29 Jun 2022 12:31:28
Good day Ed2, any truth in the rumors of Chelsea agreeing a few with Leeds for Raphina?

{Ed002's Note - Raphinha (RW) Deco is working with his old club Barcelona to see through the transfer. The issue is that Leeds want a single cash payment of around €60M but Barcelona want a lower up-front payment. Deco will offer him elsewhere but will ask for a "Barcelona" get out clause - one club has already rejected that. PSG were looking to Raphinha as one of their list of potential Di Maria replacements. The interest to Bayern Munich has gone. Interest of Liverpool would only be as an option to replace Salah and again they have not spoken with Leeds as Salah will be looking to run down his contract over the next year. Chelsea have watched Raphinha as they are looking to change wide players but an offer seemed unlikely unless the request for the clause is removed - and it now has been. Arsenal and Spurs have both been approached by Deco and Arsenal have spoken to Leeds as they have a pressing need to add a wide player - but remain an unattractive option. Leeds will look to resist but if a really good offer were made from any leading club then the player would likely be interested in a move. Leeds will sell and have a replacement in mind. The player very much wants Barcelona but that isn't possible at this time. Leeds have a replacement in mind and will look to conclude matters quickly with Chelsea.}

1.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 13:44:06
Thanks for the reply Ed.

2.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 15:57:38
Ed002, any truth Barcelona have also now agreed a fee with Leeds?

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know. The Leeds representative has been in London today over another matter but I guess they could have changed their stance and found the cash from somewhere.}

3.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 16:15:36
Raiding the back of the sofa again. Would you mind doing an explanation of Barcelona's finances on the European pages?

{Ed002's Note - Why?}

4.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 17:33:11
Sorry Ed002; when you Leeds could have changed their stance and found the cash from somewhere;
A) what have Leeds changed their stance on?

{Ed002's Note - you misunderstand, the question was aboutBarcelona.}

5.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 17:05:11
Every journalist describes them as in economic turmoil yet they seem to be signing Lewandowski, Koundé, Raphinha, possibly Bernardo Silva and Azpilicueta and Alonso.

{Ed002's Note - perhaps they don’t understand either.}

6.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 18:04:40
Good player but if his heart is set on Barcelona and they have found the cash to buy him then so be it.
Seems like the club have been and are continuing to do everything they can to get this one over the line so I guess we will have to wait and see.

7.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 18:13:16
Really hope Barcelona get Raphinha. That frees up Dembele to join Chelsea, who's a much superior player to Raphinha. Fingers crossed.

8.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 18:45:18
Very unlikely but maybe both.

9.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 22:46:27
I’d much rather Raphinha to Dembele. Dembele much too injury prone and not proven in the prem.

10.) 29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 22:11:20
I could be wrong but I think Barcelona have done stuff like the Spotify deal and sold their la liga tv rights in order to free up some cash to help them in the short term. There might be longer term financial concerns but they have cash for transfers for the time being.

11.) 30 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 23:14:31
Or maybe they will be raising cash from player sales to other clubs!

12.) 30 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022 23:54:42
Yet Roman left us in great shape and where pussy footing about! I get if his hearts in Barcelona then let it go and go for someone else but to fair every write up I read on here and papers about who Chelsea are so called linked with they all want to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona. I think the last world class player who actually truly wanted to join us was Hazard. I think we are now just a club that is 6th 7th thought in a players mind for them to join, especially the high end so called world class players. We don’t have much chance of pulling off the big boys that’s probably why it’s taking so long to do the kounde deal he’s probably just waiting for real or Barcelona to phone, if not he’ll join.
Long season ahead.

13.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 01:44:39
How’s it p. y footing around if we’re 6/ 7th on players lists and they’re waiting for Real/ Barca to come in for them? We can’t force a player to join us if they’re waiting to see if a different club comes in for them ?

I still believe we’re a big draw, Real/ Barca have always and will likely forever be the dream destination for the vast amount of players but that doesn’t mean players don’t jump at the chance to sign for us.

14.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 05:57:14
It should be something to celebrate that we are rated so highly (6th-7th) as a global football club.

It’s also fantastic that thanks to our success and owner investment, so many fans have only had good times.

15.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 09:36:17
Think Raphinha would have been a great purchase, but clearly he would prefer Barcelona and looks as though he may het his wish. If we get him, think he would greatly improve a fight/ physicality up front apart from fact that he has suoperb skills.

16.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 09:41:05
Fuser that’s what am saying the youth hopefully want to be at the club and will put the effort in and want to play for Chelsea but we get rid of them as we don’t want to give them guaranteed game time but then sign someone who doesn’t actually want to be here but because his first and second choice don’t want him will have him.

17.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 09:43:21
Would add that rightly or wrongly I have been far more excited by propect of Raphina joining than Sterling.

18.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 09:49:28
And not happy if Pulisic leaves unless replaced by clearly superior player.

19.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 10:53:17
Of course it’s good if a player actually wants to play for us rather than being second choice but I guess as long as they give 100% it doesn’t matter. I would prefer us to go for young hungry players but TT doesn’t really go for that; he is not someone who can bring players on and improve them. Look at Brighton they brought in Fofana and Cucurella . It makes you wonder if our scouting/ recruitment staff are worth their salt. On separate issue, if we bring in Raphinha and Sterling, where does Mount fit in? I don’t really see him flourishing in a midfield three.

20.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 11:45:34
Jimbo, I totally disagree about Mount. He will have a field day with the likes of Sterling and Raphinha in our side. He plays best between the lines and having players that are willing to press as well has he does will be brilliant for him and therefore the team.

He has been voted again by fans as our POS and with better players around him he will improve further in my opinion.

21.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 11:51:07
Jimbo, all the players we are being linked with seem to be around the 25 years of age mark. They should still be hungry, whatever that means!

22.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 12:03:30
Don’t think he will play when Conner finds he feet.

23.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 15:05:54
I disagree Nib. CG improved one hell of a lot last year but there were still times he reverted to his headless running style.

I think CG will battle with Kovacic for his place anyway.

24.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 15:49:37
Tom, when I say hungry I mean up and coming and wanting to prove themselves: the players we are looking need to already think they are the bees knees.

25.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 16:06:43
The likes of Sterling and Ake have proved themselves at the highest level. I think that counts for a lot.

Some of the prices being paid for players with zero Premiership experience look crazy in comparison to the lads from City.

26.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 17:10:37
Ake played at this highest level: when does he play: crazy prices yes 40 mill for a City bench warmer. Don’t see Kova being dislodged: our most consistent midfielder and Mount will not be best utilised in a midfield three. Anyway, we don’t actually know who we will sign: there is still hope.

27.) 30 Jun 2022
30 Jun 2022 18:37:53
Jimbo you are running the risk of being obsessed about the cost of the player. Can I suggest we let the club worry about him being value for money.

Not a single poster has said he isn’t better than Sarr and I except that is a very, very low bar but obviously TT rates him. Mind you, he rated Lukaku!

28.) 01 Jul 2022
01 Jul 2022 07:27:50
ED002, Wouldn't Chelsea rather have a player happy to be at the club. with Raphinha, seems like he is waiting for Barcelona.

Would the board and TT be happy to have such a player on board despite knowing what happened with Lukaku.

What is your take on this? wise move from our part?

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with Lukaku.}