The word is that Hulk has been seen in London over the weekend and is being primed as our striker for next year! Sounds like terms are close to agreement! Looks like we've got our man!
ohh ffs not this chestnut again, and where did you here this rumour? Hulk is rubbish and has been linked with us for the last 15 bloody years! :S
Not seen any news re this, have you a link?? I like Hulk but haven't seen anything of him as a striker. I see him more as a right winger cutting in onto his left peg. Bit like Bale.
How many were not entirely sure about Willian, Oscar and countless others over the years. If Jose wants him, and we get a good deal, then I will give him a chance. One thing about Hulk is he likes to shoot, and when he does they usually stay hit. But ideally we need a poacher not a midfielder come striker
This was in an article in yesterdays Guardian! Don't know how reliable it is as I don't usually read the Guardian!
I still remain unconvinced by Lukaku. He needs a chance with us but I'm not sure he's the answer. Certainly a good back up at the very least though.
This. I expect us to sign a top striker and keep Torres. Whether we keep Lukaku or bring on Bamford I'm not sure. Bamford seems like a better fit but is he ready for it!
All those Lukaku knockers should have a long hard look at Sturridge. With better players around him, playing regularly in the right position and properly managed, he has become what most on here thought impossible. Lukaku should be judged only after a season in our top team. He is more than good enough, and should be there now. Miles better than the plodding, knackered old ponies we have. Great workhorses all, but spurn chance after chance. One just not good enough, one well past his best, the other an enigma more suited now to playing behind the main striker. We need Hulk like we need a hole in the head.
Haven't watched Lukaku enough to have an opinion. But feel Ba has never really been given a proper chance
You're probably right, I may have been a bit too quick to accuse him. With more game time who knows what he might have done?? Tough one for us to judge, hopefully those that matter can judge on training form etc.
Wouldn't you kill for a front three of Sturridge, Eto'o and Lukaku right now? ...as for Hulk, it's a resounding NO from me.
I'm probably in the minority but save for how well he's doing for a rival I'm still not that bothered we let Sturridge go. Just not convinced he would be the right player to lead the line in our system.
As for forwards, Costa if available for 30-35 million is surely the deal to do. Could probably be financed in part from sales as well (Marin and Ba for starters would probably fetch around 20 million). Then bring back Lukaku and keep one of Eto'o and Torres. That aside, can't see we really need to buy at all unless a real gem becomes available at a good price. With all the youngsters out on loan some will surely be promoted this seasons and we have that new centre half signed in Jan too to come in (Zouma?). Left back and central midfield may need attention depending on what happens with Cole and Lamps I guess.
Was always a big fan of Sturridge when here, I said we'd regret letting him go to Liverpool and imo we have. He was never given a real shot up front due to our persistance in wanting Torres to turn good aswell as having Drogba. I think it speaks volumes that he was our joint top scorer a couple of seasons back on the wing despite not being picked for just under half a season! Costa is very good and I think he'll probably be the one we go for, or if not him then Mandzukic. As long as we don't get rid of Courtois in the process of signing him then I'd be all for it! I will genuinely be gutted if Torres is still here next season.
Same. I would like us to recall Lukaku, Keep Eto'o for another year, sell Ba and Torres and buy a new Striker. That way we have new striker and Lukaku that we can rotate when/if needed, with Eto'o as back up. I get the impression Lukaku doesnt want to play second fiddle but as good as he is, I dont think he is ready to be our no.1 striker. I think a season as no 2. will be good enough, as long as he gets 20-30 games in all comps. To be blunt, Lukaku needs to prove he can do it in a Chelsea shirt before we can give him the greenlight, if he gets the hump, then we flog him. We will get upwards of £25m for him I reckon. I'd prefer to keep him though as I rate him (for West Brom and Everton).
