27 Jun 2017 13:10:58
Ed001, got a question for you. Don't know if you keep in touch with Chelsea news, but Ed002 is travelling again so thought asking you was worth a shot :-)
Bakayoko seems to be joining us after all, which is good news obviously. However, Matic seems to be close to switching to United sadly. If both deals go through we'd still only have Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas and Chalobah as CM options. Last season we didn't have European football, nor did we have any long term injuries to midfielders. However, next season we have CL commitments again, plus there's always the risk of injuries. On top of that it seems like Conte doesn't trust Fabregas fully in a 2 man CM formation (which I agree with) .
Now the question. Would the club look to sign a second CM as well if Matic were to leave? Or do you think they'd be happy with only 4 options, being Bakayoko, Kante, Chalobah and Fabregas? Getting Naby Keita on top of Bakayoko would be godly.
Thanks for any help.
{Ed001's Note - you have 4 for 2 spots, then there are the likes of Luiz who can provide emergency cover there in times of need mate. Off the top of my head, I don't remember hearing of anyone else being targeted, to come in as well.}
27 Jun 2017 13:46:17
Neves and golovin been linked on here.
27 Jun 2017 13:46:28
Hmm crap, I was really hoping we'd push for Naby Keita. Also, I'd understand it if Ake was staying with the team as his ideal position might very well be in midfield. But it seems increasingly likely he'll be sold so that's another depth option gone.
It does mean Chalobah (and maybe even Baker? ) might be entrusted with a bigger role, which would be a good sign.
Our CB options are dwindling as well. Ake probably leaving, Ed002 has stated Zouma might very well leave as well, and Terry is gone. That leaves us with Luiz, Cahill, Azpi and Christensen. 4 for 3 positions is kinda on the light side, especially with Azpi potentially having to provide cover and games at RWB where we only have Moses. So I doubt Luiz is seen as a midfield depth option (unless it's an emergency situation) . Van Dijk is too expensive, Bonucci isn't leaving Juve, and that Davinson Sanchez is keen on Barcelona. It'll be interesting to see how the club handle things this summer.
{Ed001's Note - Alonso can play centre back, he was playing LCB before he arrived.}
27 Jun 2017 13:58:59
Oh yeah that's right, Ed! He's not the most ideal CB, but he can do a job there. Although that would require us to buy another leftback. Could Alex Sandro really be joining? :-P I'd be ecstatic.
{Ed001's Note - I personally expect it to happen. I am just surprised there has been no one brought in for the right yet.}
27 Jun 2017 14:16:21
I don't see an ideal target for RWB though, Ed. Semedo would be outstanding, but it seems like it'll be United or Barcelona for him (hopefully Barca) .
In my opinion Azpi could do a fine job at RWB. He's not as good of a dribbler as Moses, but we don't desperately need that from him. He's miles better defensively, his passing is crisp and he doesn't dwell on the ball. His crossing/ final ball is also better than Moses' in my personal opinion.
Sandro-New CB-Christensen-Luiz-Azpi would be an insane backline. With Kante-Bakayoko in front of that, it'll take a very good attack to break it.
{Ed001's Note - I agree that looks an excellent line up.}
27 Jun 2017 14:29:02
Maybe a little short of attacking quality in midfield, so the front players would have to be top notch. Although Luiz, Christensen and Sandro are all excellent on the ball so could help out in attack.
27 Jun 2017 16:09:23
Ud hope someone like musonda might be blooded in as attacking option time will tell.
27 Jun 2017 16:23:56
Alonso any good at cb edd id say hed be decent win a lot of headers big strong lad.
{Ed001's Note - I have never seen him play it, but he was supposed to be decent enough for it to have been where he was expected to play when he signed.}
27 Jun 2017 17:25:02
Interested plenty of our defenders and good for rotation so azpi centre back and right back alonso left back centre back luiz centre back defensive mid.
27 Jun 2017 21:14:45
And what about Baker lads? Probably can take place of RLC.
27 Jun 2017 23:45:09
He didn't stand out in the under 21 championships for me he was average so don't see how he would threaten for even a squad place a loan in england would be best option to see if he has what it takes.