Chelsea close in on Simon Kjaer

[dkw]

So we dont sign Pienaar its a sign were on the way down, Roman has lost interest and were a joke of a club. If we do sign a highly rated young player for quite a lot of money, were a joke of a club. Exactly what will it take for you to think we arent a joke of a club.

 

[cfckeane]

I'd prefer Kjaer over Luiz anyday. Firstly he's two years younger, has more experience at international level (he's already played in a World Cup), and wouldn't be cup tied for the champions league. He's not going to come in and disrupt the order as he's not going to be a big money signing like Luiz.

More willing to bide his time and wait, learn the game from the senior players and come in and do a job. I've seen him for Wolfsburg a few times this season, and he seem's to be a great passer of the ball as well as solid in the tackle. If we're being held to ransom by Benfica then why not drop our interest and look at alternatives.

Man Utd only paid £30 million for Ferdinand, who was a proven centre back with Premier League pedigree and just coming into his prime (on top of the fact he was English), £5 million less for a player who may do well in the league, may not seems a lot more of a risk than half that for a younger player who is less likely to be thrust into the first team straight away.

I'm not saying he's not a risk, I'm saying I'd rather spend half that money and put it towards signing either a new player, or saving it for when the opportunity appears.

 

[Star]

So we dont sign Pienaar its a sign were on the way down, Roman has lost interest and were a joke of a club. If we do sign a highly rated young player for quite a lot of money, were a joke of a club. Exactly what will it take for you to think we arent a joke of a club.

It's easy mate,

Signing Luiz along with Sanchez or Aquero - even all three.

We are one of the few teams in English Football that play an expanded 3 man attack, we are possibly the only team in English Football that have no natural

wide right player.

All three cost a wedge, for me that will signify Roman's commitment. As I said before, I'm going to Bolton on Monday, thinking of Matty Harding. He won't

because he hardly attends a game these days, the only way we can be sure he is still one of us is to flex his financial muscles when we are in need.

On a budget ,Pienaar and Kjaer are two players that if 'the manager' wanted we could have got in the summer - end of story.

 

[Chippy]

It's easy mate,

Signing Luiz along with Sanchez or Aquero - even all three.

We are one of the few teams in English Football that play an expanded 3 man attack, we are possibly the only team in English Football that have no natural

wide right player.

All three cost a wedge, for me that will signify Roman's commitment. As I said before, I'm going to Bolton on Monday, thinking of Matty Harding. He won't

because he hardly attends a game these days, the only way we can be sure he is still one of us is to flex his financial muscles when we are in need.

On a budget ,Pienaar and Kjaer are two players that if 'the manager' wanted we could have got in the summer - end of story.

The thing is though Star Carlo never knew in the summer that Benayoun and Alex would pick up long term injuries and couldn't have foreseen the other injuries in the squad, had Youssi and Alex stayed fit I doubt we'd be in for anyone in either position until the Summer.

I would imagine if Roman sticks his hand in his pocket to the tune of 12 million or 30 million he must still be interested in Chelsea and although its relatively small change to him I doubt he'd throw any more in the clubs direction if he had lost interest.

 

[dkw]

It's easy mate,

Signing Luiz along with Sanchez or Aquero - even all three.

We are one of the few teams in English Football that play an expanded 3 man attack, we are possibly the only team in English Football that have no natural

wide right player.

All three cost a wedge, for me that will signify Roman's commitment. As I said before, I'm going to Bolton on Monday, thinking of Matty Harding. He won't

because he hardly attends a game these days, the only way we can be sure he is still one of us is to flex his financial muscles when we are in need.

On a budget ,Pienaar and Kjaer are two players that if 'the manager' wanted we could have got in the summer - end of story.

So you want him to go out and spend around £100 million ro prove his commitment? Ridiculous, never gonna happen. Plus arent you one who wants our young players in the team as often as possible? How does that fit in with buying 3 players that will keep out our young players. Luiz comes in, Bruma moves down one place. Sanchez comes in, Kakuta moves down one place. Aguero comes in, Sturridge moves down one place. You say we play a 3 man attack, what exactly does that have to do with a wide player? Our 3 attackers swap positions throughout the game, whoever they are. If we had a natural wide player in amongst that then he would constantly go to his position and unbalance us.

 

[cfckeane]

Agree with dkw, all 3 of our attack rotate positions throughout the game and a person who can solely play in one position of the three would impair us going forwards.

We'll be much better off signing someone to COMPETE with Bruma as a young pretender who we can nurture and develop. Rather than spending millions on players who are going to impede the process of our youngsters, I think we should only spend huge sums on players to replace the starting 11. Seeing us spend £25 million on a defender who is going to either kick Alex out of the team when fit, or warm the bench for sparing use seems a bit of a waste to me.

Carlo chose his squad at the start of the season and I think we should stand by him whatever happens.

 

[Star]

So you want him to go out and spend around £100 million ro prove his commitment? Ridiculous, never gonna happen. Plus arent you one who wants our young players in the team as often as possible? How does that fit in with buying 3 players that will keep out our young players. Luiz comes in, Bruma moves down one place. Sanchez comes in, Kakuta moves down one place. Aguero comes in, Sturridge moves down one place. You say we play a 3 man attack, what exactly does that have to do with a wide player? Our 3 attackers swap positions throughout the game, whoever they are. If we had a natural wide player in amongst that then he would constantly go to his position and unbalance us.

Nope sorry you are wide off the mark.

Anelka or Kalou play the right side of the pronged forward three, neither in my mind have long term future's here or unlike Malouda, Zhircov or even Kakuta on the left are suited

to the right in any shape or form.

I'd let Kalou go as part of the Luiz deal and buy Sanchez at the buyout 25 million. At a guess that works out a net 40 million.

Aquero has so many options to his game, we could even release Anelka at the end of the season, thus giving Sturridge a higher pecking order.

Carlo has said he needs no more midfielders, I agree, but then again why did 'someone' at the club agree a deal for Pienaar?

I am 'pro the younger players, I'd have put Josh in on Monday had he not played 90mins for the youth team midweek, George Saville is another player

that will soon be in our 1st team squad as a holding midfielder with expression.

Bruma is down the pecking order on Carlo's admission, make no mistake JT's back injury should see him miss more games this season and Ivanovic is a better

right back than either Ferriera or Bosingwa in my opinion.

I can't believe to be honest your wide comment ! "If we had a natural wide player in amongst that then he would constantly go to his position and unbalance us."

Did you see Chelsea when Duff and Robben were in the forward 3 prong either side of Drogba ? Or Pat Nevin in full flow ?

Can you honestly say Anelka on the right is as effective or he is suited to that role on a regular basis ?

If you think what Roman has spent on players since Jose left, Liverpool, Spurs even the likes of others in the Premiership have spent more.

Roman has done wonders with the youth set up, training ground and academy granted - but where clear decisions when the likes of Drogba, Lampard and

Terry are coming toward the end of their careers, you have to take decisions like the likes of Man Utd always do.

If you think we can get by without Roman investing in the type of players I mention to compliment our youth and in turn oust the ageing players

constructively - ie Replacing Drogba with Lukalu in the future.

Well, head in sand comes to mind.

 

[Star]

The thing is though Star Carlo never knew in the summer that Benayoun and Alex would pick up long term injuries and couldn't have foreseen the other injuries in the squad, had Youssi and Alex stayed fit I doubt we'd be in for anyone in either position until the Summer

True, Chippy

But I'm concerned about the contradictions flying about the club, for example Carlo said he doesn't need any midfielders ( I agree ) but if Yossi

is out long term, that's the only reason they went for Pianeer surely?

Also the JT back injury was diagnosed before the World Cup started, thus putting a lot of weight on a 17 year old's shoulders when Ricky was

sold.

A lot of people, like me, are saying Josh should start, but when Lampard was out he still never got the nod.

Carlo obviously thinks the kids are not ready yet, that's not to say if they are good enough they can oust any big name player in the

future on merit.

 

[dkw]

Nope sorry you are wide off the mark.

Anelka or Kalou play the right side of the pronged forward three, neither in my mind have long term future's here or unlike Malouda, Zhircov or even Kakuta on the left are suited

to the right in any shape or form.

I'd let Kalou go as part of the Luiz deal and buy Sanchez at the buyout 25 million. At a guess that works out a net 40 million.

Aquero has so many options to his game, we could even release Anelka at the end of the season, thus giving Sturridge a higher pecking order.

Carlo has said he needs no more midfielders, I agree, but then again why did 'someone' at the club agree a deal for Pienaar?

I am 'pro the younger players, I'd have put Josh in on Monday had he not played 90mins for the youth team midweek, George Saville is another player

that will soon be in our 1st team squad as a holding midfielder with expression.

Bruma is down the pecking order on Carlo's admission, make no mistake JT's back injury should see him miss more games this season and Ivanovic is a better

right back than either Ferriera or Bosingwa in my opinion.

I can't believe to be honest your wide comment ! "If we had a natural wide player in amongst that then he would constantly go to his position and unbalance us."

Did you see Chelsea when Duff and Robben were in the forward 3 prong either side of Drogba ? Or Pat Nevin in full flow ?

Can you honestly say Anelka on the right is as effective or he is suited to that role on a regular basis ?

If you think what Roman has spent on players since Jose left, Liverpool, Spurs even the likes of others in the Premiership have spent more.

Roman has done wonders with the youth set up, training ground and academy granted - but where clear decisions when the likes of Drogba, Lampard and

Terry are coming toward the end of their careers, you have to take decisions like the likes of Man Utd always do.

If you think we can get by without Roman investing in the type of players I mention to compliment our youth and in turn oust the ageing players

constructively - ie Replacing Drogba with Lukalu in the future.

Well, head in sand comes to mind.

Who said we can get by without investment? I certainly didnt, I said we wouldnt be going out and spending £100m in one go, and we wont. Nothing to do with head in the sand, just fact. And though Anelka and Malouda start right and left, they rarely stay their for long periods of time, all 3 forwards move wide, come deep, go to point etc. And an out and out winger amongst that 3 would unbalance us the way we play at the moment, if we had 2 like Robben and Duff then thats a different matter but its not what you said. You wanted one winger in amongst the 3, and that simply wouldnt work.

 

[cfckeane]

If you think what Roman has spent on players since Jose left, Liverpool, Spurs even the likes of others in the Premiership have spent more.

Roman has done wonders with the youth set up, training ground and academy granted - but where clear decisions when the likes of Drogba, Lampard and

Terry are coming toward the end of their careers, you have to take decisions like the likes of Man Utd always do.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/12/chelsea-academy-frank-arnesen

An interesting article about why we may not be now looking at marquee signings in the near future.

According to one source, he's plowed over £200 million just into the development of Cobham alone.

 

[forbzy]

Nope sorry you are wide off the mark.

Anelka or Kalou play the right side of the pronged forward three, neither in my mind have long term future's here or unlike Malouda, Zhircov or even Kakuta on the left are suited

to the right in any shape or form.

I'd let Kalou go as part of the Luiz deal and buy Sanchez at the buyout 25 million. At a guess that works out a net 40 million.

Aquero has so many options to his game, we could even release Anelka at the end of the season, thus giving Sturridge a higher pecking order.

Carlo has said he needs no more midfielders, I agree, but then again why did 'someone' at the club agree a deal for Pienaar?

I am 'pro the younger players, I'd have put Josh in on Monday had he not played 90mins for the youth team midweek, George Saville is another player

that will soon be in our 1st team squad as a holding midfielder with expression.

Bruma is down the pecking order on Carlo's admission, make no mistake JT's back injury should see him miss more games this season and Ivanovic is a better

right back than either Ferriera or Bosingwa in my opinion.

I can't believe to be honest your wide comment ! "If we had a natural wide player in amongst that then he would constantly go to his position and unbalance us."

Did you see Chelsea when Duff and Robben were in the forward 3 prong either side of Drogba ? Or Pat Nevin in full flow ?

Can you honestly say Anelka on the right is as effective or he is suited to that role on a regular basis ?

If you think what Roman has spent on players since Jose left, Liverpool, Spurs even the likes of others in the Premiership have spent more.

Roman has done wonders with the youth set up, training ground and academy granted - but where clear decisions when the likes of Drogba, Lampard and

Terry are coming toward the end of their careers, you have to take decisions like the likes of Man Utd always do.

If you think we can get by without Roman investing in the type of players I mention to compliment our youth and in turn oust the ageing players

constructively - ie Replacing Drogba with Lukalu in the future.

Well, head in sand comes to mind.

You honestly think we will get somewhere in the range of 10 million for Kalou? Luiz is valued at 25m so if we get him for 15m + Kalou that would really surprise me.

Going back to Kjaer I would agree we should have picked him up in the summer as a useful addition to the squad if he was truely available at that price. We could have then sent Bruma off on a season long loan and Kjaer would have started as number 4 Center back and no doubt got plenty of playing time. Its easy to analyze given the value of hindsight but I imagine the club felt that Bruma would be fine as the number 4 option and of course Sam Hutchinson was still technically part of the squad at that time too. Regardless of the reasons we didn't pick him up in the summer the if we can get him now in the quoted range I'd say he still offers better value than Luiz.

 

[dkw]

True, Chippy

But I'm concerned about the contradictions flying about the club, for example Carlo said he doesn't need any midfielders ( I agree ) but if Yossi

is out long term, that's the only reason they went for Pianeer surely?

Also the JT back injury was diagnosed before the World Cup started, thus putting a lot of weight on a 17 year old's shoulders when Ricky was

sold.

A lot of people, like me, are saying Josh should start, but when Lampard was out he still never got the nod.

Carlo obviously thinks the kids are not ready yet, that's not to say if they are good enough they can oust any big name player in the

future on merit.

You talk about contradictions yet think McEachran would be ok with pressure on his shoulders but not Bruma?

 

[Chippy]

True, Chippy

But I'm concerned about the contradictions flying about the club, for example Carlo said he doesn't need any midfielders ( I agree ) but if Yossi

is out long term, that's the only reason they went for Pianeer surely?

Also the JT back injury was diagnosed before the World Cup started, thus putting a lot of weight on a 17 year old's shoulders when Ricky was

sold.

A lot of people, like me, are saying Josh should start, but when Lampard was out he still never got the nod.

Carlo obviously thinks the kids are not ready yet, that's not to say if they are good enough they can oust any big name player in the

future on merit.

I don't think Carlo really wanted Pinaar but feel at his price he went along with the club thinking he could use him, I don't think we would have been interested had Yossi been fit.

I agree with JT s back we were playing a dangerous game with only Bruma as back up but that still left us with Ivan and Alex as a good CB pairing and I would think again due to cutbacks that was a gamble the club took that again backfired.

I like Josh and feel hes going to have a big future, not sure I'd like him to start in front of our options at his age as I believe the fitness of the youngsters is not quite up to 90 minute premiership games (only my opinion) as well as putting a lot on the boy in our predicament at the moment.

I think Josh will get decent game time before the seasons finished and if hes good enough he will earn a starting place for next season but he has got some good players to get ahead of here.

I don't think Sturridge is yet good enough to get ahead of Anelka or Drogba and I've given my reasons numeRous times.

I would still be happy with a cheaper young CB who is happy to be back up but obviously would be happy whoever comes in if it gives us some more depth, I don't think Carlo is wrong to feel its a bit too early for Bruma and would be happy to see him loaned out...like Kakuta preferably to a premiership side to get experience at this level.

I forgot what I disagreed with you about and had to read back through...basically only the fact that I feel if Roman doesn't spend as much as you hope I don't think that really means hes lost interest but its anybodys guess I suppose.

I do think the cutbacks and lack of replacements have cost us an almost guarenteed back to back title though which is a shame.

 

[Blue Tony]

I'd prefer Kjaer over Luiz anyday. Firstly he's two years younger, has more experience at international level (he's already played in a World Cup), and wouldn't be cup tied for the champions league. He's not going to come in and disrupt the order as he's not going to be a big money signing like Luiz.

More willing to bide his time and wait, learn the game from the senior players and come in and do a job. I've seen him for Wolfsburg a few times this season, and he seem's to be a great passer of the ball as well as solid in the tackle. If we're being held to ransom by Benfica then why not drop our interest and look at alternatives.

Man Utd only paid £30 million for Ferdinand, who was a proven centre back with Premier League pedigree and just coming into his prime (on top of the fact he was English), £5 million less for a player who may do well in the league, may not seems a lot more of a risk than half that for a younger player who is less likely to be thrust into the first team straight away.

I'm not saying he's not a risk, I'm saying I'd rather spend half that money and put it towards signing either a new player, or saving it for when the opportunity appears.

Totally agree. Add to that reports that he really wants to play for Chelsea (Yeah I know that's what they all say!) and Kjaer's looking a better buy than some overpriced Prima Donna.

 

[General]

Luiz is by all accounts a class player, but nonetheless its a panic buy for cover- so the selling club has the advantage, it seems like silly money for a defender, even Man City have picked up most of their back line at cheaper rates perhaps except for Lescott whose price Moyes managed to double when City came drooling.

The 12 mill buy would make sense but never heard of him so could still be bad value, but at 13 mill cheaper Chels could spend some more money on other badly needed players - a goalscoring striker, and a fast creative midfielder, most positions to be honest need improvement right now - the price of not regularly refreshing an aging squad a la Ferguson.

This prem season is practically over, scummers are 10 points ahead, so its go for top 4 and a play off chance into the CL next season. Maybe a good cup run, FA cup a chance, CL don't hold out much hope if we have to beat Barca on the way or in the final, not to mention the scummers, y*ds or TSO's Real. So its a transition season, I say save the dosh if there is any, for the summer, re group and hopefully come back a fighting force in 11/12. Or RA could buy Luiz now and call it a day for another 18 months, same faces, and just maybe Chelsea go the way of the dippers. Also the African Nations will be back again... we all know what that means to the squad we have.

Another observation is that we need cover badly, window has been open 3 weeks and in typical fashion it goes down to the wire, if Luiz is the target and the board is paying over the odds why not have already given them an extra 5 mill and have had the player for a couple of weeks so at least he could be playing.

Watching City right now, Dzeko is obviously a class act, 25 mil straight in the team up front and making a difference, they got Johnson for 6 mill from Boro , he makes a difference, Tevez was a massive fee but he is Class - despite the silly money most of their buys are helping them. Hopefully Luiz will fit right in and plug the defense, don't like to slag off Ramires as he has shown glimpses, but he aint been worth all that dosh that was shelled out for him.

Anyway at the end of the day who the F cares what RA and his cronies do we are all powerless and in the dark. I love supporting Chelsea for just one reason, because I do. Good or bad times its about the blue shirt and the legacy of the club, these Russian tossers running the club will one day leave, hopefully in my lifetime. Win or lose, rich or poor....sun or rain KTBFFH

 

[dkw]

Luiz is by all accounts a class player, but nonetheless its a panic buy for cover- so the selling club has the advantage, it seems like silly money for a defender, even Man City have picked up most of their back line at cheaper rates perhaps except for Lescott whose price Moyes managed to double when City came drooling.

The 12 mill buy would make sense but never heard of him so could still be bad value, but at 13 mill cheaper Chels could spend some more money on other badly needed players - a goalscoring striker, and a fast creative midfielder, most positions to be honest need improvement right now - the price of not regularly refreshing an aging squad a la Ferguson.

This prem season is practically over, scummers are 10 points ahead, so its go for top 4 and a play off chance into the CL next season. Maybe a good cup run, FA cup a chance, CL don't hold out much hope if we have to beat Barca on the way or in the final, not to mention the scummers, y*ds or TSO's Real. So its a transition season, I say save the dosh if there is any, for the summer, re group and hopefully come back a fighting force in 11/12. Or RA could buy Luiz now and call it a day for another 18 months, same faces, and just maybe Chelsea go the way of the dippers. Also the African Nations will be back again... we all know what that means to the squad we have.

Another observation is that we need cover badly, window has been open 3 weeks and in typical fashion it goes down to the wire, if Luiz is the target and the board is paying over the odds why not have already given them an extra 5 mill and have had the player for a couple of weeks so at least he could be playing.

Watching City right now, Dzeko is obviously a class act, 25 mil straight in the team up front and making a difference, they got Johnson for 6 mill from Boro , he makes a difference, Tevez was a massive fee but he is Class - despite the silly money most of their buys are helping them. Hopefully Luiz will fit right in and plug the defense, don't like to slag off Ramires as he has shown glimpses, but he aint been worth all that dosh that was shelled out for him.

Anyway at the end of the day who the F cares what RA and his cronies do we are all powerless and in the dark. I love supporting Chelsea for just one reason, because I do. Good or bad times its about the blue shirt and the legacy of the club, these Russian tossers running the club will one day leave, hopefully in my lifetime. Win or lose, rich or poor....sun or rain KTBFFH

Dont be so f**king ridiculous, these Russian tossers have taken us to the best years of our club, given us some of the best training facilities and academy in europe. f**k me, what an utterly stupid thing to say.

 

[Star]

You talk about contradictions yet think McEachran would be ok with pressure on his shoulders but not Bruma?

I just feel the midfield role is more suited, as Arsenal have done with Wilshire, to integrate within a team. Chelsea have

done it in the past with Jody Morris ( Luca put him in - Champions League ) and more in Josh's class Butch Wilkins and Alan Hudson.

Josh is so far advanced to any other player in our youth squad there should be no comparison.

As I have said I think Kjaer is a good prospect and I can understand people wanting him here, but we could have signed

him in the summer and declined to do so, it's plain bad business sense to do so now.

I've always said I can wait 3 years or more for the kids to develop and win nothing.

The point is Roman cannot!

So he has no 'kin choice in my book!!

With the UEFA rules in the pipeline it's common sense to act now, like Man City but not to that extreme.

We coiuld find ourselves in a situation when Lamps, Terry and Drogba are gone with our hands tied to broker any deal possible.

Carlo wants Luiz, Roman should pull out the stops, I know for a fact he wants to integrate a Brazilian unit into our squad, to help

Ramires and who knows tempt Pato or Neymar in the future, that's his master plan i'm sure of it.

Carlo doesn't want Kjaer, he didn't want Pienaar, he didn't want Wilkins to go, I can go on ....

Until Roman backs Carlo with hard cash and lets him manage the team and personnel we will have problems behind the scenes

and contradictions will be rife.

 

[scottish born chelsea blue]

Bruma can play RB, but not DM. Quite honestly i'd rather see Bruma get more minutes instead of buying this guy who honestly I've never heard of before.

couldnt agree more i just dont see the need for a new center when bruma is there

i say this all the time but give him games

 

[dkw]

I just feel the midfield role is more suited, as Arsenal have done with Wilshire, to integrate within a team. Chelsea have

done it in the past with Jody Morris ( Luca put him in - Champions League ) and more in Josh's class Butch Wilkins and Alan Hudson.

Jody is so far advanced to any other player in our youth squad there should be no comparison.

As I have said I think Kjaer is a good prospect and I can understand people wanting him here, but we could have signed

him in the summer and declined to do so, it's plain bad business sense to do so now.

I've always said I can wait 3 years or more for the kids to develop and win nothing.

The point is Roman cannot!

So he has no 'kin choice in my book!!

With the UEFA rules in the pipeline it's common sense to act now, like Man City but not to that extreme.

We coiuld find ourselves in a situation when Lamps, Terry and Drogba are gone with our hands tied to broker any deal possible.

Carlo wants Luiz, Roman should pull out the stops, I know for a fact he wants to integrate a Brazilian unit into our squad, to help

Ramires and who knows tempt Pato or Neymar in the future, that's his master plan i'm sure of it.

Carlo doesn't want Kjaer, he didn't want Pienaar, he didn't want Wilkins to go, I can go on ....

Until Roman backs Carlo with hard cash and lets him manage the team and personnel we will have problems behind the scenes

and contradictions will be rife.

I agree with pretty much all of that, I just thought it strange how you felt it was ok to put pressure on Josh (no idea who Jody is by the way, are you having flash backs to Jody Morris?) at such a young age but not Bruma. If anything I would prefer to keep Josh away from such high expectations and pressure at such an early time in his career. In my opinion he is the future of our club, the player we can build teams around for years to come and I would like to see him around for many years.

 

[Randy36]

Carlo rates the 23 year old David Luiz very highly and I'm convinced he's his main target.

With Alex experiencing a setback and John Terry struggling with back problems, there is a desperate need to bolster our central defence. I'm convinced David Luiz is the man for the job.

As for the 21 year old Simon Kaejar I believe he has still much to learn. He went to Wolfsburg on the cheap. Apparently none of the big clubs were interested in him. There is a rumour we are about to sign him .

It will be interesting to see what transpires.