
I still think we need a goalscoring winger to replace Schurrle in case Cuad does not make it; and also to create too, and take pressure off Haza. Re strong skilful midfielder, I thought you favoured promotion of youth rather than buying, Loftus-Cheek is 6ft 3!! I would obviously love Pogba alongside Matic but would have settled for another Matic type and think we should have bought Khedira whilst RLC learns his trade; and also considered buying Vidal and loaning possibly Oscar out/offing Fabregas (never gonna happen obviously). Vidal gives more dynamism than Fab in no 10 role
Unforunately, Diego's attitude is right in between Luis' & Cristiano's ! That is one thing I like about Hazards , Agueros, Messis - Get on with it! Antoine would be immense for us. Will have some impact playing with Costa / Hazard / Willian!
I agree with all this Drogs, our sell and buy record is loopy, we buy lesser players than we sell. But whoever is playing wide up front would have an easier time if they got some decent service and back up from midfield. Watching Yaya run the show against us was a perfect example of what we need. Poor old Matic spent the whole match trying to save the arses of the back 4 to no avail, as Yaya and the elbow merchant ran us ragged.
My thoughts are the same as they were a few weeks ago, he is a class player, experienced and at around 20 million, a relative bargain. Would be a significant improvement on say Cuadrado and Moses IMO and offers goals. No brainer but looks like we have pissed about and United look favourites now.